Chemistry is a core science subject that touches almost every aspect of our daily lives and will become increasingly important in our future knowledge-based society. Chemists develop life-saving drugs, medical devices, materials and sensors that can enhance our quality of life and environment beyond measure.
Four-year MChem degrees and five-year MChem (with a Year in Industry) degrees are available for high-calibre students with the ability and aspiration to practice Chemistry at the highest levels.
Featuring a common curriculum in the first Semester which offers the possibility of transfers between the departmental subjects. The interface between science and engineering provides a unique environment for teaching and research.
Chemistry with Study Abroad highlights
Student Experience
The School is targeting two of the biggest challenges of the 21st century – Sustainability and Healthcare. As the UK’s only combined Chemistry and Chemical Engineering School within the Russell group, we are expertly placed to equip the next generation of scientists to address these issues.
Career Development
QUB Chemistry degrees provide skills sets that have applications in diverse chemical industries, education and research. Employers in these and other sectors recognise the level of problem solving, data analysis, communication skills and creativity that our degrees require.
World Class Facilities
Significant investment has resulted in the installation and use of some of the most modern instrumentation available as well as a new state of the art digital learning platform.
Further Study Opportunities
There are excellent opportunities to study for MPhil and PhD degrees – over 80% of the School’s research was judged to be internationally excellent or world leading. The MSc in Pharmaceutical Analysis is a highly sought after and innovative taught Masters.
Global Opportunities
Queen’s has student exchange agreements with over 150 universities across Europe and beyond for Study Abroad courses.
While providing dedicated subject-specific learning, our Chemistry degrees strongly emphasise opportunities to develop generic problem-solving and reflective-working practices applicable to a range of career paths and patterns of employability.
Many of the elements of the BSc are in common with the MChem programme, and allow students to transfer between the two pathways, subject to meeting the appropriate programme requirements.
All degrees are modular, with six modules each year. All provide a thorough training in the main subject areas (Analytical, Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry) through compulsory core modules which offer in-depth study of these areas.
Stage 1
In the first semester Chemistry students study a common programme with the Chemical Engineers, giving them an understanding of how the two subjects relate to each other and an opportunity to transfer if they decide they are better suited to the other discipline (subject to transfer requirements). Key to this is a course structure permitting students to study both introductory Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.
In the second semester Chemistry students continue on the modules which cover the fundamental subject areas of Chemistry: Analytical, Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry.
Stage 1 courses are outlined below:
Organic Chemistry Level 1
Inorganic Chemistry 1
Physical Theory 1
Introductory Mathematics for Chemists and Engineers
Introduction to Chemical Products and Processes
Stage 2
Students are required to take six modules of chemistry, designed to extend their knowledge of the traditional subject areas of analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, in addition to introducing aspects of applied chemistry, spectroscopy and theoretical chemistry. Each of the modules contain both practical and coursework components allowing students to develop, practice and demonstrate a wide range of professional skills.
Stage 2 courses are outlined below:
Structural Chemistry
Quantum Theory, Spectroscopy and Bonding
Organic Chemistry 2
Inorganic Chemistry 2
Physical Chemistry 2
Industrial and Green Chemistry
Stage 3
Placement Year
Students spend their third year in an overseas academic institution then return to Queen's for a final year of study.
Stage 4
Stage 4 courses are outlined below:
Chemical Research Project
Stage 4 optional modules (3 out of 5 required):
Advanced Organic Chemistry
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
Advanced Physical Chemistry
Options in Applied, Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry
Frontiers in Drug Development
Different pathways in the discipline of Chemistry offer other opportunities to specialise. The specialist pathways available consist of additional elements which are detailed below:
BSc Chemistry with a Year in Industry:
Students spend their third year working in industry - subject to the availability of a suitable placement - then return to Queen's for a final year of study.
MChem Chemistry with a Year in Industry:
Students spend their fourth year working in industry - subject to the availability of a suitable placement - then return to Queen's for a final year of study.
BSc Medicinal Chemistry:
Students take modules which include Biochemistry, Genetics and Medicinal Chemistry, and undertake a medicinal or biological project.
There are also BSc Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in Industry, MChem Medicinal Chemistry and MChem Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in Industry courses.
Chem & Chemical Engineering Professor Swadzba-Kwasny is the Director of the QUILL Research Centre. Her research concerns ionic liquids and other advanced liquid materials.
Contact Teaching Hours
Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial
2 (hours maximum) 2 hours of tutorials (or later, project supervision) each week
Medium Group Teaching
6 (hours maximum) 6 hours of practical classes or workshops each week; laboratory hours will increase as more project work is undertaken at Levels 3-4 (as applicable)
Large Group Teaching
7 (hours maximum) 7 hours of lectures or seminars; (similar learning outcomes in the Study Abroad institution should apply to all categories)
Personal Study
24 (hours maximum) 22–24 hours studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using handouts, online activities, etc.
Learning and Teaching
At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high-quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.
On the MChem Chemistry with Study Abroad we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts and develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society. We make use of innovative technologies and a world class library to enhance their development as independent, lifelong learners.
Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:
Directed self-study
This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, preparation for seminars / tutorials, writing of laboratory reports can be completed. You are encouraged to undertake private reflection on feedback, and at the later stages undertake independent research using the primary literature to support project work and critically review taught course material.
E-Learning technologies
Information associated with lectures and assignments is typically communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Canvas. Opportunities to use IT programmes associated with data manipulation and presentation are embedded in the practicals and the project- based work.
Lectures
Introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).
Personal Tutor
Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor during Level 1 and 2 who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic and professional development through the discussion of selected topics.
Practicals
These are essential to the training in this laboratory based subject area. You will have opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts. Most of the core taught modules at Stages 1 and 2 have practical components associated with them, whilst stage 4 has a triple - weighted practical module (Chemistry Research Project). Typically at stage 1 you would be in the lab for two afternoons and in stages 2 and 4 it is two full days a week.
Seminars/tutorials
Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 6-10 students). These provide an opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers. You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups as well as using them as a route to providing individual feedback.
Supervised projects
In the final year, you will be expected to carry out a significant piece of research on a topic or practical methodology that you have chosen. You will receive support from a supervisor who will guide you in terms of how to carry out your research. The supervisor and a second academic member of staff will formally meet, interview and review the work at the half way stage, and then provide support in the write up stage, although weekly contact is anticipated in most projects within the School.
Assessment
Details of assessments are associated with this course are outlined below:
The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students through the VLE.
Feedback
As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:
Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
Face to face comments. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
Placement employer comments or references.
Online or emailed comments.
General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
Comments and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.
Facilities
Investment continues to be made in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering extending our range of facilities. The well-equipped research laboratories are augmented by excellent computational facilities and some of the most modern instrumentation available. The School has recently invested in a lab containing 18 brand new analytical instruments, from HPLC, GC and mass spectrometers, to FT-IR, UV-Vis and Fluorescence spectroscopy, dedicated to the training of analytical techniques.
Further information can be found here:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofChemistryandChemicalEngineering/Discover/Facilities/ https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofChemistryandChemicalEngineering/Discover/Facilities/
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
NAME CONTRIBUTION
Dr A. Doherty
A.P.Doherty@qub.ac.uk Kinetics (6 hours lectures, 2 hours seminars)
Electrochemistry (5 hours lectures, 1 hour seminar and 1 tutorial)
Dr M. Huang
m.huang@qub.ac.uk Laboratory Classes
Dr P. Kavanagh
p.kavanagh@qub.ac.uk Phase Equilibria, (10 hours lectures, 3 hours seminars, 2 hours assessment); Laboratory Classes
Dr L. Moura
l.moura@qub.ac.uk Basic Thermodynamics, (8 hours lectures, 4 hours seminars and 1 tutorial)
Dr L. Stella
l.stella@qub.ac.uk Computer Workshops (6 hours)
Dr J. Thompson
jillian.thompson@qub.ac.uk Chemical Equilibria (10 hours lectures, 3 hours seminars); Laboratory Classes
Dr J. Vyle
j.vyle@qub.ac.uk Physical Chemistry Aspects of Drug Design (6 hours lectures, 3 hours seminars and 1 tutorial)
Lecture content
Chemical Equilibria (10 hours lectures, 3 hours seminars):
1.1 Introduction to physical chemistry: review states of matter and introduction to ideal gases and ideal solutions, enthalpy and internal energy, Hess cycles, heat capacity and heat transfer.
1.2 Chemical Equilibria: Definitions and calculations involving equilibrium constants Kc and Kp, including examples of homogeneous and heterogeneous equilibria (Ksp). Definitions and calculations involving enthalpy of solution and lattice energy. Application of Le Chatelier’s Principle to determine the effect of change in concentration, pressure, temperature and catalyst on the composition of the reaction mixture and the equilibrium constant. The Common Ion Effect.
1.3 Acids and Bases: Definitions of conjugate acid and base; strong and weak acids and bases. Calculation of pH, pKa and pKb. The special case of water Kw and pKw Terminology in acid/base titrations, calculation of pH at the end point, and indicators. Definition of a buffered solution and calculation of its pH. Examples of polyfunctional acids and their behaviour in titrations.
Phase Equilibria (10 hours lectures, 3 hours seminars, 2 hours class test – first semester):
2.1. Phase Change: Phase changes including melting temperature, boiling temperature, density and molar volume, lattice energy, bond dissociation energy, enthalpy of vaporisation, introduction to entropy.
2.2. One Component Systems: Phase equilibria in single component systems using simple
P-T diagrams, the phase rule. Vapour pressure – temperature relationships: the Clapeyron and Clausius-Clapeyron Equations, the Antoine Equation.
2.3. Two-component systems (vapour-liquid equilibria of ideal systems): Raoult’s Law, Dalton’s Law and Henry’s Law applied to ideal two component systems, volatility and relative volatility, constant pressure diagrams (x,y and T-x,y) and the Lever rule.
2.4. Introduction to non-ideal solutions: An azeotrope being a mixture that vaporizes and condenses without a change in composition; a eutectic being a mixture that freezes and melts without change of composition.
2.5. Colligative properties: Relative lowering of vapour pressure, boiling point elevation and boiling point depression in binary solutions containing non-volatile solutes; osmotic pressure.
Kinetics (6 hours lectures, 2 hours seminars):
3.1. Key concepts: Elementary reactions, reaction molecularity, molecularity vs. stoichiometry, definition of reaction rates, calculating reaction rates from experimental data, writing differential rate laws, reaction orders, order vs. molecularity, reaction rate constants, initial rates method, integrated rate laws (how and why), collision and transition state theories, Arrhenius rate law and activation energy, reaction kinetics in relation to reaction mechanism. Catalysis. Methods of measuring reaction rates.
3.2. Derivation of rate equations: Derivation of zero, 1st and 2nd rate laws, experimental data analysis and visualisation, Obtaining reaction orders and rate constants by the initial rates method. Analysing data using integrated rate laws and making predictions.
3.3. Collision and transition state theories: The Arrhenius equation. Activation by collision and the collision theory. Measurement of activation energies.
3.4. Classes of reaction: Simple gas phase reactions. Chain and branched chain reactions. Reactions in solution, reactions of solids, catalysed reactions.
Basic Thermodynamics, (8 hours lectures, 4 hours seminars and 1 tutorial):
4.1. Summary review. Thermodynamics and the concepts of temperature, heat/energy flow and thermal equilibrium. Introduction to enthalpy, work, internal energy, zeroth law of thermodynamics, the first law of thermodynamics, state function, standard conditions, enthalpy of formation.
4.2. The direction of spontaneous change. Spontaneous vs non-spontaneous change. Entropy as criterion for spontaneous change. Reversible and irreversible processes. Classical and molecular basis of entropy.
4.3. The second law of thermodynamics. Examples and calculations using standard entropies; entropy changes with volume, temperature, phase transitions and chemical reactions.
4.4. Absolute entropy and the third law of thermodynamics.
4.5. Chemical equilibrium: Gibbs energy and spontaneity, energy minimum, direction of chemical change and influence of enthalpy and entropy. Variation of Gibbs energy with temperature, pressure and concentration. Gibbs energy relationship with equilibrium and the equilibrium constant. Examples and calculations.
4.6. Gibbs energy and phase equilibria. The thermodynamics of transition. Review of one component and two component phase diagrams. Liquid-liquid equilibria, phase separation, critical solution temperature, distillation of partially miscible liquids. Examples of extractions, separations and molecular interactions.
