The purpose of this module is to provide the learner with a detailed understanding of certain areas of physical chemistry at an advanced level, in particular reaction kinetics and molecular spectroscopy. The kinetics component consists of reaction kinetics, rate laws, experimental kinetics and transition state theory. This will also include the more applied areas of enzyme kinetics and pharmacokinetics. The spectroscopy component includes the quantum mechanical basis of quantization and degeneracy followed by applications to selected quantum mechanical models. This is followed by a detailed analysis of molecular spectra of small molecules. The theoretical aspects are underpinned by suitably chosen experiments which amplify and reinforce the lecture material.
Indicative syllabus covered in the module and / or in its discrete elements
Reaction Kinetics:
The rates of chemical reactions, kinetic experimental techniques, Rate Laws, Reactive encounters, Transition state theory, Dynamics of molecular collisions.
Enzyme kinetics – competitive, uncompetitive and non-competitive inhibition. Pharmacokinetics.
Quantum and Applied Spectroscopy:
The origin of quantization and degeneracy: solution of the Schrodinger wave equation for the particle in a box, rigid rotor and harmonic oscillator. Analysis of microwave, vibration-rotation and electronic spectra of small molecules. Determination of bond lengths, dipole moments, force constants and bond dissociation energies.
Laboratory component:
2 x 4 hour advanced practicals. Laboratory work is sourced from the School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory Manuals.
This module is delivered through lectures (20 hrs), problem solving in class, tutorials (4 hrs) and advanced laboratory classes (8 hrs).
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 75 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 25 |