Chemistry

The following modules are available to incoming Study Abroad students interested in Chemistry.

Alternatively you may return to the complete list of Study Abroad Subject Areas.

CHEM4061 - Fundamental Practical Chemistry
CHEM4062 - Fundamental Skills in Chemistry
CHEM4101 - Fundamental Chemistry A
CHEM4201 - Fundamental Chemistry B
CHEM4211 - Fundamental Science Concepts for Chemists
CHEM5011 - Further Organic Chemistry
CHEM5021 - Further Physical Chemistry
CHEM5031 - Further Chemical Analysis and Spectroscopy
CHEM5041 - Further Inorganic and Materials Chemistry
CHEM5061 - Further Chemistry and Practical Skills A
CHEM5062 - Further Chemistry and Practical Skills B
CHEM6011 - Advanced Synthetic Chemistry
CHEM6021 - Advanced Physical Chemistry
CHEM6051 - Advanced Organic Chemistry and Materials Chemistry
CHEM6052 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry and Materials Chemistry
CHEM6053 - Advanced Chemical Structure Elucidation
CHEM6061 - Advanced Practical Skills in Chemistry
CHEM7151 - Frontiers in Organic Chemistry
CHEM7152 - Frontiers in Materials Chemistry
CHEM7153 - Frontiers in Spectroscopy
CHEM7154 - Frontiers in Computational Chemistry
NATS6201 - Teaching, Outreach and Public Engagement

CHEM4061: Fundamental Practical Chemistry

Terms Taught: Full year
US Credits: 5 US Semester Credits
ECTS Credits: 10 ECTS
Pre-requisites: A Level/high school equivalent Chemistry

Course Description

This module aims to provide students with essential practical skills and laboratory experience that underpin the study of chemistry. It is designed to develop competence in fundamental experimental techniques across synthetic, analytical, and physical chemistry, while reinforcing key theoretical concepts taught in parallel modules. The module promotes safe laboratory practice, systematic data collection and analysis, and effective scientific communication. By building students' confidence and independence in the laboratory, this module lays the foundation for more advanced practical work in later stages of the programme and supports the development of core practical skills.

This module also directly contributes to the practical hour requirement for Royal Society of Chemistry accreditation.

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to…

Follow safe laboratory practices, following risk assessments for practical work, managing basic chemical hazards and waste disposal procedures, and recognising best practise lab etiquette and housekeeping.
Record basic experimental observations and data.
Carry out practical skills from organic, inorganic, physical and computational chemistry, following written protocols.
Report experimental data using mathematical, graphical, and statistical methods.
Document experimental work through lab reports using basic terminology and data-presentation techniques.?
Apply basic skills to the guided analysis of data, retrieval of information, and reporting and communication of experimental results.
Consider the experiments in the context of green chemistry and sustainable chemistry principles.

Outline Syllabus

This module provides training in essential laboratory skills. It is designed to complement and reinforces theoretical chemistry concepts encountered in parallel taught modules. Students develop core practical skills through a structured progression which begins with fundamental laboratory safety training, emphasizing hazard identification, risk assessment procedures, and safe working practices. Students will also begin to consider how sustainability principles relate to practical chemistry and consider the environmental impact of practical chemistry.

Students learn to navigate the laboratory environment while understanding their responsibilities for personal and collective safety. Practical sessions focus on basic techniques including accurate measurement, solution preparation, and simple synthetic procedures, allowing students to develop skills and familiarity with standard glassware and equipment.

To ensure that students are prepared by L6 for independent practical work, best practise lab etiquette and ‘housekeeping’ will be introduced at L4, with students expected to become increasingly self-sufficient over the duration of the degree.

Students progress through analytical chemistry experiments involving qualitative and quantitative analysis, synthetic chemistry sessions introduce students to fundamental organic and inorganic preparations, emphasizing basic principles of reaction monitoring, product isolation, and purification strategies. Throughout, students encounter basic techniques for structural characterization and determination of compound purity.

Physical chemistry experiments develop skills in data collection, graphical analysis, and statistical evaluation of experimental uncertainty. Computational elements introduce students to data analysis software and basic modelling techniques.

The module emphasizes scientific communication through guided laboratory reports that require students to document procedures, report results, and connect experimental observations to underlying chemical principles. This progressive approach ensures students develop confidence in practical work while building the fundamental experimental competence and analytical thinking skills, an essential foundation for more advanced chemistry studies. Assessment focuses on practical performance, data analysis and scientific reporting, preparing students for more advanced laboratory sessions.

Assessment Proportions

This module provides essential laboratory experience, a key requirement of Royal Society of Chemistry accreditation.

It is designed to develop students’ experimental competence in tandem with theoretical knowledge gained in parallel chemistry modules. The strategy supports a scaffolded learning experience, beginning with foundational laboratory safety training and progressing to experimental techniques across synthetic, analytical, and physical chemistry. Emphasis is placed on experiential learning, where students learn through doing, supported by pre-lab preparation, instructor-led demonstrations, and hands-on supervised practice. Students will also consider the green chemistry and sustainability principles covered in parallel chemistry modules and how these relate to the practical experiments performed.

Teaching methods include in-lab instruction, guided protocols, and targeted feedback to support student development and confidence in handling standard laboratory equipment, carrying out experimental techniques, and following scientific procedures. Through these activities, students are encouraged to reflect on their practical work and relate their findings to core chemical principles.

Assessment emphasises formative development and summative evaluation of practical competencies. Students are assessed on their ability to carry out safe and accurate experimental work, analyse and interpret data using appropriate mathematical and statistical tools, and communicate their findings effectively through structured laboratory reports. Feedback on performance is both formative and summative, helping students identify strengths and areas for improvement.

The module integrates key elements of the programme’s broader teaching and assessment strategy by fostering independent learning, critical thinking, and the application of the scientific methodology. It prepares students for more advanced practical modules and future professional expectations by embedding transferable skills such as problem-solving, data analysis, and scientific communication.

CHEM4062: Fundamental Skills in Chemistry

Terms Taught: Full Year
US Credits: 5 US Sesmester Credits
ECTS Credits: 10 ECTS Credits
Pre-requisites: A-level/high school equivalent Chemistry

Course Description

This module aims to guide students through the transition to university-level learning and to introduce the relevant skills that are:

Fundamental to successful completion of a chemistry degree,
Foundational to self-learning,
Relevant to future studies and employment.

The module is taught throughout the first year, with material sequenced across the programme to ensure that it is covered before/as required in other modules, where the skills will be further applied and reinforced.

The skills primarily include:

Mathematical skills (ensuring that students with A-level maths maintain and hone their maths skills, and that those students without A-level maths learn and embed the necessary mathematical concepts fundamental to future chemistry modules);
Communication and presentation skills;
Data analysis and data presentation skills;
Scientific writing;
Study, self-learning, and self-reflection skills;
Careers and employability;
Computer skills (including general and chemistry-specific software);
Coding principles and skills (for example, general python, SciPy, NumPy,…);
Meaningful use of AI in the chemistry context;
Information retrieval, literature searching and information validation;
Collaborative working and diversity;
Ethical considerations.

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to…

Apply fundamental mathematical concepts and techniques relevant to chemistry, demonstrating competence in calculations, algebra, and the use of mathematical and computational tools for data analysis and manipulation.
Communicate scientific information effectively, both orally and in writing, using appropriate formats, language, and presentation tools for academic and professional audiences.
Engage in self-directed learning and reflective practice, identifying strengths and areas for improvement in study habits and academic development, with a focus on future academic and career development.
Use information and digital literacy skills to search for, evaluate, and appropriately reference scientific literature and reliable data sources, including the meaningful and ethical use of artificial intelligence tools.
Demonstrate basic coding competence using Python and relevant libraries, applying these skills to simple chemistry-related problems.
Work collaboratively in diverse teams, contributing to group activities while recognising the importance of inclusivity and effective communication.

Outline Syllabus

The module consists of a series of interrelated topics that build subject-specific skills relevant to multiple components of a chemistry degree:

Basic mathematical skills (algebra; functions; trigonometry; vectors; statistics);
Advanced mathematical skills (differential and integral calculus; differential equations; complex numbers; matrix algebra; eigenvalue/eigenvector equations; function approximations);
Communication and presentation techniques (writing; verbal communication; graphical & visual presentation; considering the target audience);
Techniques for effective and efficient data analysis and data presentation;
Scientific writing (techniques for developing precision and accuracy in writing; considering the target audience; drafting and editing);
Typesetting professional documents (DTP and LaTeX);
Study, self-learning and self-reflection skills;
Interpreting and acting on feedback;
The role of revision and techniques for best practice;
Career targeting;
Approaches and tools for information retrieval, literature searching and information validation, information storage and databases;
Meaningful use of AI in the chemistry context (how to ask meaningful questions to interrogate problems and source information, validate answers, ethical and sustainability concerns, the role of ‘custom’ AI in chemistry);
Introduction to ethics and plagiarism;
Fundamental computer skills and file and data management;
General (e.g., Microsoft Office and alternatives; Ubuntu OS) software in a chemistry context;
Chemistry-specific software (for example, MestReNova for NMR analysis; Chemdraw for drawing 2D chemical structures; GaussView for drawing 3D chemical structures; Origin);
Coding skills (for example general principles of python programming; SciPy, NumPy and scientific computing using python; data processing; data plotting).

Assessment Proportions

This module seeks to prepare students for university learning, and to foster the development of fundamental skills that will underpin their future studies in Chemistry and beyond. It focuses on those topics that are pertinent to multiple other Chemistry modules, and thus which are best introduced in a more general context.

The skills developed here will be reinforced and expanded upon in concurrent and later modules. Students will have regular opportunities to employ the skills in different contexts across the degree. Particularly at Level 4, these connections will be made explicit to the students, with students expected to become more independent as they progress through the degree.

In this module, the focus is on hands-on experience to allow students to learn and consolidate their skills, with a secondary emphasis on guiding students through their transition to university learning. The material will therefore predominantly be taught via practical workshops, where there will be a formal introduction to the topic, but where the primary focus is on ensuring students can directly engage in applying skills.

Small-group tutorials will also be used to support learning. This also allows for instantaneous feedback. Tutorial groups will (wherever possible) remain fixed throughout the year, to encourage peer-to-peer learning and relationship building within the groups. It is also intended that the tutorial groups serve a secondary pastoral role, helping students to integrate into LU and the Department.

Key mathematical skills will be taught throughout the year, with students building confidence and practise as they progress through the year, as topics build in complexity. The other skills will be sequenced to ensure continuity of ideas, and to ensure that they match with timings required by other Level 4 Chemistry materials.

Assessment will be holistic; due to the significant number of skills to be introduced, the assessments will be designed to assess multiple skills from the same piece of work. For example, literature searching, scientific writing and data presentation and analysis skills can be assessed through a single activity.