Electrochemistry (5 hours lectures, 1 hour seminar and 1 tutorial) :
5.1. Introduction to Electrochemistry: Equilibrium vs. Dynamic Electrochemistry classification; Units / dimensions electronic charge, coulombs; Review of Faraday’s Law; What is an electrode? Redox reactions at electrodes; Charge separation at interfaces and interfacial electric potential; Spontaneous vs. non-spontaneous charge separation; “Kinds” of electrodes; Electrode potentials = ΔG / -nF; Nernst equations for different “kinds” of electrodes; Effects of temperature and concentration on electrode potentials; Importance of the Standard Hydrogen Electrode.
5.2 Electrochemical Cells: Electrochemical series; Electrochemical cells, net cell reactions, cell diagrams; Calculating cell potentials, ΔG overall and K, equilibrium constant; Calculating solubility of salts from cell potential measurements; Calculating cell potentials from thermodynamic data; H2/O2 fuel cell description / performance; Cell thermodynamics, potentials vs. ΔS (entropy changes) relationship.
Physical Chemistry Aspects of Drug Design (6 hours lectures, 3 hours seminars and 1 tutorial):
6.1 Introduction to the physical properties of drugs and their targets: Recognising hydrogen bond donors and acceptors in biomolecules and in API’s (especially β-lactam antibiotics); binding affinities and selectivity; screening potential drug molecules using Lipinski’s Rule; prodrug activation strategies.
6.2 Basic Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics: Quantitative dose response curves and rates of elimination.
Laboratory Classes (21 hours):
Students will be divided into groups. Each group will carry out 7 different experiments (3 hrs each):
P1 The Catalysed Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide in Aqueous Solution;
P2 Buffers and pH Measurement;
P3 Phase Transfer and Solubility of I3-;
P4 Concentration Cells and Electrode Potentials;
P5 Enthalpy and Entropy of Vaporisation;
P6 Determination of the Activation Energy of a Reaction;
P7 Visualisation of 3D structure of a medicinal chemistry compound.
Both an individual COSHH assessment and pre-lab assessment as well as an individual post-lab report will be submitted for each experiment as indicated on Canvas.
Computer Workshops (6 hours):
Students will attend two computer-based workshops
Using Excel for calculation and graphing
Using Excel for statistical analysis
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module a learner should be able to:
Explain and use equations to describe chemical systems at equilibrium.
Describe the general principles of phase equilibria as applied to single and binary component systems.
Understand and apply the basic rules of chemical kinetics.
Describe and apply the general principles of the first and second laws of thermodynamics.
Describe equilibria of electrochemical cells and discuss applications of electrochemical theory.
Explain the chemistry of drug design and interaction.
Improved practical skills:
General chemical and engineering laboratory skills including estimation of experimental error.
Increased awareness of laboratory health and safety requirements.
Use of Excel for calculations and graphing.
Use of ChemDraw for presentation of chemical structures.
Gained transferrable skills:
Basic thermodynamic, kinetic and electrochemistry knowledge, basic laboratory skills, use of ChemDraw, Excel and estimation of error in experimental results.
Skills
Skills associated with module:
Thermodynamic and kinetic problem solving (including numerical), Excel-based calculations, graphing. General chemical and engineering laboratory skills including statistical analysis.
In addition,
Communication – spoken during practicals, tutorials and seminars and written in lab reports, tutorials, class tests and exam.
Numeracy – basic algebra and calculus.
Improved independent learning and time management.
Problem-solving –solving problems in exams, tutorials, seminars and practicals.
Safe handling of chemical materials, taking into account their physical and chemical properties, including any specific hazards associated with their use. Accurate measurement and recording of data and appreciation of error.
Standard laboratory procedures involved in physical chemistry.
NAME CONTRIBUTION
Prof. Paul J. Stevenson
p.stevenson@qub.ac.uk
Introduction to Organic Chemistry and Functional Group Chemistry Part 1
(18 Lectures, Seminar); Oxidation And Reduction REDOX Processes (6 Lectures, Tutorial, Seminar)
Semester 1 CHM1101 Practical Class Coordinator
Dr. Kirill Tchabanenko
k.tchabanenko@qub.ac.uk
Infrared, NMR and Mass Spectroscopy (6 Lectures, Tutorial, Seminar); Aromaticity and Aromatic Chemistry (6 Lectures, Tutorial, Seminar)
Semester 2 CHM1101 Practical Class Coordinator and Module Cordinator
Dr Paul Dingwall
p.dingwall@qub.ac.uk
Carbonyl Chemistry and Acidity (6 Lectures, Tutorial, Seminar)
1 Revision Lecture, 1 Tutorial
Module Coordinator
Dr Stephen Cochrane
s.cochrane@qub.ac.uk
Organic Chemistry Workshops (3 x 2h Workshops)
Contents:
SEMESTER 1
INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC CHEMISTRY (Prof. P. J. Stevenson):
Structural formula to represent organic compounds, identify isomers and convert structural formula to molecular formula.
Conformation, stereoisomerism sequence rule and diastereoisomerism.
Role of mechanism in Organic Chemistry. Recognition of nucleophiles, electrophiles and bases
Chemistry of common organic functional groups, Structure and prediction of chemistry and reactivity.
Electrophilic addition to alkenes and alkynes.
Electrophilic substitution of aromatic compounds.
Chemistry of alcohols and conversion to alkyl halides
SN1, SN2, E1, and E2 mechanisms.
Chemistry of amines
The chemistry of the carbonyl group. Nucleophilic addition, substitution by nucleophilic addition elimination.
SEMESTER 2
OXIDATION AND REDUCTION REDOX PROCESSES (Prof. P J Stevenson):
Definition of REDOX processes.
Functional group interconversions based on REDOX processes.
Classes of oxidants including oxygen, ozone, N-oxides, peroxides, peroxyacids, transition metal and p-block elements in high oxidation states.
Classes of reductants including hydrogen, hydrides of boron and aluminium, and electropositive elements such as sodium and magnesium.
CARBONYL CHEMISTRY AND ACIDITY (Dr P. Dingwall)
Develop an understanding of the pKa and pKaH scales.
Appreciate how the pKaH scale can be used to determine nucleophile strength and leaving group ability.
Reason through the factors that affect the stability of a conjugate base and appreciate how to use this knowledge to predict approximate pKa values and positions of equilibrium.
Understand factors that govern nucleophilic addition to the carbonyl group.
Understand the differences between acid and base catalysed mechanisms.
Understand factors that govern nucleophilic substitution at the carbonyl group.
Be able to predict whether a nucleophilic substitution to a carbonyl group is likely to proceed.
Appreciate the differences in reactivity of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds
Understand the factors that control the regioselectivity of 1,2- vs 1,4-addition in such α,β-unsaturated systems
Understand the impact of kinetic and thermodynamic control in organic reactions.
AROMATICITY AND AROMATIC CHEMISTRY(Dr K. Tchabanenko):
The Huckel Rule of Aromaticity
The bonding in benzene: concepts of resonance, delocalisation and aromatic stabilisation.
Nomenclature of substituted aromatics.
Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution Reactions: mechanisms and prominent (name) reactions: nitration, halogenation, acylation, and alkylation.
Directing Effects in Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution Reactions.
Aromatic amines and diazonium salts: preparation and reactions of.
Electrophilic substitution of heteroaromatic compounds.
Diazotisation of aniline, Nucleophilic substitution of diazonium species. Preeparation of phenols.
Synthesis and strategies in preparation of polysubstituted benzenes.
INFRARED, NMR AND MASS SPECTROSCOPY (Dr K. Tchabanenko):
The electromagnetic spectrum. Energy absorption.
IR Spectroscopy
Hooke's Law approximation, stretching and bending vibration modes.
IR spectrometers.
Characterisation by IR spectroscopy - group frequencies, finger print region.
Specific group frequencies - C-H stretch, (bend), C=C and C=C stretch, O-H stretch, N-H stretch, C=O stretch (and factors affecting it), C=N stretch, o-, m-, p-bend in mono- and disubstituted benzene derivatives.
Uses of IR spectroscopy.
A Brief Introduction to 1H NMR Spectroscopy
The Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectrometer.
Examples of 1H NMR spectra of various small organic molecules.
The concepts chemical shift variation; shielding and deshielding effects. Spin-Spin Splitting and the (n+1) rule.
Applications of spectroscopic methods in structure identification.
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY WORKSHOPS (Dr Stephen Cochrane):
Practice and application of all the chemistry covered in this course
SN1, SN2, E1, and E2 reactions
Carbonyl chemistry
REDOX chemistry
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the student will:
On successful completion of this module students will:
Have a good working knowledge of the fundamental reactions and reagents of synthetic organic chemistry and of the chemistry of important, commonly-encountered, organic functional groups.
Be capable of drawing basic organic reaction mechanisms and have a good awareness of key stereochemical principles and factors determining organic molecule reactivity.
Begin to develop an understanding of the pKa scale and its uses for understanding reactivity
Understand and rationalise reactivity of nucleophilic addition and substitution at the carbonyl group
Be able to use IR, UV/VIS, Mass and NMR spectroscopies to help determine the structures of organic molecules.
Master the rudiments of practical experimental organic chemistry.
Skills
Learners are expected to demonstrate the following on completion of the module:
You will learn how to take good notes from lectures.
You will begin to understand the principles of mechanistic organic chemistry and ‘curly-arrow’ pushing, and learn the basic language that we speak in the organic chemistry world.
You will learn how to preform functional group interconversions build simple acyclic molecules from simple, readily-available organic chemical starting materials and basic chemical feedstocks.
You will become familiar with how to do organic chemical reactions in the laboratory.
Staff:
Dr A. C. Marr a.marr@qub.ac.uk
General Chemistry (18 Lectures); Skills Workshop – Essential calculations for practical chemistry.
Prof. Małgorzata Swadzba-kwasny m.swadzaba-kwasny@qub.ac.uk Main Group Chemistry (10 Lectures, 2 Seminars); Skills Workshop – Scientific Writing and researching skills.
Prof. Stuart James s.james@qub.ac.uk
Introduction to Coordination Chemistry (10 Lectures, 2 Seminars)
Prof. Peter Nockemann p.nockemann@qub.ac.uk
Introduction to Solids (10 Lectures, 2 Seminars)
Dr P C Marr p.marr@qub.ac.uk
Skills Workshop – Laboratory Skills.
Contents:
Elements, Atoms, ions, electrons and the periodic table:
This course aims to give an introduction to the fundamental principles of atoms from the chemists’ viewpoint. Starting from a simple model and using the results of quantum mechanics a more appropriate model of the atom is presented. From this model trends in atomic and ionic properties which enable us to explain differences and similarities and predict the properties of different elements can be deduced.
The following topics are covered:
The Basics: Element, The periodic table, atom, mole...
The Atom: The Bohr Atom.
The Electron: Wave-Particle Duality and The Schrödinger Wave Equation, Probability Density, Radial Distribution Function, Orbitals, Quantum Numbers, s and p Orbitals, Phase, d Orbitals.
More than One Electron: Filling orbitals, The aufbau principle, The Pauli Exclusion Principle, Hund’s rules, Penetration, Shielding, Effective Nuclear Charge, Slater’s Rules, Size.
Trends: Ionization energy, Electron attachment enthalpy (affinity), Electronegativity, Ionic radii, Polarizability and polarizing power, Hydration enthalpies, Redox potentials.
Structure and Bonding:
This course introduces some important theories of bonding. Theories of bonding are discussed in some detail for discrete molecules. The discussion of bonding in molecular species centres on the valence bond and molecular orbital theories.
Intermolecular forces between molecules are also discussed.
Introduction to bonding: Discussion of types of structure and common bonding theories, examples of representative structures.
Hormonuclear Diatomic Molecules: Interatomic distance and covalent radii, Potential energy curves, attractive and repulsive forces, bond energy and enthalpy. Lewis structures, filled shells, the octet rule. Wavefunction, introduction to valence bond theory and molecular orbital theory, Valence bond theory: ionic and covalent contributions, resonance; Molecular orbital theory: molecular orbitals, linear combinations of atomic orbitals, orbital overlap, bonding and antibonding orbitals, MO diagrams, some shapes of MO’s, labelling MO’s, examples of simple MO diagrams, bond order.
Heteronuclear Diatomic Molecules: Lewis structures, valence bond approach, Molecular orbital theory, energy matching, symmetry, non bonding orbitals; electronegativity, electric dipole moments, carbon monoxide, isoelectronic molecules.
