School of Chemistry - University of Birmingham · 2020-03-12 · aspects of synthetic (inorganic...

School of Chemistry

Study Abroad Modules 22020/21

The information contained within this booklet is accurate as of March 2020 however, it is subject to

change and not all options may be available in any particular year. Some option combinations are

only available if the timetable permits

Module Title: Inorganic Chemistry I

Module Code: 29216

Module Level: LC Credits: 20

Semester: Semester 1

Pre Requisites/Restrictions:

None

Module Description:

This module provides an introduction to inorganic chemistry. Material covered includes the

fundamentals of chemical bonding, atomic structure, periodic trends in key atomic properties and

VSEPR theory. This is then followed by introductory molecular orbital theory and consideration of

metallic and ionic solids. The module covers the synthesis, properties, reactivity and bonding found

for compounds of s- and p-block elements. The module also introduces the chemistry of the d-block,

including bonding, stability, reactivity and crystal field theory.

Assessment:

29216-01 : Exam : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (100%)

Module Title: Organic Chemistry 1a

Module Code: 33065




None

Module Description:

This module introduces some of the most conceptually and practically important reactions in

Organic chemistry. A mechanistic approach is adopted; that is, the behaviour of organic molecules is

explained by referring to simple molecular orbital descriptions of bonding and concepts such as

electronegativity and polarisation. A relatively narrow range of principles can then be used to

rationalise a diverse array of transformations. The module shows how organic molecules can be

constructed from simple starting materials or building blocks and how functional groups can be

added or manipulated accurately and with control.

Assessment:

100% Unseen Written Examination – The course is assessed through a single 1.5 hour (closed book)

written examination which contributes 100% to the module mark

Module Title: Fundamental Mathematics for Chemists

Module Code: 34179




None

Module Description:

This module introduces Chemistry students to a number of important mathematical techniques and

principles. The material presented is delivered within a chemistry context, i.e. with special emphasis

placed on its relevance to students of Chemistry and its application to chemical sciences/chemistry

problems. The topics to be covered include: Basic number manipulation and algebra; trigonometry,

graphs and equation solving; logs, exponentials and powers; statistics and errors; differentiation and

integration; complex numbers; matrices and the use of general mathematical manipulation to solve

problems in Chemistry.

Assessment:

To successfully complete the module, students are required to attempt the formative Mobius

assessments and attend the associated workshop activities.

Summative Assessment: The assessment for the module will be a combination of (i) an online

Mobius class test assessment which will assess the students’ knowledge, understanding and

application of the basic underlying mathematical techniques covered in the course (30%) and (ii) a

1hr written unseen examination at the end of the course (in the January examination period) in

which the students will be assessed on their knowledge and application of the more complex

techniques and problems covered in the course (70%).

Module Title: Practical Chemistry Ia1

Module Code: 34299




None

Module Description:

This is a laboratory-based module, covering aspects of laboratory safety, synthetic (inorganic and

organic) chemistry, measurement, separation and analysis. The module additionally involves

developing skills in informational retrieval, report writing, the interpretation of data, graphs and the

treatment of errors and the presentation of scientific investigations; training is provided in the use of

software packages where appropriate.

Included in the module is an introduction to applied spectroscopy, in particular the application of the

mainstream techniques of mass spectrometry, IR spectroscopy and NMR spectroscopy. Key is the

development of integrated problem-solving skills, i.e. using several spectroscopic techniques to

determine structure, which is achieved in a workshop setting.

The module also covers the fundamentals of analytical chemistry, in particular gravimetric and

titrimetric analysis (principles and practice), methods of instrumental analysis (UV-Vis

spectrophotometry, flame atomic absorption spectrometry and flame emission spectrometry). An

introduction to the theory as well as the practice of chromatography is given, including an overview

of GC and LC techniques and their application.

Assessment:

Assessment is entirely by coursework – pre-laboratory exercises, laboratory reports or online

assessments, assessment of laboratory notebook, completion of workshop tasks and in-lab assessed

tasks.

Module Title: Practical Chemistry Ib1

Module Code: 34307




None

Module Description:

This is a laboratory-based module, covering aspects of laboratory safety, synthetic (inorganic and

organic) chemistry, measurement, separation and analysis. The module additionally involves

developing skills in informational retrieval, report writing, the interpretation of data, graphs and the

treatment of errors and the presentation of scientific investigations; training is provided in the use of

software packages where appropriate.

The module also covers the fundamentals of analytical chemistry, in particular gravimetric and

titrimetric analysis (principles and practice), methods of instrumental analysis (UV-Vis

spectrophotometry, flame atomic absorption spectrometry and flame emission spectrometry). An

introduction to the theory as well as the practice of chromatography is given, including an overview

of GC and LC techniques and their application.

Assessment:

Assessment is entirely by coursework – pre-laboratory exercises, laboratory reports or online

assessments, assessment of laboratory notebook, completion of workshop tasks in-lab assessed

tasks.