This module is the beginning of the student journey through their skills development; these skills will be revisited, built upon and expanded for the remainder of the degree, where the skills will be directly employed in practical applications.

Guided activities focusing on reflection, analysis, and recording of achievement will be embedded throughout all other modules of the degree, making direct use of the principles developed here.

CHEM4101: Fundamental Chemistry A

Terms Taught: Michaelmas
US Credits: 5 US Semester Credits
ECTS Credits: 10 ECTS credits
Pre-requisites: A Level/high school equivalent Chemistry

Course Description

This module aims to prepare students for future studies in chemistry by providing a broad grounding in university-level chemistry across the core sub-disciplines of inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. They will develop core chemistry knowledge, problem-solving skills, and confidence in handling chemical concepts essential for further study. Key topics to be introduced are:

The electronic structure of atoms and molecules, and the key models of chemical bonding.
The relationship between electronic structure and the physical and chemical properties of molecules, including concepts of chemical periodicity and molecular shape.
The basic principles of spectroscopy, and how these can be used to interrogate molecular structure.
Fundamental concepts in thermodynamics, and how they relate to chemical and physical change.
Foundations of organic structure, reactivity, and mechanism.

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to…

Describe, and use in predictions, the basic principles of bonding models, including valence bond theory, hybridisation, and atomic and molecular orbitals, and illustrate how these account for molecular structure and shape.
Use basic data from fundamental characterisation techniques to determine the structure of simple compounds.
Apply knowledge of trends in inorganic chemistry to?describe?and predict trends in the structure, properties and reactivities of atoms and simple inorganic compounds.
Describe the behaviour of ideal systems and gases using the principles of thermodynamics.
Identify organic functional groups, predict outcomes of bond-forming and -breaking reactions, explain and illustrate simple reactions using curly arrow notation, and recognize stereochemical features in simple organic molecules.
Employ strategies and techniques of supported university-level learning to solve unambiguous unseen chemical problems in familiar contexts.

Outline Syllabus

This module consists of a series of closely interconnected topics that together build the foundations of a framework of knowledge in university-level chemistry. These topics include:

Structure, Bonding, and Chemical Periodicity:

Atomic structure, orbitals, Aufbau principle, electron configurations
Atomic radii, ionisation energies, electronegativity, polarity
Ionic, covalent, metallic and coordination?bonding
Intermolecular forces,?basic solid-state chemistry
VSEPR theory, valence bond theory, Lewis acids and bases
MO theory intro: LCAO and diatomic MO diagrams
Bond order, paramagnetism, and MO interpretation
Introduction to molecular symmetry and point groups

Spectroscopy and Proof of Structure:

Electromagnetic spectrum, molecular energies and transitions, general spectroscopy features
Vibrational spectroscopy (IR) in diatomic and polyatomic molecules
Electronic (UV-vis) spectroscopy, Beer–Lambert law
NMR (introduction to 1H- and 13C-NMR, chemical shifts and splitting)
Principles of mass spectrometry
Molecular structural analysis by combined use of spectroscopic/metric techniques

Thermodynamics of Ideal Systems:

The ideal gas law
Distribution of speeds/energy and collision theory
Enthalpy changes and bond enthalpies
Entropy and spontaneous change
Gibbs free energy and feasibility

Introduction to Organic Structure and Mechanism:

Carbon frameworks and functional groups,?nomenclature and oxidation levels
Hybridisation and molecular geometry, sigma and pi bonds,?and conjugation
Introduction to carbanions, carbocations, radicals and factors that influence their stability and reactivity
Isomerism and stereochemistry: types, chirality, enantiomers, diastereomers and optical activity.
Mechanistic “toolkit”: mechanism arrows, basic mechanistic definitions for additions, eliminations and substitutions
Polar/ionic reactivity: strong/weak nucleophiles and electrophiles, nucleophilic substitutions with leaving group ability and links to acid/base and pKa, carbonyl group additions

Assessment Proportions

Through a series of interconnected topics, this module revisits a selection of chemistry concepts encountered during previous studies in a more rigorous and comprehensive manner. This is designed to ensure all students pursuing a degree with a significant chemistry component are exposed early on to key fundamental chemistry concepts, irrespective of the curriculum studied prior to university, preparing them for future studies in chemistry.

The initial focus is on building a more complete picture of how electrons behave in atoms and molecular bonds, before introducing terminology and basic principles of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry.

All students taking this module will also be taking CHEM4201, which will build upon these topics.

In this module, teaching is via in-person whole-class lectures, which are designed to introduce key chemical terminology, concepts, and models. These will be supported by online asynchronous pre- and post-lecture consolidation activities, to ensure that students engage fully with the material and are prepared for subsequent lectures and courses which build on earlier material. These activities will also provide ongoing formative feedback throughout the module and allow students to self-reflect on their learning to date.

As the individual components of the course cross-feed into each other, ensuring that students have a foundational understanding is particularly important, and the sequencing of material carefully considered to ensure pre-requisites are fully covered.

Small-group workshops are designed to show the practical application of the concepts and models introduced in the lectures and online supporting activities. Workshops will encourage self- and peer-to-peer learning, in a fully supported environment. The workshops are also an opportunity to provide formative feedback.

The in-person contact for this module will be a sequence of lectures and workshops.

Assessment at this level requires students to retain a significant amount of knowledge, as this course introduces many of the key foundational concepts forming the framework of knowledge on which much of the rest of chemistry is built. As such, the module will be assessed by invigilated in-person assessments. Part of this is a 2-hour synoptic closed-book exam covering key concepts from all parts of the module. There will additionally be an invigilated open-book coursework assessment, focusing on interpretation skills, where students can have access to notes etc along with an online Moodle quiz assessment.

CHEM4201: Fundamental Chemistry B

Terms Taught: Lent/Summer
US Credits: 5 US Semester Credits
ECTS Credits: 10 ECTS Credits
Pre-requisites: A Level/high school equivalent Chemistry

Course Description

This module aims to follow the ‘Fundamentals of Chemistry A’ module, and continue the transition from prior studies to university-level chemistry in the key sub-disciplines of inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, and in the process prepare students with the requisite knowledge for the more advanced concepts and knowledge they will meet in second year Chemistry courses.

The topics in this module build on the concepts of bonding and structure, focusing here on reactivity and mechanism.

The interconnected topics that comprise this module aim to develop knowledge and understanding of:
The role of thermodynamics and kinetics in chemical reactions and physical and chemical equilibria.
Main group (s- and p-block) chemistry, and coordination chemistry of the transition metals (d-block).
The principles of organic reaction mechanisms, common reaction types, and the influence of molecular structure on reactivity and reaction outcomes.

Some lecture courses run alongside each other, while others follow in sequence, to ensure that topics progress and interconnect, and concepts reinforce each other.?

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to…

Relate reaction mechanisms and equilibria to thermodynamic and rate laws and use experimental data to draw mechanistic conclusions.
Predict the coordination geometries of simple inorganic and organic molecules and ions and account for the bonding in them.
Recognise and explain common organic reaction types and mechanisms, using simple mechanistic reasoning.
Use strategies and techniques of supported university-level learning to solve unambiguous unseen chemical problems.
Determine the structure of simple compounds using basic data from fundamental characterisation techniques.
Describe and predict trends in the structure, properties, and reactivities of simple inorganic compounds.

Outline Syllabus

Key topics in this module include:

Chemical Equilibria and Kinetics:

Phase behaviour, phase diagrams, and phase changes
Interactions: Lennard-Jones potential, polarity, bond energies
Electrochemistry: Half-reactions, oxidation/reduction potential
Electrochemical cells, reversibility, reference electrodes
Nernst Equation, chemical potential from Nernst equation
Electrolysis, reductions, oxidations
Kinetics: rate of reaction, rate laws, rate constants, orders of reactions
Energy profile diagrams and the effect of catalysts

Main Group Chemistry:

Chemistry of the elements: periodic trends, reactivity, and bonding and structure within the s- and p-block
Reactivity and trends within the s-block e.g. ionisation energy, reactions with water and oxygen
Reactivity and trends withing the p-block e.g. Lewis acids and bases, electron deficiency, inert pair effect

Transition Metal / Coordination Chemistry:

Oxidation States and d-electron counts
Complexes, ligands, coordination geometries and isomerism
Crystal Field Theory and crystal field stabilisation energies
Colour, spectrochemical series, magnetic and spectral properties

Reaction Mechanisms and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry:

Introduction to aromatic chemistry, characteristic aromatic spectral characterisation
Further nucleophilic substitution reactions including stereochemistry
Further carbonyl functional group reactivity, characteristic carbonyl spectral characterisation
Simple interconversion of carboxylic acids, IR and NMR differences in the carbonyl series
Synthesis and reactivity of alkenes, characteristic alkene spectral characterisation
Introduction to conformational analysis: conformation versus configuration of acyclic compounds

Assessment Proportions

Through a series of interconnected topics, this module builds upon chemistry concepts introduced in CHEM4101, and is designed to ensure all students pursuing a degree with a significant chemistry component are exposed early on to key fundamental chemistry concepts, irrespective of the curriculum studied prior to university, preparing them for future studies in chemistry.

The focus is on applying the fundamental concepts of bonding and structure introduced previously into building a picture of how chemical reactions take place, and the properties and behaviours that influence them, from the complementary perspectives of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry.

In this module, teaching is via in-person whole-class lectures, which are designed to build familiarity and fluency with key chemical terminology, concepts, and models. These will be supported by online asynchronous pre- and post-lecture consolidation activities, to ensure that students engage fully with the material and are prepared for subsequent lectures and courses which build on earlier material. These activities will also provide ongoing formative feedback throughout the module and allow students to self-reflect on their learning to date.

As the individual components of the course cross-feed into each other, ensuring that students have an understanding is particularly important, and the sequencing of material carefully considered to ensure pre-requisites are fully covered.

The in-person contact for this module will be a sequence of lectures and workshops.

CHEM4211: Fundamental Science Concepts for Chemists

Terms Taught: Lent/Summer
US Credits: 5 US Semester Credits
ECTS Credits: 10 ECTS Credits
Pre-requisites: A Level/high school equivalent Chemistry

Course Description

This module aims to educate students about (a) the requisite knowledge of physics required for a chemistry UG degree programme and (b) the principles of sustainable chemistry (to augment coverage in practical modules throughout the degree programme).?

Combined with the BLS module “Molecules to Cells”, this module aims to contextualise modern chemistry within the broader physical and life sciences, to build complementary knowledge to underpin learning in future years, and to provide a basis of concepts and language through which student can begin to develop skills to communicate and collaborate within and outside of the discipline.?

Subject specific skills: Knowledge and understanding of physical underpinnings of chemistry that will be built upon in subsequent modules. Knowledge and understanding of Sustainability in a chemistry context.?