Polyatomic Molecules: Metal complexes and covalent polyatomics, coordination number, common geometries, molecules obeying the octet rule, valence bond theory, expanding the octet, hybridization (sp, sp2, sp3, sp3d, sp3d2), formal charge, single, double and triple carbon-carbon bonds, molecular shapes; molecular orbital theory: ligand group orbitals; comparison of VB and MO, macromolecules, fullerenes, proteins and hydrogen bonding.
Intermolecular Forces: Van-der-Waal forces, strength of forces.
Introduction to solids with extended structures: metals and semi-metals, ionic solids and covalent solids.
Main Group Chemistry:
Definitions: Oxidation Number and State, Valency.
Brønsted and Lewis acidity and basicity; hard and soft principles.
Chemistry of the s-block.
Introduction to the chemistry of the p-block elements, emphasizing:
Halides and hydrides.
Multiple bonding.
Molecular geometries (VSEPR theory).
Effective atomic number rule (Octet Rule).
Hypervalency.
Hydrogen Bonding.
Introduction to Coordination Chemistry:
Introduction to coordination chemistry of the d-block elements.
Trends and generalized properties, oxidation states.
Complexes and ligands, (Lewis acids / bases).
Co-ordination number, geometry, denticity, and chelates.
Nomenclature
Isomerism; geometrical, optical, ionisation, hydration, ligand, linkage and co-ordination.
Crystal field theory d-orbital splitting in octahedral, tetrahedral and square planar complexes, Δ, high / low spin.
Exploration of thermodynamic stability.
Redox Potentials
Introduction to Solids:
States of matter and intermolecular forces
Structure, energy and chemical bonding of solids
Basic principles of chemistry in the solid state
Structures of the elements, packing of spheres and metal structures
Relationship between electronic structure, chemical bonding and crystal structure
Salts, metals, ceramics, semiconductors and polymers
Basic chemical and physical properties of solids
Applications in materials chemistry
Skills Workshops
Scientific writing and researching skills
Laboratory Skills
Essential calculations for practical chemistry
Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes:
At the end of the module the students are expected to:
• understand electronic configurations and the fundmanetals of bonding
• understand Brønsted and Lewis acidity.
• determine the oxidation state, valency and molecular geometry in simple inorganic compounds.
• have a general overview of s and p-block chemistry.
• have a general overview of d-block chemistry
• have a general overview of the principles of chemistry in the solid state
• perform simple synthetic procedures following a method.
• Obtain and analyse data from physico-chemical phenomena.
Skills
Skills associated with module:
(All below are practised only):
Communication – some spoken during practicals and help sessions but in general written.
Numeracy – Level 3 attainment in maths and numbers
Improving own learning & performance – Basic level of time management
Problem-solving – Basic level of solving problems in exams, class tests. seminars and laboratories.
Safe handling of chemical materials, taking into account their physical and chemical properties, including any specific hazards associated with their use.
Standard laboratory procedures involved in synthetic and analytical work.
Introductory Mathematics for Chemists and Engineers
Overview
STAFF
NAME CONTRIBUTION
Dr L. Stella
l.stella@qub.ac.uk Weeks 1-5: Lectures (10 hrs); Tutorials (10 hrs).
Dr B. Xiao
b.xiao@qub.ac.uk Weeks 9-12: Lectures (8 hrs); Tutorials (8 hrs).
Dr M. Huang
m.huang@qub.ac.uk Weeks 6-8: Lectures (6 hrs); Tutorials (6 hrs).
Demonstrators Tutorials (22 hrs)
Detailed Syllabus – Lectures (26 Hours):
Note: The following topics may be slightly rescheduled to meet the class requirements or due to unforeseen contingencies.
Week 1: Foundation maths (2 hrs, only for non A-level Maths students)
Why Maths? Numbers (integers, decimals, significant figures, scientific notation); Formula and algebraic manipulations; Role of units.
Week 2: Introduction (2 hrs):
Representing chemical data; linear dependence; equation of the line; interpolation; parabolic behaviour; inverse proportionality (hyperbolic behaviour); Cartesian representation of a function (analytic geometry); Implicit representation (circle, ellipse).
Week 3: Basic Functions I (2 hrs):
Polynomials; the parabola again; intersects and solution of second order equation; higher order equation; factorisation of polynomials; rational functions; singular points; drawing a rational function (the concept of limit); simplification of rational functions.
Week 4: Basic Functions II (2 hrs):
Circular functions (trigonometry); drawing circular functions (periodicity); waves; trigonometric identities; inverse functions; power laws; properties of powers; rational exponent; drawing power laws (rate of growth);
Week 5: Basic Functions III (2 hrs):
Real exponents (rational approximation); the exponential function; properties of the exponential; the logarithmic function (inverse of the exponential); properties of the logarithms; hyperbolic functions (link with the exponential function).
Week 6: Differentiation I (2 hrs):
Local behaviour of functions; finding the tangent line; definition of the derivative; derivatives polynomials and simple functions; Newton's method to find the roots of an equation; higher derivatives.
Week 7: Differentiation II (2 hrs):
Differentiation rules; derivatives of rational function; differentiation of complicated expressions (tricks); partial differentiation; differentiation of implicit functions (thermodynamic applications).
Week 8: Differentiation III (2 hrs):
Geometric application of the derivatives; minima and maxima; inflection points;
Week 9: Integration I (2 hrs):
The problem of measuring area; thermodynamic examples; the construction of the integral (Riemann); integration as the inverse of differentiation; simple integrals; improper integrals.
Week 10: Integration II (2 hrs):
Integration rules (by parts, by change of variables); Integrations of common functions (tricks); Integration of the solid of revolution.
Week 11: Integration III (2 hrs):
Integrals that cannot be computed analytically; numerical integration (trapezium and Simpson rules); analysis of the errors.
Week 12: Complex numbers (2 hrs):
Why complex numbers? the imaginary unit; the fundamental theorem of algebra; Adding and multiplying complex numbers; the complex conjugate; dividing complex numbers; polar representation; De Moivre's formula; complex exponential; Euler's formula; links to the circular functions.
TUTORIALS (22 hours):
Note: The following topics may be slightly rescheduled to meet the class requirements or due to unforeseen contingencies.
Week 1: Foundation maths (2 hrs)
Week 2: Introduction (2 hrs)
Week 3: Basic functions I (2 hrs)
Week 4: Basic functions II (2 hrs) – CANVAS Quiz (20%)
Week 5: Basic functions III (2 hrs)
Week 6: Differentiation I (2 hrs)
Week 7: Differentiation II (2 hrs)
Week 8: Differentiation III (2 hrs) – CANVAS Quiz (20%)
Week 9: Integration I (2 hrs)
Week 10: Integration II (2 hrs)
Week 11: Integration III (2 hrs
Week 12: Complex numbers (2 hrs) – CANVAS Quiz (20%)
Week 13: Class test (40%)
Learning Outcomes
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of the module, students will be able to:
• Recognize and manipulate an appropriate range of mathematical tools required in chemistry and chemical engineering.
• Demonstrate the application of mathematics to solve routine chemistry and chemical engineering problems.
• Model simple chemistry and chemical engineering processes.
In particular, students will be able to solve problems involving:
• Polynomials and elementary functions
• Cartesian representation of functions
• Numerical solution of nonlinear equations
• Differentiation and its applications
• Integration and its applications
• Complex numbers
Skills
SKILLS ACQUIRED:
Students will grow their confidence in identifying and applying mathematical tools required to progress their studies in either chemistry or chemical engineering. During the module, students will practice:
• Logical thinking
• Critical assessment of a mathematical derivation
• Independent and group learning
NAME CONTRIBUTION
Dr Robin Curry
r.curry@qub.ac.uk
3 Lectures (6. Energy generation; 7. Introduction to unit operation processes)
2 Workshops (Energy generation)
Dr Nicole Gui module co-ordinator
m.gui@qub.ac.uk
6 Lectures – 1. Introduction to Chemical Industry; 4. Materials and Energy Balances;
15 Workshops – 2. Materials and Energy balances; 5.3; 5.5; 5.7.
Dr Patricia Marr
p.marr@qub.ac.uk
6 Lectures (3. Principles of green and sustainable chemistry)
2 Workshops (Sustainable chemistry)
Dr Kevin Morgan
k.morgan@qub.ac.uk
6 Lectures ¬– 2. Unit Conversion and Dimensional Analysis; 5. Introduction to Chemical Manufacturing Processes (5.1, 5.2, 5.4; 5.6)
5 Workshops – Units conversion and dimensional analysis; Case studies of industrial processing and manufacturing.
Detailed Syllabus – Lectures/Tutorials (21 hours/24 hours):
1. Introduction to Chemical Industry (Lec. 2 hrs.) Dr N. Gui
1.1. Introduction to chemical industry. 1.2. Background and development of the Chemical Industry. 1.3. The future of chemical industry. 1.4. Introduction to sustainable processing.
2. Unit Conversion & Dimensional Analysis (Lec. 2 hrs. Work. 2 hrs.) Dr K. Morgan
2.1. System of units and unit conversion. 2.2 Physical properties. 2.3. Dimensional analysis. 2.4. Dimensionless groups.
3. Principles of Green & Sustainable Chemistry (Lec. 6 hrs. Work. 2 hrs.) Dr P. Marr
3.1. Principles of Green Chemistry. 3.2. Examples of green and sustainable Chemistry in practice.
4. Material and Energy Balances Dr N. Gui
4.1. Material balances: (Lec. 2 hrs. Work. 4 hrs.)
-single unit and multiple unit systems under steady state condition.
-Material balance for steady-state reaction system.
4.2. Energy balances: (Lec. 2 hrs. Work. 4 hrs.)
-single unit and multiple unit system under steady state condition.
-energy balance for steady state reaction system.
4.3. Steam tables (Work. 4 hrs.)
5. Introduction to Chemical Manufacturing Processes (Lec. 4 hrs. Work. 6 hrs.)
5.1. Introduction to product and process design. 5.2. Strategies of product and process design. 5.3. Flow diagrams. 5.4. Environmental and safety considerations. 5.5. Waste reduction and resource management. 5.6. Risk assessment. 5.7. Reporting design data. 5.8. Case studies of industrial manufacturing processes: process, applications, and environment pollution (workshops)
6. Energy generation (Lec. 3 hrs. Work. 2 hrs) Dr R. Curry
6.1. Introduction. 6.2. Renewable energy generation. 6.3. Bioenergy system.
Renewable Energy Generation – Group projects:
For renewable energy generation, students will be divided into small groups and given a consultancy brief to provide advice to a locally-based company on an outline design of a Gasifier Plant, to provide renewable energy for their manufacturing facility. Each group must review the range of gasifier designs currently in operation and based on this review, to produce a final report with recommendations for the most suitable design choice, to be submitted for assessment at the end of the semester.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module a learner should be able to:
Understand the essential professional requirements of the chemical industry
Understand the idea of sustainable processing in the chemical industry.
Understand the role of chemistry in modifying chemical properties.
Explain key factors in chemical product design and development.
Describe key physical properties of materials.
Demonstrate knowledge of unit conversion and dimensional analysis techniques relevant to chemistry/chemical engineering calculations.
Discuss the principles of green chemistry.
Understand the principles of material and energy balances
Apply the principles of materials and energy balances in solving problems related to chemical processes.
Understand relevant elements associated with chemical engineering, such as renewable energy generation and bioenergy system.
Produce simple process flow diagrams based on written process descriptions.
Describe the ethical principles related to the chemical industry and the consequences of unethical practices.
Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of health, safety and environmental management in the chemical process industry.
Skills
Skills associated with module:
STEM – Core skills in underlying physics, chemistry and maths and biology are applied to solving problems including dimensional analysis, mass and energy balances, efficiency calculation and economic evaluation.
Independent and team working - Group and individual assessments.
Analytical – Evaluation of data and its use in design.
Communication – discussion of important factors in the chemical industry and the presentation of data including written reports.
Learning and management - Improving time management.
