Electrons in Atoms and Molecules (F1003)

30 credits, Level 4

Autumn teaching

The behaviour and properties of electrons are at the heart of chemical structure and chemical change.

This module introduces you to a comprehensive description of electrons in atoms and molecules, across the traditional subdivisions of physical, organic and inorganic chemistry.

You will work exclusively with quantum mechanical descriptions, applying the symmetry properties of atoms an molecules to simplify the description. You’ll develop a deep understanding of the quantum behaviour of atoms and molecules. You’ll also look at descriptions applicable to large systems, such as hybridisation for organic molecules.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 300 hours of work. This breaks down into about 66 hours of contact time and about 234 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.