CHE-30043 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Students must have studied either CHE-20059 or CHE-20065.

Barred Combinations

CHE-30058

Description for 2024/25

In this 15 credit module you will cover solid state and surface chemistry, with an introduction to heterogeneous catalysis. The module builds on material that you have been taught at FHEQ Level 5, and provides an introduction to modern materials chemistry, including the characterisation and design of materials for specific applications.
Materials chemistry can provide the solution to many of the world's energy problems. Semiconductors are the key growth area for the materials world, both academically and industrially. They provide the backbone to electronics in all portable devices and offer the fastest route to decarbonisation through photovoltaics. In this module you will learn the solid state chemistry principles behind these materials and how they are prepared and characterised on both laboratory and industry scales. You will also learn about porous materials and their applications to modern catalysis.

This module aims to develop the principles of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry introduced at FHEQ Level 5 and covers basic solid state and surface chemistry, together with an introduction to porous materials.

Intended Learning Outcomes

evaluate systematically and critically the chemical, physical and structural properties of various materials and solid surfaces: 1,2
communicate effectively how defects in solid structures can affect the properties of bulk materials: 1,2
evaluate critically methods for analysis of solid materials and surfaces and apply these principles to solve problems: 1,2
describe and explain the correlation between bonding in solids and their structures, and derive band structures for metals, insulators and semiconductors: 1,2
describe and explain how semiconductors are synthesised and prepared industrially: 1,2

Study hours

Lectures and Workshops: 24 hours
Guided independent study and revision: 126 hours

School Rules

Students must have studied either CHE-20059 or CHE-20065.

Description of Module Assessment