Staff:
Prof. S. Bell (Room LG/432A)
s.bell@qub.ac.uk
Rotational Spectra (4 Lectures/workshops)
Introduction to Computational Chemistry
(5 Lectures/workshops)
Prof. A Mills (Room 01.401)
andrew.mills@qub.ac.uk
Photochemical Kinetics (6 Lectures/1 tutorial)
Dr Ian Lane (module co-ordinator; Room 0G.123)
i.lane@qub.ac.uk
Quantum Theory And Atomic Structure
(12 Lectures/Lectures/Workshops);
Quantum Mechanics And Chemical Bonding
(6 Lectures/workshops),
Content:
1. QUANTUM THEORY AND ATOMIC STRUCTURE (12 Lectures/workshops) Lecturer: Dr Lane
Basic quantum theory: Planck and quantization: Einstein and the explanation of the photoelectric effect
Old quantum physics: the Zeeman effect and Stern-Gerlach experiments: the discovery of electron spin: Aufbau Principle: the failure to describe the helium atom and Anomalous Zeeman effect
Quantum mechanics: Solving the Schrödinger equation for the hydrogen atom and understanding the radial and angular wavefunctions
The coupling of spin and orbital angular momenta, fine structure and the complete explanation of the Stern-Gerlach and Zeeman experiments.
Atomic spectroscopy and selection rules for electric dipole transitions.
The problem of electron correlation and solving the energy levels of helium (perturbation theory): symmetric and antisymmetric wavefunctions. The Pauli Principle and its application in quantum statistics: experimental proof of Exclusion Principle. Explaining why helium triplet states must be antisymmetric orbital wavefunctions.
2. QUANTUM MECHANICS AND CHEMICAL BONDING (6 Lectures/workshops)
Lecturer: Dr Lane
The quantum mechanical explanation of chemical bonding: exchange integrals. Some basic principles of chemical bonding: Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals, (LCAO) method applied to homonuclear & heteronuclear diatomics and ‘orbital mixing’.
Drawing molecular orbital energy diagrams for 1st and 2nd row diatomics: application to hydrides.
Parity and wavefunctions: molecular Term Symbols and the Wigner-Witmer rules for diatomic molecules.
Basic rules of molecular electronic spectroscopy: Franck Condon principle, zero-point energy and vibrational wavefunctions.
A brief introduction to bonding in symmetric triatomic molecules: Walsh diagrams and the explanation of molecular geometry.
3. ROTATIONAL SPECTRA (4 Lectures/workshops) Lecturer: Prof. Bell
Rotational spectroscopy. Quantized rotational energy levels of molecules. Experimental methods.
Treatment of rigid diatomic molecules: energy levels, selection rules, reduced mass, moments of inertia, isotope effects.
Determination of bond lengths in diatomic molecules using rotational spectroscopy. Non-rigid rotors. Rotations of polyatomic molecules.
Analytical applications of molecular rotational resonance spectroscopy.
Appearance of rotational fine structure in vibrational spectra, PQR and PR profiles.
4. PHOTOCHEMICAL KINETICS (6 Lectures/1 Tutorial) Lecturer: Prof. A Mills
Photochemical kinetics and techniques
The Stern-Volmer equation and deviations from it.
Photochemical techniques: (i) single photon counting, (ii) phase modulation and (iii) flash photolysis.
5. INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY (5 Lectures/workshops) Lecturer: Prof. Bell
Introduction to computational methods and software packages.
Inputting molecular structures. Energy minimization using force field methods.
Quantum mechanical methods for energy determination. Basics of density functional theory. Energy minimization using Hartree-Fock and DFT methods. Local minima and local maxima. Structure prediction using DFT, comparison with X-ray values.
Visualizing molecular orbitals and quantitative prediction of molecular energy levels.
Prediction of spectroscopic properties of molecules using QM treatments. Calculation of electronic spectra of conjugated hydrocarbons and dyes.
Prediction of vibrational spectra, visualization of normal modes of vibration and calculation of intensities.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module students should:
• be able to explain the basic concepts and terminology of quantum mechanics, as applied to systems of chemical interest and have a general awareness of experimental evidence for quantization;
• have an awareness of the need for approximate methods in quantum mechanics e.g. the variational principle, self-consistent field theory, perturbation theory;
• understand chemical bonding in simple quantum mechanical terms, applied to diatomic and triatomic molecules;
• describe the basic features of rotational spectra of diatomic molecules and vibration-rotation spectra of di- and simple poly-atomic molecules;
• be able to use computational chemistry methods to model the structures of molecular compounds, calculate their energy levels and predict their spectroscopic properties.
• appreciate the basics of photochemistry and the use of spectroscopic techniques to unravel the kinetics of reactions.
• be able to discuss the symmetry properties of simple molecules (e.g. tri- and tetra- atomic);
• understand the role of the Pauli principle in the nature of atomic and molecular wavefunctions, the derivation of Slater determinants and the basis for the Hartree – Fock method.
Skills
At the skills level, the module focuses on abilities relating to numerical problem solving in which practice is given in areas of spectroscopy and simple quantum mechanics.
In the compulsory practical element, skills relating to the conduct of laboratory work in spectroscopy are practised.
NAME CONTRIBUTION
Dr. A.C. Marr
a.marr@qub.ac.uk Introduction to the Chemical Industry 8 Lectures, seminars. Process Design Project Facilitator- Six 2-hour workshops and final 3-hour presentation workshop.
Dr. P.C. Marr
p.marr@qub.ac.uk Module Co-ordinator; Introduction to Polymers I -10 Lectures, seminars; Introduction to Polymers II – 4 Lectures, Seminars. Process Design Project Facilitator- Six 2-hour workshops and final 3-hour presentation workshop.
Dr. G. N. Sheldrake
g.sheldrake@qub.ac.uk Introduction to Green Chemistry - 8 Lectures; Process Design Project Facilitator - Six 2-hour workshops and final 3-hour presentation workshop.
Introduction to the Chemical Industry:
The Chemical Industry is based on the efficient transformation of simple building blocks into increasingly complex and higher value-added intermediates and products. This short introduction to the subject will demonstrate how important industrial chemicals can be synthesised using catalysed reactions, starting from the feed stocks of the current chemical industry: fossil fuels.
From fossil fuels to chemicals.
Comparison of homogeneous, heterogeneous and bio-catalysis.
Heterogeneous catalysis and the synthesis of building blocks: CO, H2, NH3, olefins.
Large scale homogeneous processes.
Separations in homogeneous catalysis.
Introduction to industrial biocatalysis for chemical synthesis.
Introduction to Green Chemistry:
This course will introduce the concepts of “green” chemistry and the development of a sustainable future for chemical manufacture. Topics covered will include techniques for greener synthesis and the application of these techniques to real industrial problems. Topics covered will include:
The case for sustainability in chemical manufacture; the twelve principles of “green chemistry”; methods for evaluating and comparing the “greenness” of chemical processes
Greener reaction media: supercritical fluids, ionic liquids, sustainable organic solvents, solventless processes.
The green chemist’s toolbox: an introduction to enzyme-catalysed transformations; heterogeneous acids and bases; greener reductions and oxidations;
Greener process design.
Case studies.
Introduction to Polymers l:
This course will introduce the topic of applied materials. The course will include an introduction to polymers, polymer synthesis and applications of polymer from bulk to medical. The course will introduce green approaches to polymer synthesis and polymer recycling.
Introduction to polymers.
Overview of structure property relationships.
Biopolymers and polymers from renewable feedstocks
Polymers for medicine (structural, pharmaceutical)
Polymer recycling
Introduction to Polymers II:
Polymer characterisation, analysis, and industrial applications.
Industrially important bulk polymers.
Will include case studies of industrially important polymer manufacture. Discussion on scale up.
Coursework assignments.
Process Design Project:
This exercise will provide an opportunity to work in teams using principles of industrial and green chemistry to design a chemical manufacturing process.
Introduction to the Chemical Industry:
The Chemical Industry is based on the efficient transformation of simple building blocks into increasingly complex and higher value-added intermediates and products. This short introduction to the subject will demonstrate how important industrial chemicals can be synthesised using catalysed reactions, starting from the feed stocks of the current chemical industry: fossil fuels.
From fossil fuels to chemicals.
Comparison of homogeneous, heterogeneous and bio-catalysis.
Heterogeneous catalysis and the synthesis of building blocks: CO, H2, NH3, olefins.
Large scale homogeneous processes.
Separations in homogeneous catalysis.
Introduction to industrial biocatalysis for chemical synthesis.
Introduction to Green Chemistry:
This course will introduce the concepts of “green” chemistry and the development of a sustainable future for chemical manufacture. Topics covered will include techniques for greener synthesis and the application of these techniques to real industrial problems. Topics covered will include:
The case for sustainability in chemical manufacture; the twelve principles of “green chemistry”; methods for evaluating and comparing the “greenness” of chemical processes
Greener reaction media: supercritical fluids, ionic liquids, sustainable organic solvents, solventless processes.
The green chemist’s toolbox: an introduction to enzyme-catalysed transformations; heterogeneous acids and bases; greener reductions and oxidations;
Greener process design.
Case studies.
Introduction to Polymers l:
This course will introduce the topic of applied materials. The course will include an introduction to polymers, polymer synthesis and applications of polymer from bulk to medical. The course will introduce green approaches to polymer synthesis and polymer recycling.
Introduction to polymers.
Overview of structure property relationships.
Biopolymers and polymers from renewable feedstocks
Polymers for medicine (structural, pharmaceutical)
Polymer recycling
Introduction to Polymers II:
Polymer characterisation, analysis, and industrial applications.
Industrially important bulk polymers.
Will include case studies of industrially important polymer manufacture. Discussion on scale up.
Coursework assignments.
Process Design Project:
This exercise will provide an opportunity to work in teams using principles of industrial and green chemistry to design a chemical manufacturing process.
The students will be allocated a project in which they will be asked to solve a problem. “The company” will ask them to take an existing process and improve on it using their Green Chem. knowledge. They will work in groups to produce a report outlining their findings and also present their recommendations by means of a conference style scientific poster presentation. An individual written report of the development of the process will also be produced.
The style is intended to mirror the type of problem a team may be asked to solve in the workplace.
Workshop sessions:
Talk from careers service (PD)
Project group allocation (kick off session) (GNS) (ACM) (PCM)
Life cycle analysis (GNS).
Literature and the library (IB).
Plagiarism (CL DC).
Report writing and scientific communication skills (PCM).
Biocatalysis (SM, ALMAC - if available to present a guest lecture)
The sessions are split: The presentation is the first hour, the second hour is timetabled to provide the students a space and time for groupwork and give students the opportunity to embed the content of the workshop into their final report and presentation. Staff will be available to provide feedback and give guidance on the project.
These exercises (PCM ACM GNS) contribute:
10% Group Report 1(intro and LCA).
25% Group report 2 (Written Design Project report).
10% individual Design Project report.
15% Group Poster Presentation.
Laboratory session (GNS + PCM):
laboratory on green chemistry/biocatalysis
This exercise contributes: 20%
Class test 20% (PCM)
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module a learner should be able to:
Have learned about where industrial chemicals come from
Have learned about new classes of chemicals and chemical structure and how physical, chemical and mechanical properties of these relate to their applications
Have a working knowledge of how organic functionality can be built up from simple feedstocks.
Have an appreciation of the sorts of considerations important to the application of chemistry to industrial problems
Have earned about industrially important polymers and polymer synthesis, including greener methods and recycling
Have an appreciation of key applications of polymers learned the principles and synthetic techniques underlying green chemistry
Have an appreciation of how these techniques are applied to industrial-scale syntheses
Have an appreciation of how these principles are used in the design of more sustainable and selective industrial chemical manufacturing processes.
Skills
Learners are expected to demonstrate the following on completion of the module:
Subject specific skills, and transferable/employability skills.
Students will have developed skills in:
Report writing (written communication in a scientific style)
problem solving through teamwork
The application of technical principles to complex real-world design problems
communication and presentation of scientific results
numeracy
IT
Self management
Interview skills.
Staff: Contribution:
Dr. K. Tchabanenko Module Co-ordinator, 6 lectures, 1 seminar on Reagents for C-C Bond Formation, Lab supervisor, Workshop facilitator, Class Test examiner.
Dr. P. Knipe 6 lectures, 1 seminar on Alicyclic Chemistry, 6 Lectures on Stereochemistry, Lab supervisor, Workshop facilitator, Class Test examiner.
Dr. K. Tchabanenko 6 lectures, 1 seminar on Reactive Intermediates, Lab supervisor, Workshop facilitator, Class Test examiner.
Dr. G. Sheldrake 6 lectures, 1 seminar on Heterocyclic Chemistry, Lab supervisor, Workshop facilitator.
Dr. J. Vyle 6 lectures,1 seminar on Primary metabolites.