Transferrable skills: Analyse and interpret information. Problem solving. Drawing evidence-based conclusions.?

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to…

Employ fundamental physics concepts to explain and predict outcomes of physiochemical scenarios.
Solve unambiguous problems using physics theories and models in familiar contexts.?
Apply fundamental green chemistry principles in familiar contexts.
Discuss the role of chemistry in addressing key environmental and sustainability global challenges.

Outline Syllabus

This module consists of two interrelated components, focusing on contextualising chemistry within the broader sciences. These components include:

b. Physics for Chemistry?

Topics to be covered: States of matter – in particular gases (ideal, real, kinetic theory of gas); classical mechanics; waves; electrostatics; magnetism; radioactive decay of atoms; breakdown of classical mechanics and concept of quantization.?

This section of the module will assist chemistry students in achieving academic excellence in their later physical chemistry studies by ensuring they possess a strong understanding of relevant principles and concepts of Physics and that they are conversant with the relevant physics terminology.

b. Sustainable Chemistry?

Topics to be covered include: the twelve principles of “Green Chemistry” and the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals; the role of chemistry and next-generation technologies in addressing the ‘grand challenges’ facing the global community; such as managing finite resources, managing waste, and energy generation & storage.

This section provides an opportunity for students to recognize their social responsibilities as a chemist and a global citizen.

Assessment Proportions

The majority of content will be introduced through lectures. Workshops will be focused on engaging with content that particularly benefits from classroom based learning and formative practice opportunities, with plenty of space for extensive teacher and peer-led formative feedback.?

Guided independent study will include use of curated question sets and quizzes (with formative feedback) available through VLE.?

Summative assessment will incorporate invigilated closed book examination to ensure students are capable of retaining and applying principles that will be built upon in multiple modules in later years. Students will also complete an open book Moodle quiz and prepare a presentation.

CHEM5011: Further Organic Chemistry

Terms Taught: Full Year
US Credits: 5 US Semester Credits
ECTS Credits: 10 ECTS Credits
Pre-requisites: Year 1 Organic Chemistry

Course Description

This module follows on from Level 4 content taught in Fundamentals of Chemistry A and B, to expand understanding of reactions of the main functional groups in organic chemistry, the mechanisms by which these reactions may proceed and the ability to design synthetic routes to make small molecules with the main functionalities covered.

Key topics include:

Retrosynthesis
Aromatic chemistry
Alkene and Alkyne chemistry
Enol and enolate chemistry
Conformational analysis
Organometallic chemistry: a retrosynthetic approach

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

Apply retrosynthetic strategies and functional group disconnections to propose synthetic routes to target organic molecules.
Explain and predict the reactivity of poly-substituted aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds in the context of synthetic design.
Deploy key reactions of alkenes and alkynes in organic synthesis.
Compare the reactivity and synthetic utility of enols, enolates, and related nucleophiles.
Use the reactivity of enolates and their equivalents to design solutions in unfamiliar synthetic scenarios.
Predict and rationalise the reactivity of functionalised cyclic and polycyclic systems based on conformational and stereoelectronic principles.
Employ knowledge of palladium and ruthenium catalysis to suggest strategies for the synthesis and functionalisation of alkenes and aromatic compounds.

Outline Syllabus

This module builds on foundational organic chemistry knowledge introduced at Level 4 to develop students' understanding of synthetic strategy, reaction mechanisms, and molecular structure. Emphasis is placed on developing a strategic approach to organic synthesis and understanding how structure, conformation, and electronic effects influence reactivity and selectivity. Key themes explored in the module include:

Retrosynthetic Analysis: Students are introduced to concepts in retrosynthetic analysis and functional group interconversion, laying the groundwork for synthetic planning and problem-solving.
Aromatic Chemistry: The reactivity of aromatic and heteroaromatic systems is revisited and extended, with consideration of electronic effects, regioselectivity, and the application of these principles in synthesis. Quantitative approaches to substituent effects are also introduced.
Alkene and Alkyne Chemistry: The module explores the synthesis and reactivity of unsaturated systems, including common transformations and functional group interconversions relevant to olefins and alkynes.
Enol and Enolate Chemistry: Students examine the formation and reactivity of enols and enolates, focusing on key carbon–carbon bond-forming reactions, reaction selectivity, and applications in multi-step synthesis.
Conformational Analysis: Structural features and conformational behaviour of acyclic and cyclic organic molecules are investigated, including stereochemical considerations and the impact of conformation on reactivity.
Organometallic Chemistry in Synthesis: The role of transition-metal catalysis in modern synthetic methods is explored, with emphasis on cross-coupling and alkene-forming reactions, as well as their strategic use in retrosynthesis.

Throughout the module, students are encouraged to develop problem-solving skills and apply mechanistic and structural understanding to synthetic challenges. The syllabus supports the development of core synthetic competence and prepares students for more advanced topics in organic chemistry.

Assessment Proportions

Through a series of interconnected topics, this module builds upon chemistry concepts introduced in CHEM4101 and CHEM4201, and it is designed to ensure all students pursuing a degree with a significant chemistry component are exposed to key organic chemistry concepts in a synthetic and retrosynthetic context.

The principles of spectroscopic analysis and characterisation of the systems found in this module are taught in the complementary CHEM5031 module. Thus, careful attention will be paid to sequencing of concepts.??

The focus of this module is to build upon the basic organic reactivity covered in L4 modules, introducing a holistic picture linking reactivity with synthetic approaches, and advancing mechanistic understanding from ionic processes to novel methods using organometallic reagents for the synthesis and functionalisation of organic molecules.

Teaching is via in-person whole-class lectures, which are designed to build familiarity and fluency with key chemical terminology, concepts, and models. These will be supported by online asynchronous pre- and post-lecture consolidation activities, to ensure that students engage fully with the material and are prepared for subsequent lectures and courses which build on earlier material. These activities will also provide ongoing formative feedback throughout the module, and allow students to self-reflect on their learning to date.?Whole class sessions will also include both example worked problems and short student-centred problems, to help reinforce material.???

As the individual components of the course cross-feed into each other, ensuring that students have an understanding is particularly important; the sequencing of material will be carefully considered to ensure pre-requisites are fully covered.?

Practical laboratory skills that both directly and indirectly support this module will be developed in the Practical and Skills modules that run alongside CHEM5011.

Assessment at this level requires students to retain a significant amount of knowledge, and problem-solve. As such, the module will be assessed using an invigilated in-person assessment, a coursework on retrosynthetic analysis and a 2-hour synoptic closed-book exam covering key concepts from all parts of the module. The invigilated open-book assessment will focus on interpretation skills, where students can have access to notes.

CHEM5021: Further Physical Chemistry

Terms Taught: Full Year
US Credits: 5 US Semester Credits
ECTS Credits: 10 ECTS Credits
Pre-requisites: Year 1 Physical Chemistry

Course Description

This module aims to develop knowledge and expertise in quantitative physical chemistry. Directly following the qualitative picture of key areas of physical chemistry introduced in first year, the focus changes to develop a much more quantitative picture of the behaviours and interactions of idealised chemical systems.

The module is underpinned by the principles of quantum chemistry; the Schrödinger equation is introduced and explicitly solved for model and atomic systems, and the resultant models of quantisation are used as the foundation to revisit topics in spectroscopy, thermodynamics, kinetics and electrochemistry that rely on this more sophisticated picture of molecular-scale chemical processes. Making direct use of the mathematical and computational skills developed in first year, the underlying connections and interplay between these key areas of physical chemistry are emphasised.

As students progress through the module, we begin to build complexity into the general models of chemical systems and start to diagnose their limitations in preparation for their third year, where complexity and specificity in physical chemistry models is fully introduced.

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to…

Apply the Schrödinger equation to calculate and interpret the quantum mechanical meaning of specific quantities in model systems.
Use simple models such as Grotrian diagrams, (an)harmonic oscillator and Lennard-Jones potential to model the absorption and emission of electromagnetic radiation in atomic, rotational, infra-red and UV-vis spectroscopies.
Qualitatively explain fine-structure in absorption spectroscopy based on the different possible responses of atoms and molecules, recognising the role of the continuum of electromagnetic energy scales.
Employ the vector model of nuclear spins to the interpretation of NMR spectral information.
Use phase diagrams to determine properties such as relative pressures and distributions of chemical components in multicomponent systems.
Derive integrated rate laws applying the steady state approximation where appropriate to mechanisms involving reversible and consecutive first-order reactions.
Explain and perform calculations relating to the thermodynamic principles of electrochemical cells.

Outline Syllabus

The module consists of a series of interconnected courses that are based around the quantum chemical picture of atoms and molecules. Topics to be covered include:

Quantum chemistry:

The Schrödinger equation: operators, the Hamiltonian, total energy, wavefunction, separability, finding and interpreting general solutions. Interpretation of chemical systems in terms of simple quantum mechanical models.
Model systems: The free-electron model, the particle-in-a-box model, quantisation of energy. Electronic transitions.
Atoms: One-electron atoms, their energies and wavefunctions, and the relationship to atomic orbitals; Slater determinants for many-electron atoms; electronic transitions and ionisation and affinity processes.

Physical Principles of Spectroscopy

General principles: Experimentally probing energy levels; theoretical description of energy levels via spectroscopic techniques; principles of absorption, emission and scattering, selection rules.
Atomic spectroscopy: Excitation and de-excitation processes, term symbols.
Rotational spectroscopy: rotational energy levels, rigid-rotor picture.
Vibrational spectroscopy: the harmonic model of vibrations; dependence on mass and force constants; rotational fine structure.
Electronic spectroscopy: electronic excitation processes in molecules; geometrical relaxation; selection rules; vibrational fine structure.
NMR spectroscopy: The vector model of NMR applied to individual spins and bulk spin ensembles; the effect of a radiofrequency pulse on a nuclear spin ensemble; the physical origins of chemical shielding and J-coupling interactions.

Thermodynamics of non-ideal systems

Boltzmann distribution; concepts of chemical potentials and activities; statistical definition of entropy; non-ideal systems of gases, mixtures of gases, mixtures of liquids, and solutions; applications to measurement.

Quantitative Reaction Kinetics

Derivation of rate equations; kinetics of complex reactions; parallel unimolecular interactions vs competing unimolecular interactions, consecutive first-order reactions; chemically reversible reactions; rate-determining steps; steady state approximation; qualitative transition-state and collision theory; catalysis.

Electrochemical Processes

Dynamic electrochemistry; heterogeneous electrochemical kinetics; the effect of mass transport; diffusion limited systems; voltammetry and potential step experiments. Advanced Nernstian electrochemistry: Potentiometric measurements; Debye-Hückel theory; electrochemical double layer formation and non-faradaic current.

