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Module details for 2025/26.

30 credits

FHEQ Level 4

Module Outline

The behaviour and properties of electrons lie at the conceptual heart of chemical structure and chemical change. This module will introduce a comprehensive description of electrons in atoms an molecules across the traditional subdivisions of physical, organic and inorganic chemistry. We will work exclusively with quantum mechanical descriptions, applying the symmetry properties of atoms an molecules to simplify the description. This will allow us to develop a deep understanding of the quantum behaviour of atoms and molecules, prior to introducing descriptions applicable to large systems such as hybridisation for organic molecules.

Module learning outcomes

Use and describe some of the simple quantum mechanical models and apply them to more sophisticated systems to predict and interpret seen and unseen data both quantitatively and qualitatively

Describe the quantum mechanical description of the structure of the atom and use it to interpret and predict quantitative and qualitative data from atomic and molecular systems in their ground and excited states.

Interpret seen or unseen data from atomic and molecular systems using a variety of models appropriate to the system.

Predict electronic structure and properties of atomic and molecular systems.

Describe molecular systems using different and complementary conceptual frameworks leading to quantitive and qualitative predictions.

Apply symmetry and group theory to atomic and molecular problems in order to develop symmetrically correct descriptions of molecular structure.

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Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Prof Hazel Cox

Convenor, Assess convenor
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