Summary of Lecture Content:
1. Reagents for C-C Bond Formation
Lecturer: Dr. K. Tchabanenko E-mail address: k.tchabanenko@qub.ac.uk
6 Lectures
Detailed synopsis:
Carbon-electrophiles and carbon-nucleophiles. Relative acidities of CH bonds and bases. Organo-magnesium, lithium, zinc and copper reagents as C-nucleophiles: formation, structure and reactivity. Malonates, enolates, enamines and reactions thereof. Decarboxylation of -ketoacids.
Wittig reaction. Chemoselectivity and protecting groups. Role of Lewis acids in organic chemistry.
2. Alicyclic Chemistry
Lecturer: Dr P Knipe E-mail address: p.knipe@qub.ac.uk
6 Lectures, 1 seminar
Detailed synopsis:
This course describes the structures of carbon-based ring systems. Ring strain will be used to rationalize the conformational preferences of these molecules. The thermodynamics and kinetics of ring formation as a function of ring size will be discussed. Baldwin’s Rules governing kinetically-controlled ring-closing reactions will be introduced. Where relevant, frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) will be used as a tool to explain conformation and reactivity.
Key strategies for the synthesis of cyclic compounds:
(i) Cyclization reactions – to include intramolecular alkylation (SN2-like) of enolates; Dieckmann condensation; Robinson ring annulation; ring-closing metathesis.
(ii) Cycloadditions reactions – to include carbene insertion e.g. Simmons-Smith (cyclopropanes); [2+2]-photocycloaddition (cyclobutenes); Diels-Alder [4+2] cycloaddition (cyclohexenes).
(iii) Ring expansion and contraction reactions – to include Favorskii, Wolff and Tiffeneau-Demjanov rearrangements.
Detailed synopsis:
Radicals
Reintroduction to radicals, homolytic bond strengths and cleavage, radical stabilities, radical precursors, initiators and acceptors, nucleophilic and electrophilic radicals, chain reactions, halogenations, cyclisations, rearrangements, substitutions, aromatic radical chemistry, oxidations, deoxygenations and reductions, hydrogen abstractions.
Carbenes and Nitrenes
Structure (singlet vs. triplet), stability, synthesis, N-heterocyclic carbenes, cyclopropanation, aziridination, C-H insertion, benzoin and Stetter reactions, rearrangements, ring expansions, reactions of dichlorocarbene, uses in synthesis.
4. Natural products: The Primary Metabolites
Lecturer: Dr. J. Vyle E-mail address: j.vyle@qub.ac.uk
6 Lectures and 1 workshop.
Detailed synopsis:
• Introduction to primary metabolites (1 lecture)
Understand biological relevance of each class of compound; know basic structures of monomers and polymers; D- / L- and - / -descriptors.
• Carbohydrate chemistry (2 lectures)
Selective hydroxyl-group protection / activation; chemical glycosylation strategies,
/-anomeric control.
• Nucleoside chemistry (2 lectures)
Preparation of nucleosides with modified and unmodified sugars, nucleobases, phosphate esters.
• Amino acid chemistry (1 lecture)
Selective protection of side-chain functional groups and -amines.
5. Heterocyclic Chemistry
Lecturer: Dr. G. Sheldrake E-mail address: g.sheldrake@qub.ac.uk
6 Lectures, 1 seminar
Detailed synopsis:
This course introduces the properties, chemistry and synthesis of aromatic heterocyclic compounds. Material will include:
• six-membered heterocycles: pyridine and derivatives; quinolines and isoquinolines. Structure, aromaticity and preparation. Amine reactions. Electrophilic and nucleophilic substitution. Oxidation and reduction, substituted pyridines and substituent reactivity.
• five-membered ring heterocycles: pyrrole, thiophene, furan and derivatives. Indole. Structure and reactivity. Electrophilic and nucleophilic substitution.
• rings containing more than one heteroatom: pyrimidine and purine: natural occurrence and importance in biology. Imidazoles, oxazoles, thiazoles, triazoles, tetrazoles: reactivity and applications in synthesis.
Coursework assignments:
1. NMR Spectroscopy Workshop
Facilitators: Dr. G. Sheldrake, Dr. K. Tchabanenko, Dr. P. Knipe
Two 3-hour workshops
Please note that these workshops will take place on the first or second day of term and are compulsory.
These workshops are designed to teach the principles of NMR spectroscopic interpretation which is a fundamental skill in organic chemistry and will be required many times in organic and inorganic practicals and Level 3 / Level 4 projects. The course will provide an introduction to an NMR spectroscopic software package (Bruker TopSpin) which enables the user to determine the parameters of a spectrum and extract data such as chemical shift, integration and coupling constants. Working in small groups (2-3) you will be given NMR spectra of some simple organic compounds along with some basic rules and guidelines and asked to identify the structures from the spectra.
2. Class Test
Set and marked by: Dr. K. Tchabanenko and Dr. P. Knipe
1 hour during Week 9
There will be a Class Test in Week 9 of the semester which will test your knowledge and understanding of the first three lecture courses. This is an important and compulsory element of the coursework and contributes 5% towards the overall module mark.
3. Practical Experiments
Lab Supervisors: Dr. G. Sheldrake, Dr. P. Knipe Dr. K. Tchabanenko
Organic Chemistry is a practical subject and this course of six experiments is designed to teach many of the key skills required for synthetic organic chemistry, such as chromatography, distillation, crystallisation, spectroscopic characterisation, as well as providing practical examples of some of the important reactions encountered in the lecture material. The course will also provide practice in preparing experimental reports in the correct chemistry literature styles.
Full details of the practical programme will be provided in the CHM2003 Laboratory Manual.
4. Tutorials
Tutors: members of the Organic Teaching Staff
Five 1-hour tutorials, fortnightly from Week 4 (plus revision tutorial if requested)
The lecture material will be supported by small group (≤ 6) tutorials held in weeks 4, 7, 9, 10 and 12. The tutorials will be structured around questions from a tutorial booklet, circulated at the beginning of term, but these sessions are also an opportunity to discuss aspects of the course material that are causing problems or are difficult to assimilate.
Full details of the tutorial programme will be provided in the CHM2003 Tutorial Booklet.
Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes:
Upon completion of the module the student will have:
* An understanding of chemical terminology, nomenclature and conventions, to be achieved through the recognition and application of reagents e.g. electrophiles/ nucleophiles, carbocations, carbanions, radicals, carbenes and nitrenes.
* Some appreciation of new types of chemical reactions in the context of reagents for carbon carbon bond formation, cyclisation reactions, condensation reactions and ologosaccaride formation.
* An ability to compare and contrast the distinctive structural and electronic features of the main classes of heterocyclic compounds.
* A knowledge of the principal synthetic methods for preparing heterocycles and examples of reactions typical of each class.
* A knowledge of the chemical structure of primary metabolites including sugars, oligosaccharides and nucleotides, the key reactions used for their formation.
* Direct experience of the practical application of key reagents, reactions and analytical techniques in synthetic organic chemistry e.g. organometallic reagents, C-C bond formation reactions, cyclisations, chromatographic separation and spectroscopic analysis.
Skills
Learners are expected to demonstrate the following on completion of the module:
Subject specific skills will have been acquired by the students. The practical skills will be improved via longer and substantially more complex experiments, and more rigorously assessed reports (compared to the first year module). In addition, students will have acquired skills in experimental reporting in the correct style for peer-reviewed journals.
Prof. A. Mills
andrew.mills@qub.ac.uk
Introduction to Practicals (1 Lecture); Basic Reaction Kinetics (8 Lectures, and 1 tutorial.); Thermodynamics (7 Lectures, 1 tutorial and 1 class test); Photochemical Kinetics and Techniques (5 Lectures, and 1 tutorial).
Dr. A. Doherty
a.p.doherty@qub.ac.uk
Surfaces and Interfaces (6 Lectures, and 1 tutorials); Dynamic Electrochemistry (3 lectures)
Content:
Introduction to Practicals:
* Introduction to the basic material necessary for the performing of the practicals as well as a focus on the context of these practicals with respect to the courses taught in the module.
Basic Reaction Kinetics:
* Basic reactor design, energy and mass balance and basic reactor kinetics. Introduction to reaction kinetics; * rate law and reaction order, reaction stoichiometry, molecularity, elementary and non-elementary reactions, limiting reactant, %conversion, order of reaction, single and multiple reactions, parallel and series reactions, multi-step processes, Arrhenius equation, manipulation and use of rate equations; * interpretation of experimental kinetic data; * integrated rate equations, equilibria kinetics.
Thermodynamics:
* Review of H, S and G functions, the laws of thermodynamics and Hess’s law. * Kirchhoff’s equation, Trouton’s Rule. Calculation of DH, DS and DG at temperatures other than 298 K. * The reaction Gibbs Energy, Chemical equilibrium and mixing and the Van’t Hoff Reaction Isotherm. * The Van’t Hoff Reaction Isochore, the Classius-Clapeyron equation and vapourisation. * The Clapeyron equation and melting. * Concept of activities and chemical potentials. * Ideal and real mixtures (Raoult’s and Henry’s laws). * Fractional distillation. * Phase equilibria. * Colligative properties. * Derivations of equations for elevation of boiling point, depression of freezing point and osmotic pressure. * Mean activity coefficient. * Activity vs. concentration; activity coefficient and its calculation from the Debye-Hückel equations (limited and extended). * Thermodynamic and concentration equilibrium constants. * Solubility and solubility products. * The 'Thermodynamics' section of the course will only be examined in the open book class test, i.e. no 'Thermodynamics' based question will appear on the exam paper.
Surfaces and Interfaces:
* Solid-Solid, Gas-Liquid, Liquid-Liquid, Liquid-Solid and Gas-Solid * Review of important applications * Surface thermodynamics * Surface energy, surface tension, interfacial tension, surface phenomena and surface characteristics * Absorption, adsorption and reactions on surfaces * Physisorption, * Chemisorption, * Empirical and derived adsorption isotherms; * Linear, * Freundlich * Langmuir * BET * Adsorption thermodynamics * Adsorption kinetics and mechanisms * Adsorption’s role in heterogeneous catalysis * Adsorption and surface chemistry in chromatography * Thermodynamics of mass distribution between phases.
Dynamic electrochemistry:
* Revision of the Nernst equation, electrodes, electrochemical cells, cell thermodynamics. * Galvanic cells vs. electrolytic cells. * Electrochemical Kinetics * Tafel equation * Butler-Volmer equation * Transfer coefficient / symmetry factor * Over-potential, kinetic and mass transfer * Exchange current density * Charge transfer resistance * Heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant * Corrosion mechanisms and corrosion rates measurement * Electrical capacitance, structure of the electrode/electrolyte interface, electrochemical double layer capacitance, energy stored in a capacitator.
Photochemical Kinetics and Techniques:
* The course will examine the Stern-Volmer equation and deviations from it. The techniques to be studied will be: (i) single photon counting, (ii) phase modulation and (iii) flash photolysis.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module a learner should be able to:
apply basic principles of thermodynamics and kinetics, physical chemical separation and their applications to selected chemical systems and dynamic electrochemistry. In particular students will be familiar with the basic terminology used in thermodynamics and kinetic and physical chemical separation and be confident to apply these principles to physical processes and chemical transformations.
Skills
Learners are expected to demonstrate the following on completion of the module:
Students will develop practical skills to collect and analyse experimental data illustrating thermodynamic and kinetic principles and have general understanding of chromatographic techniques including HPLC, GC, ion chromatography, size-exclusion chromatography and affinity chromatography, electrophoresis, centrifugation and phase separation and the basic principles and methods used in dynamic electrochemistry.
Staff:
Dr. Nockemann Contribution: 7 lectures, 2 seminars and 2 workshops in crystal chemistry, X-ray diffraction and crystallography
Dr. Lagunas Contribution: 7 lectures, 2 seminars and 2 workshops in symmetry, vibrational spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
Dr. James Contribution: 7 lectures, 2 seminars and 2 workshops in NMR spectroscopy: Basic concepts and application to inorganic chemistry
Dr. Stevenson Contribution: 7 lectures, 2 seminars and 2 workshops in NMR spectroscopy: Application to organic chemistry
Summary of Lecture Content if applicable:
1. SYMMETRY, VIBRATIONAL SPECTROSCOPY AND MASS SPECTROMETRY
Lecturer: Dr. Cristina Lagunas E-mail address: c.lagunas@qub.ac.uk
7 Lectures, 2 seminars and 2 workshops.
Detailed synopsis:
Basic concepts of symmetry
Molecular shape. Symmetry operations and elements. Stereochemistry.