Assessment Proportions

This module develops a quantum-mechanically informed view of physical chemistry, building on material introduced across Level 4 including the qualitative picture of physical chemistry, mathematical and computational literacy, and concepts of Physics. It directly supports student progression into Level 6 and provides a detailed ‘physical chemistry’ perspective on chemical systems to complement the other Level 5 modules which provide their own specific perspectives. The material is core for all Chemistry students and aligns with programme level aims focusing on developing a quantitative picture of chemical systems.

This module is primarily delivered through a sequence of interconnected lectures and workshops. Lectures introduce the key concepts and principles of quantum chemistry and using this framework revisits other key areas of physical chemistry, developing a quantitative understanding of chemical systems. The connections between the different physical chemistry tools will be explicit, in preparation for later years where the tools will be used in conjunction.

Workshops demonstrate the application of these techniques in the interpretation of chemical systems and encourage the combination and synthesis of ideas from across the different parts of the course.

Practical laboratory and computational skills that both directly and indirectly support this module will be developed in the Practical and Skills modules that run alongside CHEM5021.

These activities promote active learning, scientific communication, and the ability to link physical concepts and principles to molecular structure and properties.

Digital learning tools such as Moodle and online quizzes support flexible and interactive engagement.

Assessment is constructively aligned with learning outcomes and designed to be inclusive and supportive. It includes formative quizzes and various workshop activities for students to monitor their own learning, two in-person invigilated coursework assessments that explore more open-ended problem-solving-based questions, and a final examination.

With a mixed assessment strategy, this module aims to accommodate different learning styles and incorporates formative feedback/assessment for learning to aid self-reflection and progression.

CHEM5031: Further Chemical Analysis and Spectroscopy

Terms Taught: Full Year
US Credits: 5 US Semester Credits
ECTS Credits: 10 ECTS Credits
Pre-requisites: Year 1 Spectroscopy

Course Description

This module aims to build upon the foundation of first year spectroscopy and structure elucidation concepts. Students gain an understanding of the techniques used for chemical analysis and spectroscopy: more advanced applications of NMR spectroscopy, techniques used for analysis and separations, how symmetry and group theory relate to spectroscopy and molecular orbital theory. The ultimate goal is for students to be able to determine molecular structure from spectroscopic evidence. An introduction to macromolecules is also included, before covering techniques for their analysis. Core transition metal molecular orbital theory and its application to valence electron counting is also included.

Key topics include:

Analysis of NMR spectra, IR spectra, UV-vis spectra, and mass spectra to determine organic and inorganic molecular structure.
Analytical techniques for separations and purity determination.
Symmetry and group theory, and their application to spectroscopy.
Macromolecular structure, properties, and analysis.
Application of molecular orbital theory and valence electron counting to transition metal complexes.

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to…

Extract from NMR spectra, and correctly report, spectroscopic information such as chemical shifts, multiplicity, and coupling constants relevant to structure determination.
Predict the 1H, 13C, and multinuclear NMR spectra, and IR and UV-vis spectra of compounds.
Determine the structure of organic and inorganic compounds by interpretation of 1D and 2D multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, IR and UV-vis spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry.
Assign the point group of a molecule and apply principles of group theory to spectroscopic analysis.
Apply and critique the standard techniques used for separation and analysis of organic and inorganic compounds.
Interrelate the structure of macromolecules and how it relates to their physical properties, outlining the role of macromolecular characterisation techniques.
Use molecular orbital theory and principles of valence electron counting to describe bonding in transition metal complexes and link this to their observed spectral properties.

Outline Syllabus

This module consists of a series of closely interconnected courses related to the structure elucidation of organic and inorganic molecules. The components include:

Analytical Chemistry

Principles of chromatography
Gas chromatography
Liquid chromatography
Strategies for improving separation efficiency
Mass spectrometry

Symmetry and Group Theory

Identification of symmetry elements and operations, and determination of point groups
Introduction to character tables, irreducible representations, and the reduction formula
Application of symmetry and group theory to spectroscopy including to IR- and Raman-activity in IR spectroscopy and allowed and forbidden transitions in electronic spectroscopy

Organic Spectroscopy

1H-NMR spectroscopy: chemical shift, signal intensity, simple and complex splitting patterns, failure of the 1st order approximation
Vicinal coupling, Karplus curves and 3J values in (un)saturated alicyclic and cyclic systems
Geminal couplings and analysis of splitting patterns with vicinal and geminal coupling
Long-range coupling in allylic and aromatic systems, magnetic inequivalence, analysis of complex splitting patterns
Line broadening, environmental exchange, and dynamic effects in proton NMR spectroscopy
Conformational analysis of organic compounds and expression in NMR spectra
Further NMR methods: selective spin-decoupling, nuclear Overhauser effect, 2D NMR methods and their application in structure determination
13C-NMR spectroscopy: chemical shift regions, proton decoupling, DEPT
Further UV-vis and IR spectroscopy of organic functional groups

Inorganic Spectroscopy

Spectroscopy of d-block complexes including expression in NMR and IR
Interpretation of multinuclear NMR spectra, including satellite peaks
Electronic structure and spectral (UV-vis, IR) properties, including back-bonding and IR stretching frequencies for metal carbonyls, types of electronic transition, selection rules, and term symbols

Macromolecules

The synthesis and classification of polymers
Polymer morphologies, composition, constitution, and configuration effects, and their relationship to thermal and mechanical properties
Techniques for the analysis of macromolecules

Transition Metal Molecular Orbital Theory

Molecular orbital theory for octahedral and square planar transition metal complexes
Effect of pi-donor and pi-acceptor ligands on the size of splitting energy
Relationship and application of symmetry and group theory to the construction of molecular orbital diagrams
Valence electron counting for transition metal complexes and the molecular orbital basis of the eighteen-electron rule

Assessment Proportions

Through a series of interconnected topics, this module builds on chemistry concepts introduced in CHEM4101 and CHEM4201, and is designed to ensure all students pursuing a degree with a significant chemistry component are exposed to key spectroscopy and analysis concepts in a holistic manner, such that they can utilise the full range of spectroscopic and analytic techniques to determine molecular structure. This module will also be taken by Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Science students, so core transition metal and macromolecule content required for Level 6 and 7 modules is also included.

The focus is to build on the basics of spectroscopy and structure elucidation content, introducing more advanced concepts for multinuclear NMR spectral analysis along with IR and electronic spectroscopy for both organic and inorganic compounds.

Analytical methods such as chromatography and mass spectrometry are also discussed along with an introduction to macromolecules and techniques for their analysis. By the end of the module, students will be able to analyse a range of different spectra to elucidate the molecular structure of organic and inorganic compounds. Group theory and molecular orbital theory are also introduced and applied to transition metal complexes before covering valence electron counting for transition metal complexes.

In this module, teaching is via in-person whole-class lectures, which are designed to build familiarity and fluency with key chemical terminology, concepts, and models. These will be supported by online asynchronous pre- and post-lecture consolidation activities, to ensure that students fully engage with the material and are prepared for subsequent lectures, activities, and courses which build on earlier material. These activities will also provide ongoing formative feedback throughout the module and allow students to self-reflect on their learning to date.

As the individual components of the course cross-feed into each other, ensuring that students gain understanding and experience is particularly important; the sequencing of material will be carefully considered to ensure pre-requisites are fully covered.

Practical laboratory skills that both directly and indirectly support this module will be developed in the Practical and Skills modules that run alongside CHEM5031.

Assessment at this level requires students to retain a significant amount of knowledge, and problem-solve. As such, the module will be formatively assessed using Moodle-based tests, to drive engagement throughout each semester. Invigilated in-person summative assessments consist of one 2-hour synoptic closed-book exam covering key concepts from all parts of the module, and an invigilated open-book coursework assessment, focusing on interpretation skills, where students can have access to notes etc.

CHEM5041: Further Inorganic and Materials Chemistry

Terms Taught: Full Year
US Credits: 5 US Semester Credits
ECTS Credits: 10 ECTS Credits
Pre-requisites: Year 1 Inorganic Chemistry

Course Description

This module builds on L4 content taught in Fundamentals of Chemistry A and B and covers many aspects of core inorganic chemistry content. It prepares students for further study across chemistry by teaching underpinning inorganic chemistry knowledge, and concepts. It develops problem solving and data analysis skills around these concepts.

Key topics include:

Properties, reactivity and mechanism in transition metal and main group complexes
Principles of f-element chemistry
Electron deficiency, and its links to acid/base properties and formation of multinuclear structures
Inorganic clusters and polymers, including both main group and transition metal species
Structure, chemistry and properties of inorganic solids, including band theory

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to…

Name and classify ligands present in organometallic complexes and apply electron counting rules to predict complex stability.
Predict reaction outcomes using the trans-effect/influence using factors influencing transition metal ligand substitution reactions.
Rationalise the differences between chemical and structural properties of 1st , 2nd and 3rd rows of the d-block and f-element coordination complexes.
Relate reactivity and spectral properties across a range of organometallic complexes: both transition metal and main group.
Evaluate Lewis acid/base properties across the p-block.
Deduce the structures of inorganic cages and clusters.
Apply structural and bonding theories for inorganic solids and outline their relationship to properties.

Outline Syllabus

This module covers topics in the closely related areas of:

d-block chemistry and organometallics

Fundamental reactions at transition metal centres
Organometallic chemistry: ligand types, bonding modes, and the resulting properties
Metal-metal bonding and metal clusters
2nd and 3rd row d-block elements: coordination numbers, lability, oxidation states
Ligand substitution mechanisms and kinetics, trans-effect
Fundamentals of industrial catalysis

Principles of f-block chemistry

f-orbitals and radial distribution functions
Ionic nature of bonding, compounds, structures, coordination chemistry
Reactivity, absorption, emission and magnetic properties, contrasting with d-block

Main group chemistry and organometallics

s- and p-block organometallics
Further periodic trends
Electron deficiency and Lewis acid / base properties in boranes and across the p-block
Lewis / Brönsted acid relationship including super acidity

Inorganic Polymers and Clusters

Borane clusters, carboranes, structure prediction using Wade-Mingos-Lauher rules
Incorporation of organometallic fragments into borane clusters, electron deficient transition metal carbonyl clusters
Boron nitrogen and phosphorus nitrogen chemistry
Polycondensation processes, for example in silicones, silicates, clays, zeolites

Solid State Inorganic Materials

Electrical properties: dipole moments, polarizabilities
Intermolecular forces and bonding in the solid state – including free electron theory, band theory
Properties – mechanical, magnetic, electrical and their link to structure
Optical properties of solids and their applications – for example LEDs, solar cells
Methods for synthesis and structure determination

Assessment Proportions

Through a series of interconnected topics, this module builds on key concepts from Fundamentals of Chemistry A and B (CHEM4101/4201) and covers core molecular and solid-state inorganic chemistry content. CHEM5031 and CHEM5011 separately provide the essential spectroscopic analysis of inorganic compounds and electron counting principles of transition metal complexes, along with organic synthesis applications of organometallic complexes. Thus, careful attention will be paid to sequencing with those modules. The content in CHEM5041 will allow students to progress to CHEM6011 and CHEM6052 in L6.

