Topics in Inorganic Synthetic Chemistry - CH622

Location	Term	Level	Credits (ECTS)	Current Convenor	2019-20
Canterbury	Autumn and Spring View Timetable	6	15 (7.5)	DR P Saines

Pre-requisites

Completion of Stage 2 of the following programmes: Chemistry (BSc); Chemistry (MChem) and Chemistry with year in Industry.

Restrictions

None

2019-20

Overview

‘Nanoscience will sculpt the scientific landscape of the 21st century.’ Here, you will be exposed to the synthesis of nanomaterials spanning nanoparticles, nanorods and porous architectures. You will learn how to control their shape, size, functionalisation and stabilisation. Solid-state reactions are introduced as well as high-pressure synthesis to prepare novel materials. The wealth of applications and potential applications of nanomaterials will be covered spanning: catalysis and quantum dots to nanomedicine. You will also synthesise nanomaterials in our chemistry laboratory. (Lab component.)

Details

This module appears in:

Physical Sciences Stage 2/3/4

Contact hours

Lectures given by a variety of teachers (24hrs); practical lab classes (18 hrs).
Total number of study hours: 150 hrs

Availability

This is not available as a wild module.

Method of assessment

40% coursework: 3 assignment (25%), lab reports (15%); 60% final exam (written unseen).

Indicative reading

Synthesis of Inorganic Materials, Ulrich Schubert, Nicola Husing, ISBN: 978-3-527-32714-0, Wiley.

See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)

Learning outcomes

Core and foundation scientific concepts, terminology, theory, units, conventions, and laboratory practice and methods in relation to inorganic synthetic chemistry.
Areas of inorganic synthetic chemistry including synthetic pathways of inorganic materials, such as sol-gel, "shake and bake" and high pressure synthesis.
Appreciate developments at the forefront of some areas of inorganic materials chemistry such as nanoparticles and catalysts.

Intellectual skills:

Ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of inorganic synthetic chemistry methods and to apply such knowledge and understanding to the solution of qualitative and quantitative problems in inorganic synthetic chemistry.

Ability to recognise and analyse problems in inorganic synthetic chemistry and plan strategies for their solution by the evaluation, interpretation and synthesis of scientific information and data.

Subject-specific skills:

Skills in the safe handling of chemical materials, taking into account their physical and chemical properties, including any specific hazards associated with their use and to risk assess such hazards.

Skills required for carrying out documented standard laboratory procedures involved in synthetic work in relation to inorganic systems. Skills in observational and instrumental monitoring of physiochemical events and changes. The systematic and reliable documentation of the above. Operation of standard analytical instruments employed in the chemical sciences.

The ability to collate, interpret and explain the significance and underlying theory of experimental data, including an assessment of limits of accuracy.

Transferable skills:

Communication skills, covering both written and oral communication.

Generic skills needed for students to undertake further training of a professional nature.

Problem-solving skills, relating to qualitative and quantitative information, extending to situations where evaluations have to be made on the basis of limited information.

Numeracy and computational skills, including such aspects as error analysis, order-of-magnitude estimations, correct use of units and modes of data presentation.

Interpersonal skills, relating to the ability to interact with other people and to engage in team working within a professional environment.

Time-management and organisational skills, as evidenced by the ability to plan and implement efficient and effective modes of working. Self-management and organisational skills with the capacity to support life-long learning.

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