Introduction to spectroscopic techniques
Vibrational spectroscopy
Basic concepts. Interpretation of spectra. Characteristic organic groups frequencies. Characteristic frequencies of common ligands in metal complexes.
Mass Spectrometry
Introduction to mass spectrometry. Instrumentation and ionisation techniques. Base peaks, fragmentations, molecular ion and molecular formula determination.
Recommended text books:
Shriver & Atkins, Inorganic Chemistry, 4th Ed., Chapters 6 and 7, Oxford University Press.
Duckett and Gilbert, Foundations of Spectroscopy, Oxford Chemistry Primer, O.U.P., 2000.
Brisdon, Inorganic Spectroscopic Methods, Oxford Chemistry Primer 62, O.U.P., 1998.
2. NMR SPECTROSCOPY: BASIC CONCEPTS AND APPLICATION TO INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Lecturer: Dr. S. James E-mail address: s.james@qub.ac.uk
7 Lectures, 2 seminars and 2 workshops.
Detailed synopsis:
Revision of Magnetism
Spin, the Electromagnetic Spectrum and Boltzmann Distribution.
Chemical Shift and factors that affect it; Shielding Constant.
Continuous Wave and Fourier Transform NMR Spectroscopy.
Relaxation. Coupling. Satellites.
Examples of NMR Spectroscopy applied to Inorganic Chemistry: 19F, 31P, 195Pt., etc.
Recommended text books:
Shriver & Atkins, Inorganic Chemistry, 4th Ed., Chapter 6, Oxford University Press.
Brisdon, Inorganic Spectroscopic Methods, Oxford Chemistry Primer 62, O.U.P., 1998.
Iggo, NMR Spectroscopy in Inorganic Chemistry, Oxford Chemistry Primer 83, O.U.P., 1999.
Macomber, A Complete Introduction to Modern NMR Spectroscopy, Wiley-Interscience, 1998.
3. NMR SPECTROSCOPY: APPLICATION TO ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Lecturer: Dr. P. Stevenson E-mail address: p.stevenson@qub.ac.uk
7 Lectures, 2 seminars and 2 workshops.
Detailed synopsis:
1H NMR Spectroscopy.
Variation of proton chemical shift with molecular environment. Effect of electronegativity and magnetic anisotropy on chemical shift. 1H chemical shifts of common functional groups and integration. Scalar coupling, and its effect on proton NMR spectra. Magnetic equivalence and the n+1 rule. Use of Pascal’s Triangle to predict intensities of multiplets. Angular dependence of coupling constants and the Karplus equation. Analysis of simple multiplets and of multiplets containing more than one coupling constant. Brief introduction to second order systems AB and ABX. Use of coupling constants to determine connectivity patterns and hence molecular structure. Decoupling.
13C NMR Spectroscopy.
13C chemical shifts of common functional groups. Prediction of 13C chemical shifts using empirical formulae. Relative intensity of 13C signals. DEPT and APT will be introduced for assigning methyl, methylene, methine and quaternary carbons.
Recommended text books:
Shriver & Atkins, Inorganic Chemistry, 4th Ed., Chapter 6, Oxford University Press.
Williams and Fleming, Spectroscopic Methods in Organic Chemistry, McGraw Hill.
4. CRYSTAL CHEMISTRY, X-RAY DIFFRACTION AND CRYSTALLOGRAPHY
Lecturer: Dr. P. Nockemann E-mail address: p.nockemann@qub.ac.uk
7 Lectures, 2 seminars and 2 workshops.
Detailed synopsis:
Crystal Chemistry
Classification of solids. Structures of molecular, ionic, covalent and metallic crystals. Lattices, lattice points, unit cells and cell dimensions. Crystal systems and Bravais lattices. Crystal symmetry and symmetry elements. Point groups and space groups. Miller indices.
Diffraction of X-Rays by Crystals
Production and diffraction of X-rays. The Bragg equation. Scattering of X rays by atoms and by unit cells. Variation in diffraction intensity. Electron density. The phase problem. Structural factors. Solution and refinement of crystal structures. Experimental methods.
Powder Diffraction (XRD)
Microcrystalline aggregates. The Debye-Scherrer Method. Uses of XRD – advantages and limitations. Ab initio structure determination from powder data – the Rietveld method.
Neutron, Synchrotron and Electron Diffraction
Uses and limitations.
Taught by external lecturer Tristan Youngs from the ISIS Neutron Source in Oxfordshire.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course students should be able to:
i) Know the principles of molecular symmetry and be able to classify molecules according to their symmetry. Know the structures of simple solids.
ii) Know the principles of mass spectrometry, IR and NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction, and understand what information each technique provides.
iii) Be able to derive the structures of organic and inorganic compounds by a combination of analytical and spectroscopic techniques.
Skills
Subject specific problem-solving skills in exams and seminars (includes team working).
Working with numbers, including data handling and calculation.
NAME CONTRIBUTION
Prof. J. Holbrey
j.holbrey@qub.ac.uk Main Group Chemistry (10 Lectures, 2 Seminars, lab co-ordination)
Prof. S.L. James
s.james@qub.ac.uk Coordination Chemistry (II) (10 Lectures and 2 Seminars);
Dr. M. Muldoon
m.muldoon@qub.ac.uk Inorganic Reaction Mechanisms (10 lectures, 2 seminars).
COORDINATION CHEMISTRY:
The aim of this course is to extend your knowledge and understanding of transition metal chemistry. We will consolidate and extend on the material from your Coordination Chemistry lectures in year 1, beginning with fundamental properties of, and trends in, the d-block, brief revision of basic aspects of coordination complexes, including oxidation states, geometries, isomerism, etc., and how to write their chemical formulae and name them. We then revise and extend Crystal Field Theory, cover Ligand Field Theory and HSAB theory, all of which help to explain the observed characteristics of these complexes (e.g. colours, magnetism, geometries, stabilities etc). As the course progresses you should make sure that you are clear on which theories explain which observations, what the limitations of each theory are, and be able to apply them to solving problems. We finish with the basics of organometallic compounds of the transition metals.
Introduction: General properties of, and trends within, the transition elements: sizes, electronegativities, oxidation states, etc. Revision of important basics of coordination chemistry from year 1: ligands (Lewis bases), Lewis acids. How to write formulae and name coordination complexes. Deducing oxidation states and d-electron configurations.
The coordination sphere: Revision and extension of coordination numbers, geometries, denticity, chelating ligands. The chelate and macrocyclic effects. Types of isomerism: geometrical, optical, ambidentate ligands.
Hard and soft acids and bases (HSAB theory): Which combinations of ligands and metals form strong bonds and which form weak bonds?
Crystal Field Theory: Brief revision of the concepts from year 1: shapes of the d-orbitals, deducing crystal field splitting diagrams for octahedral and tetrahedral complexes. Square-planar and trigonal bipyramidal geometries. Crystal field stabilisation energies. Hydration enthalpies of M2+ ions. Factors influencing ∆. The spectrochemical series. High-spin and low-spin complexes. Jahn-Teller effects.
Seminar: consolidation of topics 1-4 and problem solving.
Colour d-d transitions, metal-to-ligand charge transfer, UV-visible spectra.
Magnetism magnetic moments, the spin-only formula.
Ligand Field Theory pure σ-donor ligands, π-donors, π-acceptors. Molecular orbital diagrams for octahedral complexes, effects of π-bonding. Full explanation of the spectrochemical series.
Metal-metal bonding: description of bonding in dimetal compounds
Introduction to transition metal organometallic compounds: Complexes containing simple organic ligands such as hydride, alkyl groups, and CO.
Seminar: consolidation of topics 6-10 and problem solving.
INORGANIC REACTION MECHANISMS:
This course describes some pathways by which molecular inorganic compounds react in solution. Firstly we will discuss why inorganic molecules react and what determines their stability and reactivity and then outline some common reaction mechanisms and factors that influence the path of reactivity.
Introduction: The study of reaction mechanisms is useful in industrial, bioinorganic and synthetic chemistry; methods of study include use of in situ spectroscopy, Beer-Lambert Law.
What Determines Reactivity? Reaction profile, transition state, activation barrier, stability.
Stability: Formation constant, sterics and electronics, theories of bonding, MO theory, crystal field theory, Irving - Williams series, CFSE, chelate and macrocyclic effect.
Reaction Kinetics and Rate: Reaction profiles and rate, EACT, labile / inert complexes, theory of microscopic reversibility, elementary reactions, Arrhenius equation, revision of rate laws, first, second and pseudo-first order.
Reaction Types: Introduction to addition, dissociation, substitution; changes in geometry and stereochemistry, allogons, Berry pseudorotation, insertion / elimination, oxidation / reduction, oxidative addition / reductive elimination.
Insertion and Elimination: Insertion, 1,1-migratory insertion, 1,2-migratory insertion; insertion of CO: isotope labelling, factors effecting rate, Lewis Acid promotion; insertion of alkenes: stereochemistry, coplanar transition state, polymerisation; elimination: β elimination, α,γ,δ-elimination, cyclometallation.
Oxidation/Reduction: Inner sphere mechanism: bridging ligands; outer sphere mechanism: reorganisation and rearrangement energy, Marcus theory, slow electron transfer.
Oxidative Addition/Reductive Elimination: Oxidative addition: concerted addition, sigma complex, SN2, radical and ionic mechanisms; Reductive elimination; homogeneous catalysis
Substitution: Langford-Gray nomenclature, mechanisms A, Ia, Id, D, entering group; leaving group, nucleophilicity, spectator ligand, 2 and 3 coordinate complexes; tetrahedral complexes, nitrosyl complexes, square planar complexes: solvent substitution, stereochemistry, trans effect and influence; five coordinate complexes; octahedral complexes: Co(III) complexes, solvolysis, CFAE, entering, leaving and spectator group effects, base catalysed substitution, shift mechanism.
MAIN GROUP CHEMISTRY:
This course discusses general trends in main group chemistry, and then highlights these through a discussion of the significant chemistry of each of the groups in the p-block, and organometallic chemistry of the s- and p-blocks. At the end of the course, the student will be familiar with each of the elements, and be able to predict the reactivity of and synthetic procedures to common main group compounds.
Introductory Remarks: Brief revision of basic concepts including Lewis structures, valence electron calculations, oxidation states and prediction of molecular shapes, understanding of general trends in the periodic table (effective nuclear charge, radii, ionisation energy, electronegativity).
Exploration of general trends in the p-block: Transition metal and lanthanide contraction, inert pair effect, second row anomaly, diagonal relationships and colour, oxidation states, trends in Lewis acidity.
Organometallic Chemistry of the s- and p-block elements: Synthesis, bonding, reactivity and physical properties of typical lithium, sodium and potassium hydrocarbyls, Grignard reagents, organometallic chemistry of groups 12 to 14 (zinc, cadmium, mercury, aluminium, thallium, tin and lead) including synthesis structure and reactivity.
Descriptive Chemistry of Group 13: Occurrence and recovery, descriptive chemistry of the elements, halides, hydrides and boranes, oxides and the boron nitrides.
Descriptive Chemistry of Group 14: Descriptive chemistry of the elements, halides, hydrides, oxides and sulfides. Applications of silicones.
Descriptive Chemistry of Group 15: Descriptive chemistry of the elements, hydrides, oxides, oxyacids and phosphazenes.
Descriptive Chemistry of Group 16: Descriptive chemistry of the elements, hydrides, oxides, oxyacids, halides and sulfur-nitrogen compounds.
Descriptive Chemistry of Group 17: Descriptive chemistry of the elements, hydrides, oxides, oxyacids, interhalogens, polyiodides and charge transfer complexes.
Descriptive Chemistry of Group 18: Descriptive chemistry of the elements, fluorides and oxides.
Seminar: Consolidation of topics and worked example problem solving.
Learning Outcomes
The student should gain a deeper understanding of the various theories (e.g. Crystal Field, Ligand Field, HSAB etc) which help to explain the bonding and behaviour of transition metal compounds. The student should be able to apply these theories to problem solving (e.g. predicting geometries, magnetic properties, relative stabilities, isomerism, outcomes of reactions etc). The student should learn about the relationship between structure and reactivity and the main mechanisms by which dissolved inorganic molecules react. This will enable he/she to suggest likely reaction mechanisms for some simple inorganic reactions. The student will learn to evaluate and contrast the reactivity of similar complexes and predict likely products of reaction. The student will gain a broad overview of the fundamental properties of main group compounds and their reactivity patterns. The student should be able to understand and rationalise the properties and reaction chemistry of various main group compounds on the basis of a few straightforward principles.