The initial focus is on providing a description of the bonding within different types of transition metal and main group complexes, before moving onto their properties and reactivity, introducing f-element chemistry, further main group chemistry including clusters and polymers, and solid-state inorganic chemistry.

Teaching is via in-person whole-class lectures, which are designed to introduce key chemical terminology, concepts, and models. These will be supported by online asynchronous pre- and post-lecture consolidation activities, to ensure students engage fully with the material and are prepared for subsequent lectures, activities, and courses which build on earlier material. These activities will also provide ongoing formative feedback throughout the module, and allow students to self-reflect on their learning to date. Whole class sessions will also include both example worked problems, and short student-centred problems, to help reinforce material.

Practical laboratory skills that both directly and indirectly support this module will be developed in the Practical and Skills modules that run alongside CHEM5041.

Assessment at this level requires students to retain a significant amount of knowledge, and also problem-solve. As such, the module will be formatively assessed using Moodle based tests, to drive engagement throughout the module. Two summative assessments for this module will be invigilated in-person assessments. These will consist of one 2-hour synoptic closed-book exam covering key concepts from all parts of the module, and an invigilated open-book coursework assessment, focusing on interpretation skills, where students can have access to notes etc. The third summative assessment is a more open-ended coursework activity exploring problem-solving.

CHEM5061: Further Chemistry and Practical Skills A

Terms Taught: Full Year
US Credits: 5 US Semester Credits
ECTS Credits: 10 ECTS Credits
Pre-requisites: Year 1 Chemistry Lab practical experience

Course Description

This module aims to develop experimental and computational chemistry practical, research, and professional skills, building directly on the Level 4 ‘Introduction to Practical Chemistry’ and ‘Professional and Research Skills in Chemistry’ modules. It seeks to consolidate prior knowledge and skills through regular practise of this knowledge in new contexts, and to continue the development of general practical chemistry knowledge, skills, and experience across the key sub-disciplines of inorganic, organic, physical, and computational chemistry in conjunction with the CHEM5062: Practical Skills in Chemistry B module.

It will prepare students with the requisite knowledge and skills for the more specialised and open-ended practical and project work they will meet in later years.

The practical experiments in this module build on the key technique, equipment, and analysis training introduced at Level 4, expanding students' skills and experience with more advanced practical techniques and methods for characterisation and data analysis. Further professional and research skills training is embedded within the module, with students presenting results of practical experiments through structured reports and data collection and analysis.

Alongside, key professional skills will continue to be developed, with a focus on employability and career aspiration reflections. This module also directly contributes to the practical hour requirement for Royal Society of Chemistry accreditation.

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to…

Follow safe laboratory practices, producing and following risk assessments for practical work, managing chemical hazards and waste disposal procedures, employing best practise lab etiquette and housekeeping.?
Record key experimental observations and data in an appropriate format.
Use a range of practical skills from organic, inorganic, physical and computational chemistry, following written protocols.
Analyse experimental data using mathematical, graphical, and statistical methods, recognising sources of error and uncertainty, connecting results to the theory underlying the experiment.
Report experimental work through structured lab reports using appropriate terminology and data-presentation techniques.?
Apply key skills to the analysis of data, retrieval of information, and reporting and communication of experimental results using appropriate computer software.
Describe the experiments in the context of green chemistry and sustainable chemistry principles.
Reflect on personal skills development and progression in the context of career aspirations.

Outline Syllabus

Students will continue to develop core practical skills and laboratory expertise through a structured progression, which consolidates key techniques encountered in previous practical and skills modules through application to more complex and time-extended practical experiments.

Alongside, the complementary introduction of more advanced practical techniques prepares for the more specialised and open-ended practical and project work that will be encountered at Level 6 and beyond.

Students will:

Continue building experience and confidence in their safe navigation of the laboratory environment, while reflecting on their responsibilities for personal and collective safety.
Develop best practise lab etiquette and ‘housekeeping’.
Consolidate the application of basic techniques encountered at Level 4, working to ‘automate’ them (to become second nature), in new settings.
Meet and build proficiency in more advanced techniques from across the discipline, across the course of the year.

Students progress through analytical chemistry experiments involving qualitative and quantitative analysis. Synthetic chemistry sessions further train students in organic and inorganic preparations, emphasising reaction monitoring, product isolation, and purification strategies. Throughout, students encounter key instrumental techniques including spectroscopic methods for structural characterisation and determination of compound purity. Experiments are more open-ended and investigative in nature than at Level 4, while still having a pre-determined outcome, requiring students to make decisions about equipment and purification. Skills and techniques developed in the previous year will become routine and students will use them ‘automatically’ alongside learning new more advanced techniques and skills.

Students continue to develop and apply key skills introduced at Level 4 around data analysis, information retrieval, and scientific communication, including introducing more advanced software for data analysis and further coding training.

The module emphasises scientific communication through structured laboratory reports that require students to document procedures, analyse results, and relate experimental observations to underlying chemical theories, concepts and principles. This progressive approach ensures students develop confidence in practical work while building the experimental competence and analytical thinking skills essential for further advanced chemistry studies. Assessment focuses on practical performance, data analysis, and scientific reporting, preparing students for more advanced laboratory sessions and project modules at L6.

Throughout the module, students will continue to reflect on their progress and be guided through the development of additional general and subject-specific professional and research skills in a practical context. Here, the goal is to guide students in directing their personal development towards identifying the skills they need to develop to achieve their career aspirations.

Assessment Proportions

This module provides essential laboratory experience to complement and reinforce theoretical chemistry concepts encountered in parallel taught modules, a key requirement of Royal Society of Chemistry accreditation. It also seeks to further develop research and professional skills, following from those introduced at Level 4.

Building upon practical and skills concepts introduced in CHEM4061 and CHEM4062, this module seeks to familiarise students with more advanced practical techniques, equipment, and the data analysis skills required for the more open-ended and extended practical and project modules in later years of the degree programme.

To ensure that students are prepared by Level 6 for independent practical work, best practise lab etiquette and ‘housekeeping’ will be revisited throughout, with students expected to become increasingly self-sufficient over the duration of the degree.

Applying the fundamental techniques and skills introduced in the previous year to more advanced practical and computational experiments, the focus is on making those skills and techniques routine, alongside introducing more advanced practical techniques.

Experiments will be less prescribed and more open-ended than in CHEM4061, while still having a pre-determined outcome, and will require students to apply prior knowledge and make guided decisions about equipment selection, synthesis, purification, and analysis. Students will also be required to reflect on green chemistry and sustainability principles and relate them in the context of the practical experiments being performed.

In this module, teaching is via in-person whole-class laboratory sessions, which are designed to build familiarity and fluency with key practical techniques, equipment, and data analysis skills. These will be supported by online asynchronous pre- and post-laboratory consolidation activities, to ensure that students engage fully with the material and are prepared for learning during the experiments and subsequent practical activities. These activities will also provide ongoing formative feedback throughout the module and allow students to self-reflect on their learning to date.

As the individual experiments and components of the course cross-feed into each other, ensuring that students have an understanding is particularly important, and the sequencing of practical experiments and techniques carefully considered to ensure pre-requisites are fully covered. Practical experiments and analysis of data will also link to content covered in theory modules.

The in-person contact for this module will primarily be a sequence of practical laboratory experiments which build in complexity both in terms of practical skills, and data analysis and scientific communication skills. This is supplemented by a series of workshops to support the continued development and application of subject-specific professional and research skills. A particular focus is on guiding students to develop key skills relevant to their future careers and employability.

The module will be summatively assessed through an in-person practical exam, safety exam, and practical result portfolios which are collected at the end of each teaching block. These portfolios contain practical outputs from each experiment and include samples, lab book notes, spectral analysis, data analysis, and structured reports. Formative assessment is included through pre- and post-laboratory activities along with formative practical experiments which allow students to receive feedback before a summative assessment included in the portfolios.

CHEM5062: Further Chemistry and Practical Skills B

Terms Taught: Full Year
US Credits: 5 US Semester Credits
ECTS Credits: 10 ECTS Credits
Pre-requisites: Year 1 Chemistry Lab practical experience

Course Description

It will prepare students with the requisite knowledge and skills for the more specialised and open-ended practical and project work they will meet in later years.

The practical experiments in this module build on the key technique, equipment, and analysis training introduced at L4, expanding students' skills and experience with more advanced practical techniques and methods for characterisation and data analysis. Further professional and research skills training is embedded within the module, with students presenting results of practical experiments through structured reports and data collection and analysis.

Alongside, key professional skills will continue to be developed, with a focus on employability and career aspiration reflections.

This module also directly contributes to the practical hour requirement for Royal Society of Chemistry accreditation.

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to…

Follow safe laboratory practices, producing and following risk assessments for practical work, managing chemical hazards and waste disposal procedures.?
Record key experimental observations and data in an appropriate format, employing best practise lab etiquette and housekeeping.
Use a range of practical skills from organic, inorganic, physical and computational chemistry, following written protocols.
Analyse experimental data using mathematical, graphical, and statistical methods, recognising sources of error and uncertainty, connecting results to the theory underlying the experiment.
Report experimental work through structured lab reports using appropriate terminology and data-presentation techniques.?
Apply key skills to the analysis of data, retrieval of information, and reporting and communication of experimental results using appropriate computer software.
Describe the experiments in the context of green chemistry and sustainable chemistry principles.
Reflect on personal skills development and progression in the context of career aspirations.

Outline Syllabus

Students will continue to develop core practical skills and laboratory expertise through a structured progression, which consolidates key techniques encountered in previous L4 practical and skills modules through application to more complex and time-extended practical experiments.

Alongside, the complementary introduction of more advanced practical techniques prepares for the more specialised and open-ended practical and project work that will be encountered at L6 and beyond.

Students will:

Continue building experience and confidence in their safe navigation of the laboratory environment, while reflecting on their responsibilities for personal and collective safety.
Develop best practise lab etiquette and ‘housekeeping’.
Consolidate the application of basic techniques encountered at L4, working to ‘automate’ them (to become second nature), in new settings.
Meet and build proficiency in more advanced techniques from across the discipline, across the course of the year.

Students progress through analytical chemistry experiments involving qualitative and quantitative analysis. Synthetic chemistry sessions further train students in organic and inorganic preparations, emphasising reaction monitoring, product isolation, and purification strategies. Throughout, students encounter key instrumental techniques including spectroscopic methods for structural characterisation and determination of compound purity. Experiments are more open-ended and investigative in nature than at L4, while still having a pre-determined outcome, requiring students to make decisions about equipment and purification. Skills and techniques developed in the previous year will become routine and students will use them ‘automatically’ alongside learning new more advanced techniques and skills.