Module Title: Year 3 Research Methodology I

Module Code: 29900

Module Level: LH Credits: 20



LI Practical Chemistry IIb2 - (03 34318) LI Practical Chemistry IIa2 - (03 34314) LI Practical Chemistry

IIa1 - (03 34312) LI Practical Chemistry IIb1 - (03 34317)

Module Description:

This is a laboratory-based module, extending the skills developed in Years 1 & 2 to cover advanced

aspects of synthetic (inorganic and organic) chemistry, measurement, separation and analysis.

Students take increased ownership in the design and planning of their laboratory work, some

elements of which may involve group work. The students carry out a smaller number of more

extensive practical investigations, allowing the areas to be studied in greater depth and providing

the students with training in how to conduct project work. The module is also designed to develop

and enhance their scientific communication skills, and associated skills such as searching the

literature. These activities are closely aligned to the experimental work being undertaken, aspects of

which are written up in the form of a research paper or presented orally. The module provides

valuable training for students who will be undertaking a major research project at Masters level.

Assessment:

Assessment is entirely by coursework – pre-laboratory exercises, assessed laboratory work,

assessment of laboratory notebook, scientific paper, oral presentation and completion of associated

skills workshop tasks.

Module Title: Organic Chemistry IIIa

Module Code: 33067




LI Organic Chemistry IIb - (03 33078) LI Organic Chemistry IIa - (03 33077)

Module Description:

This level 3 module builds on the knowledge, principles and concepts developed through pre-

requisite modules (LC Organic Chemistry Ia and Ib and LI Organic Chemistry IIa and IIb). The module

covers more advanced aspects of organic chemistry , and seeks to rationalise the outcome of

reactions and processes through the application of mechanistic theory and fundamental physical

principles.

Assessment:


written examination which contributes 100% to the module mark.

Module Title: Year 3 Chemistry Options A

Module Code: 33090




None

Module Description:

In this module students select from a range of courses reflecting modern, topical material aligned to

the current research interests of the School. The breadth of courses offered allow students to

specialise in those aspects of the discipline of particular interest to them.

Assessment:

This is dependent on the courses selected within the module; students should refer to the module

synopsis for further information. The majority of courses are assessed by a single end-of-Semester

examination, closed-book, of maximum duration 32 hours. Some courses are assessed by in-course

assessment, for example those requiring access to a computer workstation. For a student taking

courses that involve in-course summative assessment, the duration of the end-of-Semester

examination is reduced proportionately.

Module Title: Physical Chemistry IIIa

Module Code: 33669




LC Physical Chemistry I - (03 29223) LI Physical Chemistry IIb - (03 33698) LI Physical Chemistry IIa -

(03 33688)

Module Description:

The module examines in depth the fundamental properties of molecules and how we observe them,

building on the principles and concepts delivered in pre-requisite modules (LC Physical Chemistry I,

LI Physical Chemistry IIa and LI Physical Chemistry IIb). Areas covered include experimental

techniques and theory for probing and understanding atomic and molecular systems.

Assessment:



Module Title: Inorganic Chemistry IIIa

Module Code: 33983




LI Inorganic Chemistry IIa - (03 33991) LC Inorganic Chemistry I - (03 29216) LI Inorganic Chemistry IIb

- (03 34000)

Module Description:

This module applies the principles and concepts delivered in pre-requisite modules (LC Inorganic

Chemistry I, LI Inorganic Chemistry IIa and LI Inorganic Chemistry IIb) to a number of topical areas in

inorganic chemistry. The topics covered in this module include: transition metal chemistry and

homogeneous catalysis.

Assessment:



Module Title: Organic Chemistry IIa

Module Code: 33077

Module Level: LI Credits: 10



LC Organic Chemistry 1a - (03 33065) LC Organic Chemistry 1b - (03 33066)

Module Description:

This module builds upon the fundamental principles of structure, reactivity and bonding introduced

in Year 1 to develop a deeper understanding of the reactivity of organic molecules and how to

harness this in the selective synthesis of complex molecules. Students learn how to bring all of these

ideas together in the design of synthetic routes to complex organic molecules such as

pharmaceuticals, pesticides, dyestuffs and perfumes.

Assessment:



Module Title: Year 2 Chemistry Options A

Module Code: 33088




None

Module Description:

In this module students select from a range of courses reflecting modern, topical material aligned to

the current research interests of the School. The breadth of courses offered allows students to

specialise in those aspects of the discipline of particular interest to them.

Assessment:

This is dependent on the courses selected within the module; students should refer to the module

synopsis for further information. The majority of courses are assessed by a single end-of-Semester

examination, closed-book, of maximum duration 32 hours. Some courses are assessed by in-course

assessment, for example those requiring access to a computer workstation. For a student taking

courses that involve in-course summative assessment, the duration of the end-of-Semester

examination is reduced proportionately.

Module Title: Physical Chemistry IIa

Module Code: 33688




LC Physical Chemistry I - (03 29223)

Module Description:

This module builds upon the fundamental principles introduced in Year 1 to develop a deeper

understanding of quantum mechanics and atomic spectroscopy.

