The lecture course will cover major aspects of Physical Chemistry – thermodynamics, kinetics, spectroscopy. Thermodynamics will be investigated both from a “first principles” investigations of scientific laws and of the nature of matter, and from the viewpoint of applications to practical and technologically important systems: from an atomic / molecular approach to deductions from macroscopic observations. Applications to ideal and real systems will be considered. Reaction kinetics will consider simple collision theory, transition state theory, elementary gas phase reactions, the steady state approximation and chain reactions. There will a particular emphasis on the application of theory, on numerical problem solving and on experimental measurement.
Quantum Mechanics provides the theoretical foundation upon which a full understanding of the structures and properties of substances must be based. This module attempts to establish, as straightforwardly as possible, some of the basic concepts and calculations which are required to demonstrate such an understanding.
The theories and principles covered in this course underpin many aspects of chemical science, from fundamental understanding and advanced research through to industrial production, and are therefore important in their own right to a very wide range of interests. In addition, these studies promote scientific rigour, together with skills in data handling and investigation.
The Graduate Attributes relevant to this module are listed below:
Academic: Critical thinker: analytical, inquiring, knowledgeable, digital and numerical literate, problem solver, autonomous, incisive, innovative.
Personal: Effective communicator, influential, motivated
Professional: Collaborative, research minded, ambitious, driven.
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