Skills
Skills are mainly subject-specific involving increased understanding and knowledge of the elements and their compounds. The students also have the opportunity to develop verbal presentation and reasoning skills through tutorials, and observational and scientific reporting skills through practical work.
In liaison with their Advisor of Studies and the Module Co-ordinator the student will select appropriate courses in the host institution equivalent to 120 CATS points. See also Outcomes.
Learning Outcomes
The selected courses must match the learning outcomes of the equivalent Level 3 modules from the Queen’s University MSci programme as closely as possible and must be approved by the Module Co-ordinator and Director of Education before permission to accept the placement will be granted.
Module Co-ordinator: Dr Peter Knipe (p.knipe@qub.ac.uk)
Staff: All chemistry academic staff
Contribution: Directing research project
Course Content:
Mid-term Interview 15%:
Students will be asked to prepare a literature review which will eventually become the introduction to their theses. A 1-2 page outline of the review should be submitted in November for guidance and feedback from the supervisor. A draft of the literature review should be handed in by early December. The student must also submit a 2-page summary report in December on their research including background to the project and the results obtained to date. The student will then be questioned based on their report during the interview later in December (unless otherwise agreed with the supervisor and module coordinator).
The 2-page summary report and literature review should be submitted digitally via Canvas (in .pdf or .doc(x) format), where Turnitin® will be used to check for plagiarism.
A mark for the performance in the interview (66%) will be given by the supervisor and second assessor. The final literature review (33%) will be given a mark by the supervisor. The supervisor will also provide feedback on the interview and literature review.
The student will be asked to bring their lab-books and associated data (such as spectra) to the December interview. The interviewers will assess the level of record keeping and thoroughness of research and give feedback and recommendations to improve or alter the student record keeping.
Lab-Book, Data & Record Keeping 10%:
The lab book and data will be marked by both the supervisor and the second assessor and an average of the marks used for the final total. The students will submit alongside their thesis their lab notebook and an electronic copy of their supplementary data (such as calculations or spectra) on a CD or USB.
Thesis 60%:
The thesis will be marked by both the supervisor and the second assessor and an average of the marks used for the final total (except the Independence of Work section, which is marked by the supervisor alone). Further guidance on the thesis is in the module handbook, but the marking will be split into four sections:
Introduction (25% of thesis mark)
Results and Discussion (40% of thesis mark)
Experimental/Methods (30% of thesis mark)
Independence of Work (10% of thesis mark) [marked by supervisor only]
The student should submit a draft of their thesis to their supervisor to receive feedback prior to their final submission. Please discuss with your supervisor and arrange a suitable date that will allow timely feedback. Submitting a draft earlier and receiving feedback earlier may be beneficial to both the student and the supervisor. Please note that supervisors should NOT be reviewing multiple drafts of the thesis. Students submitting high quality work that requires minimal feedback at this stage are likely to gain a higher Independence of Work mark.
The thesis should be submitted digitally via Canvas (in .pdf or .doc(x) format), where Turnitin® will be used to check for plagiarism.
Presentation 15%:
The presentation will take the form of a 15 minute PowerPoint presentation plus 10 minutes of questioning on the presentation. This will take place near the end of the project and there will be parallel session based on research areas. These presentations will be attended by the academic staff in the area who will mark the presentations. It is advised that the students prepare well in advance and deliver a practice talk so that feedback/guidance may be given.
Notes:
Detailed marking schemes are in the module handbook on Canvas.
Exact dates/timetable will be posted on Canvas in the module handbook.
The mid-term report, literature review and thesis MUST be handed in to the front office for date stamping as well as submission via Canvas. For late submissions, marks will be deducted in accordance with QUB regulations.
Learning Outcomes
During the course of the year you will be embedded in one of the department's research groups, and will undertake a piece of original research. Through this experience you should achieve the following learning outcomes:
• Ability to conduct independent research
• Discipline-specific expertise (e.g. advanced laboratory techniques if undertaking a synthetic project)
• Literature searching
• Preparation and delivery of a research presentation
• Formal report writing
• Interview practice
• Laboratory record-keeping
Skills
Skills associated with module:
Both practical and literature research will be involved and the student will have to conduct a viva voce style interview, write a thesis and present their research to their peers. The skills developed through both conducting the research and the associated assessment method should allow the student to conduct research at a higher level (e.g. PhD or in industry). The December interview and the research presentation will give the student invaluable experience for future interviews, both for industrial jobs or postgraduate degree courses
Dr Sheldrake
g.sheldrake@qub.ac.uk
Synthesis of Biocatalysis (5 Lectures, 1 Workshop)
Dr Knipe
p.knipe@qub.ac.uk Asymmetric Synthesis: (8 Lectures, 1 Workshop)
Professor Stevenson - module co-ordinator
p.stevenson@qub.ac.uk
Asymmetric Synthesis (8 Lectures, 1 Workshop)
Dr Tchabanenko
k.tchabanko@qub.ac.uk
Organocatalysis (8 Lectures, 1 Workshop):
Course content
Asymmetric Synthesis (8 Lectures, 1 workshop):
Revision of stereochemistry, stereoelectronics, analysis of methods for generating new stereocentres and how absolute stereochemistry is determined. The Felkin-Anh, Ireland, Houk and Zimmerman-Traxler models for stereocontrol. Chiral auxiliaries including those of Evans, Oppolozer, Enders and Ellman. Asymmetric alkylation, oxidation, electrophilic amination, bromination, fluorination and thioalkylation. Auxiliary removal. Reactions of chiral α,β-unsaturated compounds including asymmetric reduction, 1,4-addition and Diels-Alder reactions. Syn and anti Aldol reactions and stereochemical analysis of Zimmerman-Traxler model. Closed and open transition states for aldol reaction. Evans-ketoimide aldol process. Auxiliaries for acetate aldol reactions.
Asymmetric Synthesis (8 Lectures, 1 workshop):
Use of chiral reagents to impart stereoselectivity onto reactions. Both stoichiometric chiral reagents and chiral catalysts will be covered and the mechanistic basis of their stereocontrol examined. The course shall be taught directly from the primary literature with some of the most modern and innovative reactions included alongside more established methods. Stoichiometric and catalytic allylations, epoxidations, dihydroxylations, aminohydroxylations, ketone reductions, hydroborations.
Organocatalysis (8 Lectures, 1 workshop):
Proline catalysed Mannich and aldol reactions; two-step carbohydrate synthesis; secondary amine-catalysed O-oxidation of carbonyls and chlorination of aldehydes; secondary amine catalysed conjugate addition reactions; secondary amine catalysed cycloaddition processes; secondary amine catalysed cyclopropanation and epoxidation reactions; secondary amine catalysed iminium-enamine domino and tandem reactions; cinchona alkaloid catalysed Baylis-Hilman reaction; asymmetric reactions catalysed by chiral thioureas. N-Hetereocyclic carbene catalysed transformations.
Coursework involves answering last year’s examination paper. You must answer 3 out of 4 questions. The march deadlines for submission of answers will be given on Canvas.
Biocatalysis (5 lectures 1 workshop):
This course will cover advanced biocatalytic methodologies and the application of these techniques to real industrial problems for the development of a sustainable future for chemical manufacture.
Topics covered will include:
• a recap of the principles of enzyme-catalysed reactions;
• ee and E-factor: the metrics for enantioselectivity;
• hydrolases;
• enzyme-catalysed redox chemistry;
• resolution vs asymmetric synthesis;
• dynamic kinetic resolution;
• downstream processing of biotransformations;
• the development of biocatalysts through immobilisation techniques;
• biocatalysis in non-aqueous reaction media;
• improved biocatalysts through genetic modification;
• directed evolution and synthetic biology;
• Examples of industrial processes using biocatalysis.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the students will:
Have an understanding of the logic and methodology employed in contemporary organic synthesis.
Be able to identify key disconnections in molecules containing multiple chiral centres and double bonds, to deal creatively with new scenarios and to provide reagents and mechanisms to achieve desired transformations.
Be able to propose detailed mechanisms, stereochemical models and were possible predict the stereochemical outcome for stereoselective reactions.
Skills
Enhanced problem solving skills in organic chemistry.
Frontiers in Drug Development (Medicinal Chemistry 4)
Overview
Staff and contribution
Dr S. Cochrane (s.cochrane@qub.ac.uk)
Module Co-ordinator.
Antimicrobial Compounds and Targets (8 lectures and 1 revision class); Antibody-Drug Conjugates (5 lectures and 1 revision class).
Dr G. Cotton - Head of Protein Therapeutics at Almac Discovery (graham.cotton@almacgroup.com)
Antibody-Drug Conjugates (1 lecture).
Dr J. Vyle (j.vyle@qub.ac.uk)
Nucleic Acid Drugs (6 Lectures and 1 revision class).
Dr P. Knipe (p.knipe@qub.ac.uk)
Late-Stage Functionalization (8 lectures and 1 workshop).
Almac Discovery.
Dr C. O’Dowd (colin.odowd@almacgroup.com)
& other Almac Discovery Staff
An Industrial Perspective on Frontiers in Drug Development (4 Lectures and the Dr Cotton lecture).
Detailed contents:
Antimicrobial Compounds and Targets (8 lectures and 1 revision class):
1.1. Introduction to antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance. Learn the key differences between prokaryotes and eukarotyes that allow for selectivity of antibiotics and the common categories of antimicrobial resistance.
1.2. Common cellular targets of antibiotics. Learn the major enzymes and biomolecules involved in cell-wall synthesis, protein synthesis, nucleic acid synthesis and the cell membrane. Understand the mechanisms by which these enzymes function.
1.3. Classical antibiotics. Learn the mechanism of action of several important classes of antibiotics, including fosfomycins, D-cycloserine, β-lactams, glycopeptides, antimicrobial peptides, macrolides, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, ansamycins and fluoroquinolines. Resistance mechanisms against these classes of antibiotics will also be covered.
1.4. Methods to determine the mode and mechanism of action of a novel antimicrobial compound. Learn Key techniques used to determine the mode of action of antibiotics, including bactericidal kinetics assays and radiolabeled metabolite incorporation. Learn common methods used to identify mechanism of action, including cell morphology, in vitro enzyme assays, isothermal titration calorimetry, protein X-ray crystallography and membrane-disruption assays.
1.5. Rational design to overcome drug resistance. Learn the main strategies used to circumvent known anrimicrobial resistance mechanisms through case studies, including the generation of new β-lactams, β-lactamase inhibitors and the chemical synthesis of novel analogues of vancomycin, tunicamycin, erythromycin and acrylomycin.
1.6. Novel strategies to identify new antibiotics. Cover state-of-the-art methods used to uncover new antibiotic candidates, including novel bacterial-culturing techniques and genome-mining.
Nucleic Acid Drugs (6 Lectures and 1 revision class):
2.1. mRNA vaccines
2.2. Nucleic acid vaccine adjuvants
2.3. Identification of novel nucleic acid inhibitors through SELEX
Late-Stage Functionalization (8 lectures and 1 workshop):
3.1. Why Late-Stage Functionalization? Learn about the C-H bond as a functional group and the utility of LSF in the context of the drug discovery pipeline (probe development, pull-down experiments, lead optimization and ADME. Also cover practical considerations, including purification, analysis and high-throughput screening.
3.2. Guiding Principles in C-H Activation. Learn the concepts of innate vs guided C-H functionalizations and key factors in innate reactivity, including electronics (knowledge of nucleophilic and electrophilic positions of arenes, factors that stabilize radical intermediates etc.) and acidity (C-H functionalization by deprotonation). Guided reactivity classes, such as the concept of directing groups (high local concentration of reagent), steric control and molecular recognition. Understand methods to predict sites of C-H functionalization (e.g. DFT).
3.3. LSF of sp2 carbons exploiting innate reactivity. Regioselectivity in nucleophilic and electrophilic aromatic substitutions (and their radical analogues), recent advances relating to pyridines (e.g. McNally 4-functionalization of pyridines, Phipps’ Minisci chemistry, Fier method and borylation chemistry.