Students continue to develop and apply key skills introduced at L4 around data analysis, information retrieval, and scientific communication, including introducing more advanced software for data analysis and further coding training.

Assessment Proportions

It also seeks to further develop research and professional skills, following from those introduced at L4.

To ensure that students are prepared by L6 for independent practical work, best practise lab etiquette and ‘housekeeping’ will be revisited throughout, with students expected to become increasingly self-sufficient over the duration of the degree.

The module will be summatively assessed through an in-person practical exam, safety exam, and practical result portfolios. These portfolios contain practical outputs from each experiment and include samples, lab book notes, spectral analysis, data analysis, and structured reports. Formative assessment is included through pre- and post-laboratory activities along with formative practical experiments which allow students to receive feedback before a summative assessment included in the portfolios.

CHEM6011: Advanced Synthetic Chemistry

Terms Taught: Full Year
US Credits: 5 US Semester Credits
ECTS Credits: 10 ECTS Credits
Pre-requisites: At least two years of chemistry studies

Course Description

This module aims to build on the concepts of organic and inorganic chemistry covered at Level 5 and provides the core synthetic chemistry content in Lancaster University's Chemistry degree. It prepares students for either further study across chemistry in Level 7, or the chemistry graduate job market, by teaching underpinning organic and inorganic chemistry concepts in a synthetic context. It develops problem solving and data analysis skills around these concepts.

Key topics include:?

Strategies and selective methods in organic synthesis
Introduction to physical organic chemistry
Reactive intermediates and introduction to photochemistry
Pericyclic reactions
Transition metal structure and application to catalysis
Asymmetric organic and inorganic synthesis

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

Apply retrosynthetic analysis to devise multistep synthetic routes using logical bond disconnections and functional group interconversions.
Analyse and predict the outcome of chemo-, regio-, and stereoselective reactions using curly arrow mechanisms and appropriate rationales.
Select and justify suitable methods for carrying out selective organic transformations, including oxidation, reduction, and protection strategies.
Describe the formation and reactivity of reactive intermediates and their application in synthesis, including basic photochemical methods.
Employ molecular orbital theory to predict the feasibility and stereochemical outcomes of pericyclic reactions.
Represent and interpret stereochemical features of organic molecules, intermediates, and transition states, including outcomes of diastereoselective and enantioselective reactions.
Explain and evaluate the structure, reactivity, and stereochemical implications of organometallic complexes in the context of catalytic synthetic applications.
Utilise physical organic chemistry principles to interpret experimental observations and rationalise organic reaction mechanisms.

Outline Syllabus

This module explores advanced concepts in organic synthesis and reaction mechanisms, focusing on the design and control of complex molecular transformations. Building on knowledge from previous levels, students develop a deeper understanding of selectivity, stereocontrol, reactive intermediates, and organometallic chemistry in modern synthetic practice. Key topics include:

Retrosynthesis and Selective Synthetic Strategies: Extension of retrosynthetic principles with an emphasis on strategic planning; approaches to controlling chemo-, regio-, and stereo-selectivity are explored, alongside the use of protecting groups and strategies for managing functional group compatibility.
Asymmetric Synthesis: Principles of stereoselective and enantioselective synthesis, including the use of chiral pools, auxiliaries, and reagents. Applications such as asymmetric reductions, oxidations, aldol reactions, and epoxidations are considered.
Mechanistic and Physical Organic Chemistry: Application of physical organic principles to understand and investigate reaction mechanisms. Topics include kinetic isotope effects, transition state theory, thermodynamic versus kinetic control, and the use of physical parameters for mechanistic insight.
Reactive Intermediates and Photochemical Methods: Exploration of reactive intermediates such as radicals, carbenes, or nitrenes, as well as their synthetic applications. Photochemistry and pericyclic reactions are discussed in the context of synthetic design and selectivity.
Transition Metal and Organometallic Chemistry: Detailed study of organometallic structure, bonding, and stereochemistry. Key transition-metal-catalysed reactions for C–C and C–X bond formation are introduced, with selected topics in asymmetric catalysis and stereochemical analysis.

This module equips students with an integrated understanding of structure, reactivity, and selectivity, preparing them for the demands of contemporary organic synthesis in academic or industrial contexts. Emphasis is placed on reaction design, mechanistic insight, and critical evaluation of synthetic pathways.

Assessment Proportions

Through a series of interconnected topics, this module builds upon chemistry concepts introduced in CHEM5011 and CHEM5031 in Level 5, and it is designed to ensure all students pursuing a degree with a significant chemistry component are exposed to the core synthetic chemistry concepts needed for either further studies at Level 7 or for the graduate job market.?

Many students taking this module will also take CHEM6051, which separately provide advance knowledge on medicinal and biological chemistry, and advanced asymmetric synthesis. Thus, careful attention will be paid to sequencing with CHEM6051.???

The focus is to develop the organic and inorganic reactivity covered in level 5 modules, introducing advanced synthetic approaches and mechanistic understanding in both organic and inorganic systems.?

Teaching is via in-person whole-class lectures, which are designed to build familiarity and fluency with key chemical terminology, concepts, and models. These will be supported by online asynchronous pre- and post-lecture consolidation activities, to ensure that students engage fully with the material and are prepared for subsequent lectures and courses which build on earlier material. These activities will also provide ongoing formative feedback throughout the module, and allow students to self-reflect on their learning to date.?Whole class sessions will also include both example worked problems from lecturers, and short student-centred problems, to help reinforce material.????

Workshops will encourage self- and peer-to-peer learning, in a fully supported environment. The workshops are also an opportunity to provide formative feedback.

The in-person contact for this module will be a sequence of lectures and workshops.??

Assessment at this level requires students to retain a significant amount of knowledge, and also solve problems. As such, the module will be assessed using a mixture of problem-based coursework, invigilated in-person assessment, and an exam. This will consist of one 2-hour synoptic closed-book exam covering key concepts from all parts of the module. The coursework and invigilated open-book coursework assessments, will focus on interpretation skills, where students can have access to notes in a time constrained or open environment.

CHEM6021: Advanced Physical Chemistry

Terms Taught: Full Year
US Credits: 5 US Semester Credits
ECTS Credits: 10 ECTS Credits
Pre-requisites: At least two years of chemistry studies

Course Description

This module aims to develop a more sophisticated picture of chemical systems from the physical chemistry perspective, where complexity and specificity is explicitly considered. The module revisits many of the key themes from earlier physical chemistry modules, around the quantisation of energy and states in chemical systems, how this affects our observations of such systems, how we can probe, understand, and increasingly influence and control their interactions and behaviours.

Here, the module is underpinned by concepts from computational chemistry; whereby we use computational methods to explicitly realise the energy levels of individual systems. This molecular-scale system-specific information is then used to underpin an examination of advanced principles and complexity in physical chemistry relating to specialist spectroscopy techniques as a probe of complex chemical systems; interactions within and between atoms and molecules and the complex structures and behaviours that result; the relationship between entropy and energy in statistical thermodynamics; reaction dynamics and transition-state theory; and dynamic electrochemical processes. The limitations of the approaches are explicitly considered.

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to…

Calculate and interpret molecular energies and other key properties using density functional theory.
Identify the nature and role of intermolecular forces in an interfacial chemical system, and predict outcomes when perturbing such systems.
Employ models of surface properties and surface interrogation techniques to the analysis of interfacial phenomena.
Derive vibrational and rotational constants, and bond lengths and force constants from full consideration of features and fine structure in infra-red spectra.
Calculate thermodynamic properties of statistical systems such as mean free path, diffusion coefficient and coil size of a random chain.
Determine and/or interpret potential energy surfaces for simple molecular interactions, using concepts from molecular collision theory.
Conceptually construct and interrogate the properties of electrochemical devices using the underlying principles of electrochemistry.

Outline Syllabus

The module consists of a series of interconnected physical chemistry topics that are based around the sophisticated picture of chemical systems afforded from system-specific energy levels and properties calculated using computational chemistry techniques. Here, we revisit key topics introduced in more general contexts in previous years, to develop a detailed physical chemistry approach to the properties and interactions of individual molecules and the properties of bulk materials that emerge from them.

Topics to be covered include:

Principles of Computational Chemistry: The role and aims of computational chemistry; the computational approach to solving the Schrödinger equation; static vs dynamic picture; the electronic structure approach, and what can be learned from it; the calculation of molecular properties (molecular structure, spectroscopic quantities, explicit vs response properties); the classical mechanical ‘molecular mechanics’ approach; molecular dynamics.
Intermolecular Interactions: Quantitative description of intermolecular interactions; multipole expansions; phases of matter and their dominant interactions; unusual phases of matter (liquid crystals, plasmas, Bose-Einstein condensates); colloids and polymers.
Surfaces: Surface structures; properties of interfaces; reactivity at surfaces; surface interrogation and analysis techniques; electrical double layer formation and models.
Advanced Spectroscopic Techniques: Quantum theory of spectroscopy: explicit consideration of selection rules and energy levels in rotational, infra-red and UV-vis spectroscopy; quantum mechanical origins of fine structure; quantitative determination of vibrational and rotational constants from spectral features. Quantum theory of NMR and EPR spectroscopies including Zeeman interaction and qualitative understanding of the effects of molecular dynamics.
Statistical Thermodynamics: Relationship between statistical thermodynamics, classical thermodynamics, and quantum chemistry; microstates; Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics. Partition functions and thermodynamic properties, and their applications.
Reaction Dynamics: Potential energy surfaces, transition state theory, molecular collision theory, and their applications to reaction processes.
Dynamical Processes in Electrochemical Systems: Device based electrochemistry considering the complex dynamic processes in batteries, fuel cells, electrolysers, dye-sensitized solar cells and electrochemical sensors; interrogative voltammetry; impedance spectroscopy; electrocatalysis.

Assessment Proportions

This module extends the quantitative treatment of physical chemistry introduced in Level 5 and acts to consolidate learning in physical chemistry, combining this with more advanced mathematical and computational concepts which will equip students with the necessary skills for Level 7 or postgraduate study, or industry research after their degrees. The module builds on the quantitative atomic models developed in Level 5 and extends this to molecular systems where the additional complexity requires alternative approaches and approximations. The material is core for all Chemistry students but supports the parallel optional module on chemical structure elucidation.

This module is primarily delivered through a sequence of interconnected lectures and workshops. Lectures introduce the key principles of quantum chemistry for molecular and extended systems, which then forms the basis for understanding intermolecular interactions and interfacial phenomena. Advanced aspects of spectroscopic approaches for probing these phenomena will be covered. The course then progresses to quantitative treatments of bulk systems, namely through consideration of statistical thermodynamics, reaction dynamics and advanced electrochemistry. In this way, the module completes the progression from qualitative physical chemistry in Level 4, through quantitative physical chemistry for model systems in Level 5 to quantitative view of physical chemistry for real systems in Level 6.

