Run by School of Natural Sciences

10.000 Credits or 5.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Dr Keith Hughes

This course provides an understanding of processes occurring at the interfaces between phases and puts in place an appreciation of modern experimental methods for studying such processes. In particular, the kinetics of processes occurring at solid surfaces, and chemistry occurring at electrode surfaces will be studied. Key concepts associated with surface structure and coverage is also covered.

The course is subdivided into 4 parts with a different lecturer teaching each part:

1. Processes occurring at electrode interfaces
2. Electron transfer kinetics at interfaces
3. Introduction to nanoscopic materials at the liquid-liquid interface.
4. TBC

Course Team: Dr C Gwenin (6 lectures), Dr K Hughes (6 lectures), Prof B Paizs (6lectures), Dr JThomas (6 lectures)

RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS ESSENTIAL READING Physical Chemistry, Atkins (OUP) Most recent edition of this as it is regularly updated. RECOMMENDED READING None SPECIFIC RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS FOR STUDENTS None

good

a) Knowledge and understanding of course content is good b) Problems of a familiar and unfamiliar nature are solved in a logical manner; solutions are generally correct and acceptable. c) Performance in transferable skills is sound and shows no significant deficiencies.

For students entering year 2 (level 5) after September 1st 2013 or MSc/MRes students, the threshold criteria are set as follows: Knowledge base covers all essential aspects of subject matter dealt with in the assignment and shows good evidence of enquiry beyond this. Conceptual understanding is good. Problems of a familiar and unfamiliar nature are solved in a logical manner; solutions are generally correct and acceptable. Performance in transferable skills is sound and shows no significant deficiencies.

excellent

a) Knowledge and understanding of course content is outstanding. a) Problems of a familiar and unfamiliar nature are solved with efficiency and accuracy; problem-solving procedures are adjusted to the nature of the problem. b) Experimental work is exemplary and shows a through analysis and appraisal of experimental results, with appropriate suggestions for improvement. c) Performance in transferable skills is generally very good.

For students entering year 2 (level 5) after September 1st 2013 or MSc/MRes students, the threshold criteria are set as follows: Knowledge base is extensive and extends well beyond the work covered in the assignment; conceptual understanding is outstanding. Problems of a familiar and unfamiliar nature are solved with efficiency and accuracy; problem-solving procedures are adjusted to the nature of the problem. Performance in transferable skills is generally very good.

threshold

a) Knowledge and understanding of course content is basic b) Problems of a routine nature are generally adequately solved; c) Transferable skills are at a basic level.

For students entering year 2 (level 5) after September 1st 2013 or MSc/MRes students, the threshold criteria are set as follows: Knowledge base covers all essential aspects of subject matter dealt with in the assignment; conceptual understanding is acceptable.
Problems of a familiar and unfamiliar nature are solved and solutions are acceptable. Performance in transferable skills is sound.

1. On completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate: Understand how different forces act at reduced dimensions.

2. On completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate: understanding of the nature and properties of fluid interfaces, particularly liquid-liquid interfaces.

3. On completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate: understanding of the following associated with surface science:Miller Index and Bravais-Miller Index notations, Tasker's Classfication of Ionic Surfaces, Surface Reconstruction vs Relaxation, Wood's and matrix notation for overlayers, and Surface coverage.

4. On completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate: understanding of the basic models for understanding mechanisms for bridge assisted long range electron transfer.

5. On completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate: understanding of processes occurring at electrode interfaces.

6. On completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate: understanding of electron transfer kinetics from a Marcus theory approach.

7. On completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate: application of Marcus theory for electron transfer along self-assembled monolayers.

Type	Name	Description	Weight
	Examination		100.00

		Hours
Lecture	The module has 24 one hours lectures scheduled at 2 lectures per week. Contact time:- 24 hours, private study 76 hours.	24
Private study		76

• Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
• Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
• Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.

• CC4 The ability to recognise and analyse problems and plan strategies for their solution
• CC5 Skills in the generation, evaluation, interpretation and synthesis of chemical information and data
• PS2 Skills in the employment of common conventions and standards in scientific writing, data presentation, and referencing literature
• PS3 Problem-solving skills, relating to qualitative and quantitative information
• PS4 Numeracy and mathematical skills, including handling data, algebra, functions, trigonometry, calculus, vectors and complex numbers, alongside error analysis, order-of-magnitude estimations, systematic use of scientific units and different types of data presentation
• SK2 Demonstrate a systematic understanding of fundamental physicochemical principles with the ability to apply that knowledge to the solution of theoretical and practical problems
• SK3 Gain knowledge of a range of inorganic and organic materials
• SK9 Read and engage with scientific literature
• CC1 the ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts,concepts,principles and theories relating to theSubject areasCovered in theirProgramme
• CC2 the ability to applysuch knowledge and understanding to thesolution of qualitative and quantitativeProblems that are mostly of a familiar nature

Compulsory in courses:

• F104: MChem Chemistry year 4 (MCHEM/CH)
• F106: MChem Chemistry with International Experience year 5 (MCHEM/CHIE)
• F101: MChem Chemistry with Industrial Experience year 5 (MCHEM/CIND)