This module presents an introduction to quantum mechanics, starting from its development to

explain the failures of classical mechanics, and its applications in spectroscopy.

Assessment:



Module Title: Inorganic Chemistry IIa

Module Code: 33991




LC Inorganic Chemistry I - (03 29216)

Module Description:

This module builds upon the principles and concepts introduced in Year 1. The module begins with

an introduction to Molecular Symmetry and Group Theory. This is followed by a more in-depth look

at the chemistry of the d-block.

Assessment:



Module Title: Practical Chemistry IIa1

Module Code: 34312




LC Practical Chemistry Ib1 - (03 34307) LC Practical Chemistry Ib2 - (03 34309)

Module Description:

This is a laboratory-based module, extending the skills developed in Year 1 to cover further aspects

of laboratory safety, synthetic (inorganic and organic) chemistry, measurement, separation and

analysis, information retrieval, report writing, the interpretation of data, graphs and the treatment

of errors and the presentation of scientific investigations; training is provided in the use of software

packages where appropriate.

Included in the module is further applied spectroscopy, which is taught in a workshop setting and

underpins the experimental work.

Assessment:

Assessment is entirely by coursework – pre-laboratory exercises, laboratory reports and online

assessments, assessment of laboratory notebook, completion of workshop tasks.

Module Title: Practical Chemistry IIb1

Module Code: 34317




LC Practical Chemistry Ib1 - (03 34307) LC Practical Chemistry Ib2 - (03 34309)

Module Description:

This is a laboratory-based module, extending the skills developed in Year 1 to cover further aspects

of laboratory safety, synthetic (inorganic and organic) chemistry, measurement, separation and

analysis, information retrieval, report writing, the interpretation of data, graphs and the treatment

of errors and the presentation of scientific investigations; training is provided in the use of software

packages where appropriate.

Assessment:

Assessment is entirely by coursework – pre-laboratory exercises, laboratory reports and online

assessments, assessment of laboratory notebook.

Module Title: Applications of Supramolecular Chemistry

Module Code: 20493

Module Level: LM Credits: 10



The module is available to all students on the above programmes and is offered to suitably qualified

occasional students. For the latter, enrolment is determined on a case-by-case basis using academic

transcripts.

Module Description:

This module is composed of two components. The first considers supramolecular photochemistry,

and the course outlines the significance of supramolecular structures with useful functions ranging

from solar energy conversion systems and molecular electronics to drug delivery systems. The

second component of the module relates to supramolecular devices, and describes how concepts of

supramolecular chemistry may be applied to the design of functional materials; emphasis is placed

on recent developments and potential applications. Both components build on lecture material

delivered earlier in the programme.

Assessment:

Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (100%)

Module Title: Synthesis of Natural Products

Module Code: 20494




The module is available to all students on the above programmes and is offered to suitably qualified

occasional students. For the latter, enrolment is determined on a case-by-case basis using academic

transcripts.

Module Description:

The potential biological applications of many natural products provide one very important reason for

tackling their synthesis, and rising to the challenge of developing an elegant and creative approach

to the preparation of complex molecules is perhaps more of a driving force than synthetic chemists

would dare admit! This course discusses some of the issues that arise when devising a total

synthesis, and outlines some of the strategies which have been used to realise the total synthesis of

complex natural products. The course builds on lecture material delivered earlier in the programme.

Assessment:


Module Title: Bio-inorganic Chemistry

Module Code: 28079




None

Module Description:

This module is composed of two components. The first seeks to introduce the interdisciplinary field

of biomaterial science from the chemist’s perspective. Biomaterial science is the study and

application of materials to problems in biology and medicine. Biomaterials have been in use for

more than 2000 years, stretching back to the Romans, Chinese and Aztecs who used gold in

dentistry. Now advanced biomaterials are regularly employed in devices ranging from heart valves

and hip joint replacements, to many aspect of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Understanding

the chemistry of biomaterials is crucial in the development of their application. This course provides

an introduction to this chemistry by providing a general background to biomaterials science and

then focuses on the use of various materials, including polymers, alloys and ceramics, as

biomaterials in a range of biomedical devices. In the second component of the module, the

importance of metal ions in biology and their relative abundance in the body will be explored. The

topics to be covered include: hydrolytic enzymes; metallo-proteins and metallo-enzymes; up-take

and storage; and elements in medicine.

Assessment:

Bio-inorganic Chemistry : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (100%)

Module Title: Modern Methods for Molecular Synthesis

Module Code: 28080




None

Module Description:

The first half of the module will introduce and explore the chemistry behind a variety of new

methods for molecular synthesis based on transition metal catalysis. In addition to exploring the

synthetic utility of these methods in complex molecules, the course will focus on mechanistic

understanding of these approaches. The second half of this module looks at the strereoselective

synthesis of chiral molecules. The construction of chiral molecules is explored and analysed through

a number of case studies; a focus on the underlying reaction processes is designed to provide a

mechanistic understanding and an appreciation for the elegance of asymmetric synthesis.

Assessment:


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