The in-person contact for this module will be a sequence of lectures and workshops.?Practical laboratory and computational skills that both directly and indirectly support this module will be developed in the Advanced Practical and Skills module that runs alongside CHEM6021. These activities promote active learning, scientific communication, and the ability to link physical concepts and principles to molecular structure and properties. Digital learning tools such as Moodle and online quizzes support flexible and interactive engagement.

With a mixed assessment strategy, this module aims to accommodate different learning styles and incorporates formative feedback/assessment for learning to aid self-reflection and progression.

CHEM6051: Advanced Organic Chemistry and Materials Chemistry

Terms Taught: Full Year
US Credits: 5 US Semester Credits
ECTS Credits: 10 ECTS Credits
Pre-requisites: At least two years of chemistry studies

Course Description

This module aims to provide an overview of key biological chemistry and chemical biology principles, linking them with medicinal chemistry concepts, and further asymmetric synthesis of drug-type molecules.

This module builds on Level 5 and Level 6 organic and inorganic content and provides perspective on their application in the medicinal chemistry and biomedical areas, making it very relevant for Pharmaceutical Science and Biochemistry students, as well as single-honours Chemistry students with a strong interest in organic chemistry and the pharmaceutical industry.

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to…

Apply key chemical principles to rationalise the structure and function of biological molecules and the mechanisms of key biological processes.
Assess and contrast the chemical strategies used to selectively modify biomolecules, including the use of bioorthogonal reactions and late-stage functionalisation.
Evaluate structure–activity relationships using medicinal chemistry concepts and propose rational modifications to optimise lead compounds.
Design multi-step synthetic routes incorporating asymmetric synthesis to access chiral drug-like or chemical biology probe molecules.
Integrate concepts from synthesis, biological chemistry, and medicinal chemistry to propose chemical solutions to interdisciplinary problems in drug discovery or chemical biology.

Outline Syllabus

This module extends students' understanding of advanced organic synthesis by exploring its intersection with chemical biology and medicinal chemistry. It builds on previous levels by examining how complex molecular structures can be designed, constructed, and modified with precision, both in synthetic and biological contexts. Students are introduced to techniques and principles that underpin modern drug discovery, molecular recognition, and the development of bioactive compounds.

Indicative topics include:

Chemical Biology and Biomolecular Chemistry: Examination of the chemistry of key biological macromolecules including nucleic acids, proteins, peptides, and carbohydrates. Strategies for chemical modification of biomolecules are explored, including solid-phase synthesis and biorthogonal reactions. The role of late-stage functionalisation in probe development and conjugate design is also considered.
Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design: Fundamental principles of medicinal chemistry, including molecular interactions with biological targets, structure–activity relationships, bioisosterism, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Students are introduced to modern drug discovery workflows, including fragment-based discovery and the use of structural biology in drug design.
Advanced Asymmetric Synthesis and Catalysis: Exploration of stereoselective methodologies used in advanced synthesis, including kinetic resolution, chiral catalysis, and enzymatic transformations. Topics also include transition-metal-catalysed processes relevant to asymmetric synthesis and synthetic applications in complex molecule construction.

This module enables students to understand and critically evaluate biological and medicinal applications of organic synthesis. Emphasis is placed on integrating chemical reactivity, structural complexity, and biological function in real-world scientific and industrial contexts.

Assessment Proportions

Through a series of interconnected topics, this module builds upon core synthetic chemistry concepts introduced in CHEM6011 in Level 6, and it is designed to ensure all students pursuing a degree with a significant organic chemistry component are exposed to relevant biological chemistry and medicinal chemistry concepts relevant to the pharmaceutical industry (one of the main employers in the organic chemistry area).

All students taking this module will also take CHEM6011, which separately provides advanced knowledge on core synthetic chemistry concepts. Thus, careful attention will be paid to sequencing with CHEM6011.???

The focus is to build on the organic and inorganic reactivity concepts covered in the core synthetic module in Level 6 (CHEM6011), introducing their application into the biological chemistry/chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, and advanced asymmetric synthesis of medicinal chemistry relevant molecules.

The in-person contact for this module will be a sequence of lectures and workshops.?Teaching is via in-person whole-class lectures, which are designed to build familiarity and fluency with key chemical terminology, concepts, and models. These will be supported by online asynchronous pre- and post-lecture consolidation activities, to ensure students engage fully with material and are prepared for subsequent lectures and courses which build on earlier material. These activities will also provide formative feedback throughout the module to allow students to self-reflect on their learning to date.?Whole class sessions will also include both example worked problems, and short student-centred problems, to help reinforce material.

As the individual components of the course cross-feed into each other, ensuring that students have a meaningful understanding of earlier topics is particularly important, so the sequencing of material will be carefully considered to ensure pre-requisites are fully covered.?Workshops will encourage self- and peer-to-peer learning, in a fully supported environment. The workshops are also an opportunity to provide formative feedback.??

Assessment at this level requires students to retain a significant amount of knowledge, and also solve problems. As such, the module will be assessed using a mixture of problem-based coursework, and invigilated in-person assessments, and an exam in the summer assessment period. This will consist of one 2 hour synoptic closed-book exam covering key concepts from all parts of the module. The coursework and invigilated open-book coursework assessments will focus on interpretation skills, where students can have access to notes in a time constrained or open environment.??

CHEM6052: Advanced Inorganic Chemistry and Materials Chemistry

Terms Taught: Full Year
US Credits: 5 US Semester Credits
ECTS Credits: 10 ECTS Credits
Pre-requisites: At least two years of chemistry studies

Course Description

This module builds on Level 5 content taught in CHEM5031 and CHEM5041. Applications of its content are relevant across the discipline. It provides an inorganic chemistry focused optional module to complement core content.

It describes the use of metal complexes to catalyse the synthesis of polymers, shows how supramolecular coordination chemistry can be used to control assembly of materials from the molecular, to the nanoscale, and demonstrates applications of inorganic and organic materials to energy conversion and storage. It will thus place inorganic chemistry and materials chemistry in key real-life contexts, showcasing current research areas, and developing relevant advanced problem solving and data analysis skills.

Key topics include:

Design of metal-based catalysts for polymerisation, and prediction of reaction outcomes based on catalyst, monomer, and knowledge of mechanism.
Experimental investigation of mechanism and polymer properties.
Molecular recognition and the use of non-covalent interactions to build materials containing multiple metal centres, including metal organic frameworks.
Application of both inorganic and organic materials for energy conversion and storage.
Critical engagement with the primary literature.

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to…

Identify the properties of ligands and metals that make them suited to catalysing polymerization of a given monomer, and use this information to predict reaction outcomes.
Suggest experiments and characterisation techniques to elucidate mechanisms, and probe polymer properties including regio/stereocontrol, molecular weight and dispersity.
Assess how non-covalent interactions govern molecular recognition, host-guest interactions and self-assembly in supramolecules.
Evaluate how non-covalent interactions can be used to assemble both discrete and infinite structures with multiple metal centres, and the properties of such assemblies.
Deconstruct how solid-state and other inorganic materials can be used to convert and store energy.
Analyse how organic polymer materials can be used to convert and store energy.
Critically engage with primary literature related to the module, and evaluate information with respect to current knowledge and understanding.

Outline Syllabus

This module consists of three interconnected components.

Inorganic Chemistry for Synthesis of Sustainable Polymer Materials

Properties of d-block and f-block coordination compounds and their relevance to polymerisation catalysis.
Types of polymerisation: olefin polymerisation, ring-opening metathesis polymerisation, polymerisation of polar monomers, ring-opening polymerisation of cyclic esters, CO2/epoxide co-polymerisation.
Catalysts for the polymerisation processes above, their design including selection of appropriate ligands, and their mechanisms of operation.
Mechanism, kinetics and thermodynamic driving forces and how they affect molecular weight, dispersity, regio and stereochemistry.
Experimental approaches to determination of polymer structure and properties, and reaction mechanisms.

Supramolecular Chemistry

Non-covalent interactions
H-bonding interactions in macromolecules and supramolecular assemblies
Host-guest recognition
Self-assembly processes of multinuclear coordination compounds
Catenanes and rotaxanes
COFs, MOFs and their applications

Inorganic and Materials Chemistry for Energy

Solid-state inorganic materials, their synthesis and application to energy conversion and storage: for example, in solar cells and batteries.
Polymeric organic materials and framework materials for energy conversion and storage (linking to COFs and MOFs) including applications in organic solar cells, OLEDs, capacitors, batteries, gas storage.
Molecular organic, inorganic and hybrid systems – for example dye sensitized solar cells, photoelectrochemical cells – for energy conversion and storage.

Assessment Proportions

CHEM6052 demonstrates how inorganic chemistry can be used to both synthesise vital, commercially exploited materials, control molecular assembly at multiple length scales, and develop the materials of the future.

All students taking this module will also take CHEM6011: polymerisation catalysis featured here will complement that module.

Understanding of core material, including transition metal and f-element properties, bonding and reaction mechanism in inorganic compounds, will be developed.

The in-person contact for this module will be a sequence of lectures and workshops. Teaching will be via in-person whole-class lectures to introduce key new concepts and applications. Lectures will incorporate interactive and problem-focused elements – e.g. direct Q and A, whole class problems, interactive technologies – to help consolidate student understanding and monitor progress. Online asynchronous pre- and post-lecture consolidation activities, will further ensure that students engage fully with the material, provide formative feedback, and enable students to self-reflect on their learning. As a Level 6 unit, these activities will include directed engagement with the primary literature.

Small-group workshops will show the practical application of material introduced in the lectures and online supporting activities. Workshops will encourage self- and peer-to-peer learning, in a fully supported environment. The workshops are a further opportunity to provide formative feedback.

Assessment at Level 6 requires students to retain knowledge, solve problems, and critically engage with other work in the discipline. Thus, assessment will consist of one 2-hour synoptic closed-book exam covering key concepts from all parts of the module, one 2-hour open-book invigilated coursework task focused on more in depth problem solving, and one coursework task completed without invigilation, focusing on interpretation skills and constructed to drive engagement with primary literature.

