Chemistry

Physical Chemistry of Molecules and Materials

Module code: F1701
Level 4
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Workshop
Assessment modes: Coursework, Unseen examination

In this module, you’ll explore the properties of materials and molecules in terms of energetics, structure and kinetics.

Thermodynamics determines the final destination of chemical and physical change. You’ll encounter the major thermodynamic quantities, including entropy, the Gibbs function and enthalpy. You’ll use these to describe the chemical composition of a system, through the quantitative description of the point of equilibrium.

You’ll also look at the rate of chemical change using elementary reaction, the reaction order and the activation energy. In addition, you’ll explore the physical chemistry of materials and their applications in the real world.

Module learning outcomes

• Explain and describe chemical and physical equilibrium and apply it to seen and unseen chemical systems.
• Explain the nature of heat, work, entropy, and free energy in association with physical changes and chemical reactions.
• Understand and apply the underlying concepts and principles of reaction kinetics.
• Demonstrate knowledge of crystal structures and the associated material properties.