CHEM6053: Advanced Chemical Structure Elucidation

Terms Taught: Full Year
US Credits: 5 US Semester Credits
ECTS Credits: 10 ECTS Credits
Pre-requisites: At least two years of chemistry studies

Course Description

This module aims to provide a detailed examination of the advanced techniques available to successfully model, probe, and control the electronic and molecular structure of complex chemical systems. To be taken alongside the CHEM6021 module that introduces complexity and specificity in physical chemistry, this module provides additional depth for those students specialising in physical and computational chemistry, preparing them with the advanced experience and expertise necessary to complete an open-ended project in these areas. Here, the quantum chemical picture of molecules is explored, highlighting the origin of molecular electronic structure, and rotational, vibrational and electronic energy levels. Spectroscopic techniques are re-examined in the context of quantitatively probing the energy levels of molecules, and how we can account for non-ideality and anharmonicity present in real chemical systems. The complementary computational chemistry techniques that allow us to more fully explore these systems are also examined in some detail. Following from the quantum chemical picture of molecular systems, the module turns to the description of extended systems and the techniques that can be used to probe them. This includes an examination of the electronic structure of solids and extended systems from the quantum chemical perspective and the use of computational chemistry and structure interrogation techniques to probe such systems. The complexities of the techniques used to probe both molecular and extended chemical system structure is explored throughout the module, from the perspective of how we can achieve the best possible picture of the molecular scale interactions of the molecules.

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to…

Geometry optimise and calculate spectroscopic properties of simple molecular systems using density-functional theory and other computational techniques.
Extract spectroscopic properties from electronic structure calculations on extended systems using e.g., planewave calculations in reciprocal space.
Interpret absorption properties and electronic structure in molecular and extended systems using molecular orbital and band structure models.
Use quantum mechanical principles to analyse and interpret a range of spectroscopic data.
Interpret imperfect spectral data through consideration of concepts such as bandwidth, resolution and signal-to-noise ratio.
Apply, and critically evaluate the role of, individual and combined techniques for chemical structure elucidation.

Outline Syllabus

Key topics of this module include:

Quantum chemistry of molecules: Dirac notation; angular momentum operators; quantum harmonic oscillator and anharmonicity; Slater determinants for molecular systems; transitions between states; quantum mechanically derived selection rules. Computational approaches for molecular electronic structure. Computational approaches to reactivity and mechanism.
Structure interrogation techniques for molecular systems: Quantitative rovibrational spectroscopy; spin theory and NMR; electronic excited states; photochemical processes; electrochemical processes; computational electronic structure methods for modelling spectroscopic processes; monitoring of dynamical processes.
Quantum chemistry of solids and extended systems: The connection between molecular electronic structure and band structure; momentum space; properties of solids and extended systems; electronic structure methods for solids, periodic, and disordered extended systems.
Structure interrogation techniques for solids and extended systems: Single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD); photovoltaics, band gap determination from spectroscopic data; photovoltaic properties; lasers.
Theory of spectroscopic techniques for molecular and extended systems: Comparison of continuous wave and pulsed spectroscopies; mathematical treatment of the Fourier transform; concepts of signal averaging, resolution and signal-to-noise ratio; relationship between bandwidth and pulse length; principles of spectrometer components, design and construction.

Assessment Proportions

This optional module is designed for students with interests in physical and computational chemistry, and will draw on concepts covered in the parallel core physical chemistry covered in CHEM6021. The module covers advanced computational and experimental techniques for chemical structure elucidation which link to many of the foundational concepts covered in CHEM6021 and CHEM5021, but brings them together in a more applied context to equip students with the necessary skills to move into physical chemistry based Level 7 study or research.

The module is primarily delivered through a sequence of interconnected lectures and workshops. The lectures first introduce advanced computational chemistry approaches for deriving key observable quantities relating to chemical structure, such as bond lengths, charge distribution and spectroscopic properties. This builds on computational chemistry taught in CHEM6021 but frames it in a more applied context, with an emphasis on observable data and interpretation. Following this, advanced experimental techniques for chemical structure elucidation are introduced and the link between experimental observables and their quantum mechanical origin will be emphasised. Other more general aspects of chemical structure elucidation will be covered including the treatment and analysis of imperfect (real) data, and the comparison of this with predicted observables from computational calculations. Using this framework allows advanced aspects of chemical structure elucidation to be revisits other key areas of physical chemistry, developing a quantitative understanding of chemical systems. Workshops demonstrate the application of these techniques in the interpretation of chemical systems, and encourage the combination and synthesis of ideas from across the different parts of the course.

CHEM6061: Advanced Practical Skills in Chemistry

Terms Taught: Full Year
US Credits: 5 US Semester Credits
ECTS Credits: 10 ECTS Credits
Pre-requisites: At least two years of chemistry studies

Course Description

This module aims to develop advanced and specialised experimental and computational chemistry practical laboratory and more general skills, building directly on those practical skills developed in previous years.

The practical experiments in this module introduce and develop competence, confidence, and experience in advanced specialised practical chemistry techniques relevant to research activities from across the discipline. They also revisit and consolidate skills learned in previous years, so they become ‘second nature’. Alongside the introduction of advanced specialised practical techniques, students will apply the full gamut of their practical experience in different contexts in more time-extended open-ended, student led investigative practical work.

Experiments build upon sustainability principles introduced in previous years. Students apply these principles to directly evaluate the environmental impact of their practical work, and consider approaches to minimise this.

This work directly complements the project work students will undertake at Level 6, and prepares students for the extended original research project they will meet at Level 7.

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to…

Employ safe laboratory practices, independently producing and following risk assessments for practical work, managing complex chemical hazards, standard operating procedures, and waste disposal procedures, and using best practise lab etiquette and housekeeping throughout.
Record meaningful experimental observations and data in line with good data management practices.
Deploy a range of practical skills from across the discipline combining synthesis, characterisation and analysis, and computational modelling to maximise experimentally derived chemical knowledge.
Perform advanced experimental manipulations, combining techniques developed in previous years in new and unfamiliar situations.
Process and interpret experimental data using specialism-specific mathematical, graphical, and statistical methods to evaluate results, minimising sources of error and uncertainty and evaluate results in terms of the theory underlying the experiment.
Report experimental work in a discipline-appropriate format using specialism-specific terminology and data-presentation techniques.?
Apply specialism-specific skills to the analysis of data, retrieval of information, and reporting and communication of experimental results using appropriate computer software.
Assess their own work in the context of green chemistry and sustainable chemistry principles.

Outline Syllabus

The module is structured around four key areas of practical chemistry, focusing on inorganic, organic, physical, and computational chemistries, which students have met in previous years. Each subdiscipline (IOPC) will contribute a range of practical activities to support the development of advanced practical skills within their subdiscipline, supporting concepts introduced in the theory modules, and preparing students for research-level practical work.

There will be a series of ‘core’ practicals that revisit and embed key practical skills from across chemistry, showing the application of existing skills outside of familiar contexts, to ensure the breadth of experience in practical skills is maintained at advanced level. A component of the core practicals will be a multi-part experiment that crosses the discipline, testing the interoperability of student skills.

Alongside this, students will take two groups of specialised experiments (chosen from four, one group each of IOPC), that will directly relate to their chosen areas of specialism in third year, introducing students to advanced specialised techniques directly relevant to research. This approach provides the level of specificity required, with minimal resource implications (by separating out students across a range of practicals, we minimise the number of repeat lab sessions run).

The experiments themselves will focus on more open-ended experiments with ambiguous outcomes, which are multi-step, allowing the interconnectivity of the skills to be put into practice, and to allow direct recognition of the limitations of individual techniques.

Experiments will build upon sustainability principles introduced in previous years. Students will apply these principles to directly evaluate the environmental impact of their practical work, and consider approaches to minimise this.

Students will be expected to employ best practise lab etiquette and ‘housekeeping’ throughout.

Assessment Proportions

This module provides essential laboratory experience to complement and reinforce theoretical chemistry concepts encountered in parallel taught modules and to prepare students for open-ended practical work undertaken in the project modules, a key requirement of Royal Society of Chemistry accreditation.?

The module is structured around four key areas of practical chemistry, focusing on inorganic, organic, physical, and computational chemistries, which students have met in previous years. Each subdiscipline (IOPC) will contribute a range of practical activities to support the development of advanced practical skills within their subdiscipline, reinforcing concepts introduced in the theory modules, and preparing students for research-level practical work.

There will be a series of ‘core’ practicals, that revisit key practical skills from across the full breadth of chemistry, to ensure coverage of experience in practical skills is maintained at advanced level. Four specialised experiment sets will be offered, covering each of IOPC. Students will choose the two sets of experiments that directly connect to their chosen areas of specialism in third year. This approach provides the level of specificity required at advanced level, with minimal resource implications for delivery (this approach will minimise the number of repeat lab sessions that need to run). The individual experiments will be designed to ensure parity of contact hours and more general student workload irrespective of the chosen pathway.

The module will be taught primarily via in-person supported open-ended practical activities taking place in the various Chemistry Teaching Laboratories, which are designed to build familiarity and fluency with key advanced and specialised research-relevant practical techniques, equipment, and data analysis skills. These will be supported by online asynchronous pre- and post-laboratory consolidation activities, to ensure that students engage fully with the material and are prepared for learning during the experiments and subsequent practical activities. These activities will also provide ongoing formative feedback throughout the module and allow students to self-reflect on their learning to date.?

As the individual experiments and components of the course cross-feed into each other, the sequencing of practical experiments and techniques is carefully curated to ensure pre-requisites are fully covered and key concepts and techniques are reinforced throughout. Practical experiments and analysis of data will also link to content covered in theory modules throughout the degree programme.?

The in-person contact for this module will be 80 hours of laboratory work across the teaching weeks and will be a sequence of practical laboratory experiments which build in complexity both in terms of practical skills, and data analysis and scientific communication skills.?

The module will be summatively assessed through three individual practical result portfolios; one for the ‘core’ experimental activity, and two further portfolios, each covering one of the areas of specialism.

These portfolios contain practical outputs from each experiment which include samples, lab book notes, spectral analysis, data analysis, and structured report and presentation activities. Formative assessment is included through pre- and post-laboratory activities along with formative practical feedback which allow students to receive feedback before a summative assessment included in the portfolios.

CHEM7151: Frontiers in Organic Chemistry

Terms Taught: Michaelmas
US Credits: 3 US Semester Credits
ECTS Credits: 5 ECTS Credits
Pre-requisites: Bachelor level or equivalent in Chemistry

CHEM7152: Frontiers in Materials Chemistry

Terms Taught: Michaelmas
US Credits: 3 US Semester Credits
ECTS Credits: 5 ECTS Credits
Pre-requisites: Bachelor level or equivalent in Chemistry

CHEM7153: Frontiers in Spectroscopy

Terms Taught: Michaelmas
US Credits: 3 US Semester Credits
ECTS Credits: 5 ECTS Credits
Pre-requisites: Bachelor level or equivalent in Chemistry

CHEM7154: Frontiers in Computational Chemistry

Terms Taught: Michaelmas
US Credits: 3 US Semester Credits
ECTS Credits: 5 ECTS Credits
Pre-requisites: Bachelor level or equivalent in Chemistry

NATS6201: Teaching, Outreach and Public Engagement

Terms Taught: Lent/Summer
US Credits: 5 US Semester Credits
ECTS Credits: 10 ECTS Credits
Pre-requisites: None