3.4. Directed approaches to LSF of sp2 carbons. Ortho-functionalization by directing groups (classical Pd C-H activation using e.g. 2-pyridines), meta-insertion using directing groups and molecular recognition (e.g. Phipps), steric control and recent vancomycin work (Miller, Pentelute).
3.5. C-H Functionalization of innately reactive sp3 carbons. H-abstraction/metal insertion at electron-rich C-H bonds (tertiary; adjacent to heteroatoms etc.) with subsequent C-X and C-C bond formation, deprotonation, e.g. lithiation-trapping of cyclic carbamates – e.g. Hodgson sparteine method; Seidel’s 2018 nucleophilic method, oxidation e.g. White’s Fe-(PDP) catalyst and carbene and nitrene insertions.
3.6. The Holy Grail: Directed C-H functionalization of sp3 carbons. A classical directed approach – the Hoffmann-Loffler-Freytag reaction; modern variants e.g. Yu ACIE 2017 306, specific directing groups, e.g. oximes (Chang JACS 2014), transient directing groups, e.g. work of Yu (JACS 2016 14554) and future perspectives on LSF.
Antibody-Drug Conjugates (6 lectures and 1 revision class):
4.1. Introduction to Antibodies. Learn what antibodies are, their structure (IgG), their therapeutic mechanisms and how they are produced and purified.
4.2. Key Concepts in Antibody-Drug Conjugates. Learn the key components of an antibody-drug conjugate, common methods to conjugate drugs to antibodies, common linkers used in ADCs and common payloads.
4.3. ADCs, a Look to the Future. Guest lecture by Dr. Graham Cotton from Almac Discovery on where the area is and where it’s heading.
An Industrial Perspective on Frontiers in Drug Development (4 Lectures):
5.1. Medicinal Chemistry in Action. Staff from Almac Discovery will cover cutting-edge topics including case studies on recent Medicinal Chemistry programmes and process development from a pharma perspective.
Learning Outcomes
Medicinal chemists are responsible for the design of new molecules to treat disease, improving human health and prolonging life-expectancy. On completion of this module, you will have acquired advanced knowledge in the field of medicinal chemistry with an emphasis on cutting-edge methods in drug discovery and the synthesis of pharmaceutical agents.
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
Critically evaluate an antimicrobial compound, suggesting experiments to determine its mode/mechanism of action, relate its structure to possible resistance mechanisms and propose strategies to overcome such mechanisms.
Contrast classical methods in antibiotic discovery with current state-of-the-art approaches.
Describe the chemistry and biology associated with mRNA-based drugs and vaccines.
Propose strategies to perform the late-stage functionalization of natural products/drug-lead candidates and suggest detailed mechanisms for the methods covered in this course.
Understand the importance of antibodies as therapeutic agents, how they are produced and their structure.
Know the key components of antibody-drug conjugates and mechanistic details of conjugation strategies, linkers and different types of drug payload.
Skills
Important skills will be gained on the critical evaluation of scientific methods and studies, the application of synthetic methods to novel structures and the ability to consider medicinal/biological problems from a chemistry perspective.
Subject specific and problem-solving skills will also be gained, including the demonstration of self-direction, independent learning ability and originality in completion of practice problems.
Staff:
Professor S. Bell
s.bell@qub.ac.uk EXCITED STATE CHEMISTRY (5 Lectures and 1 seminar)
Dr P. Dingwall
p.dingwall@qub.ac.uk HOMOGENEOUS CATALYSIS AND KINETICS (7 Lectures, 1 workshop)
Dr. M. Huang (Module co-ordinator)
m.huang@qub.ac.uk COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY (9 Lectures, 1 seminar and 3 workshops)
Dr I.Lane
i.lane@qub.ac.uk REACTION DYNAMICS (9 Lectures):
REACTION DYNAMICS (9 Lectures):
Introduction
Background revision of quantum theory and classical physics: simple collisions (classical) as a model of chemical reactions: gas phase collisions: a very simple collision theory: definition of reaction cross-section: connection between cross-section and rate of reaction.
Theoretical methods
Newton diagrams and kinematics: semi-classical scattering picture of reaction dynamics.
Symmetry and calculation of potential energy surfaces: reduced mass and trajectories: Polanyi’s rules
Experimental methods
State-to-state reaction dynamics: molecular beams: laser-based preparation and detection techniques: multiple reaction pathways.
COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY (9 Lectures and 1 seminar):
Force field methods.
Semi-empirical methods.
Hartree-Fock method.
DFT and CI.
Molecular dynamics
EXCITED STATE CHEMISTRY (5 Lectures and 1 seminar):
Populating molecular excited states.
Photophysical and photochemical decay mechanisms, Jablonski diagrams.
Rates of excited state processes, lifetimes and quantum yields.
Quenching of excited states, Stern-Volmer plots, energy transfer.
Experimental measurement of fast processes, flash photolysis and pump-probe techniques.
Ultrafast reactions and the limits of chemical reactivity.
Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes:
On completion of this module the students will have an understanding of (i) basic foundations of quantum theory; (ii) some simulation techniques; (iii) kinetics and homogeneous catalysis; and (iv) excited state process of molecules.
In particular, students will be able to:
Use some computing programs to calculate important properties in chemistry, such as the structures of molecules and solids and bonding energies.
Construct and read energetic diagrams, identifying the rate-determining step and catalyst resting state
Derive the rate law for a catalytic cycle and use it to discriminate between different likely mechanistic proposals.
Understand and design experiments to extract relevant information from a catalytic reaction using graphical rate equation methods.
Skills
At the skills level, the module focuses on abilities relating to numerical problem solving in which practice is given in the fields of kinetics, photochemistry, quantum chemistry and quantum mechanics.
Module Structure:
a) Supramolecular Chemistry: Prof. Stuart James
b) Lanthanides and Actinides – Chemistry & Applications: Dr. Peter Nockemann
c) Structural Analysis Methods for Soft inorganic Materials: Dr. John Holbrey
d) Selective Oxidation Reactions: Dr. Mark Muldoon
Summary of Lecture Content:
A. SUPRAMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY (8 lectures)
Lecturer: Prof. S. L. James, s.james@qub.ac.uk
Summary:
• Introduction: Historical background, including the development of covalent synthesis. Cram, Pedersen, Lehn – chemistry beyond the molecule, molecular recognition. The biological analogy and inspiration. Definitions: supramolecular, supermolecule, self-assembly. The various types of intermolecular interactions: hydrogen-bonds, van der Waals forces, coordination bonds (can be thought of as intermolecular in some sense), aromatic interactions. Interaction strengths, distances, directionalities. Hydrophobic effect.
• Self-assembly: A method to make large structures in a single step. Importance of thermodynamic control (equilibria) to give a single product quantitatively. Contrast with standard non-quantitative covalent synthesis of kinetic products. Examples of reversible interactions, van der Waals, hydrogen bonds, aromatic interactions and coordination bonds. Very few examples of reversible C-C bond formation.
• Coordination self-assembly: Large discrete structures: squares, hexagons, cubes, adamantoid (tetrahedra), octahedra. Importance of ligand exchange rates – labile metals with low crystal field stabilisation energy. Relation of metal geometry/symmetry and ligand geometry/symmetry to final product. Polymers: diamandoid topology, interpenetration, and porosity.
• Hydrogen-bond based self assembly: Donors, acceptors, ADA-DAD combinations, melamine-polymers. Association in solution. Single, double, triple H-bonding and solvent effects. Supramolecular catalysts. Host-guest chemistry: Calixarenes, cyclodextrins (Febreze). Purification of C60 (Atwood). Cooperative guest binding, Shinkai face-to-face porphyrins, the wheel-and axle design.
B. Lanthanides and Actinides – Chemistry & Applications (8 lectures)
Lecturer: Dr. Peter Nockemann, p.nockemann@qub.ac.uk
Summary:
• Coordination complexes of lanthanide and actinide ions (f-block elements)
• Separation and purification of lanthanides and actinides
• Electronic spectra and luminescence of lanthanides and actinides
• Applications of lanthanide luminescence (OLEDs, medicine, sensors)
• Magnetism of lanthanides and actinides & applications
• Organometallic lanthanide compounds and applications in organic synthesis
Recommended reading:
Shriver & Atkins, Inorganic Chemistry, 5th edition, Oxford University Press, 2010, chapter 23.
C. Huang, Rare Earth Coordination Chemistry – Fundamentals and Applications, Wiley, 2010.
Current scientific literature and references given throughout the course.
C. Structural Analysis Methods for Soft inorganic Materials: (8 Lectures)
Lecturer: Dr. John Holbrey, j.holbrey@qub.ac.uk
Summary:
Determining the structure of molecules is a fundamental skill. The course is designed to enable students to interpret experimental data and understand the techniques used in modern materials chemistry to determine structure in soft (non-crystalline) materials. Emphasis will be placed on complementary and comparative understanding to enable decisions to be made about the most appropriate techniques to be applied to particular structural problems and how experimental data is transformed into structural information.
Techniques to be covered will include nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, rotational and vibrational spectroscopy, electronic spectroscopy, and X-ray and neutron diffraction.
Recommended Reading:
'Structural Methods in Molecular Inorganic Chemistry' DWH Rankin, NW Mitzel, CA Morrison, Wiley, 2113. ISBN: 978-0-470-97278-6
The course will be illustrated using examples from the current scientific literature and references will be given throughout the course.
D. Selective Oxidation Reactions (8 lectures)
Lecturer: Dr. Mark Muldoon, m.j.muldoon@qub.ac.uk
Summary:
Oxidation chemistry is fundamentally important in the synthesis of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. The area of oxidation chemistry is wide and varied; therefore the course will focus on just some aspects of the field. Topics will include:
• The properties of dioxygen
• Singlet oxygen and reactions thereof
• Transition metal catalysis for selective oxidation reactions
Recommended reading:
For a general overview of oxidation catalysis:
• “Modern oxidation methods” edited by Jan-Erling Bäckvall. Electronic copy available via QUB library.
• Chapter 4 of “Green chemistry and catalysis” Roger A. Sheldon, Isabel Arends and Fred Van Rantwuk. Electronic copy available via QUB library.
However, much of the course will utilise current scientific literature and references will be given throughout the course.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the students will have explored a series of topics of current international interest in inorganic chemistry, using the primary literature. They will have been exposed to the relationship between research and application of chemistry, and learn important scientific techniques used to investigate inorganic chemistry problems.
Skills
Application of fundamental chemistry principles to the progression of advanced areas of chemistry research, critical thinking and communication skills.
NAME and CONTRIBUTION
Dr Andrew P. Doherty (a.p.doherty@qub.ac.uk)
Energy (10 lectures / seminars)
Dr Andrew C. Marr (a.marr@qub.ac.uk) Module Co-Ordinator; Applied Organometallic Chemistry (10 lectures / seminars)
Dr Patricia C. Marr (p.marr@qub.ac.uk)
Materials (10 lectures / seminars)).
Dr Mark J. Muldoon (m.j.muldoon@qub.ac.uk)
Solvents and Solvent Effects (10 lectures / seminars)).
Applied Organometallic Chemistry (9 lectures/seminars):
This course highlights the use of transition metal organometallics as catalysts in selective
industrial processes and bioorganometallics at the heart of enzymes that promote energy
releasing reactions. Topics will include:
phosphine complexes and homogeneous catalysis;
carbene complexes and metathesis;
hydride and dihydrogen complexes;
bioorganometallic chemistry and fuel cell research.
Solvents And Solvent Effects (9 lectures/seminars):
Most chemical reactions are carried out in solution therefore solvents are vitally important to the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. The choice of solvent for a particular reaction is of the utmost importance because it can dramatically influence the reactivity. Currently industry relies on a range of volatile organic solvents and often these are flammable and/or toxic. In the pharmaceutical industry, solvents are the biggest source of chemical waste in the manufacture of drugs, consequently solvents are a key target area if we are to improve the sustainability of such industries. In this course we will examine:
classification of solvents and their properties;
solvents and solvent effects in organic chemistry and catalysis.
the sustainability of volatile organic solvents;
the potential of alternative solvents (e.g. supercritical fluids, ionic liquids, water and
renewables) to improve the sustainability of chemical processes.
Materials (9 lectures/seminars):
This course concentrates on how materials, and in particular polymers, can be produced, and used in technologically important areas. The course reflects on the current challenges of preparing materials for a more sustainable future. The course will cover:
polymer synthesis (review);
inorganic Polymers;
hybrid materials;
technological polymers (LEDs, electrolytes, batteries, solar applications);
polymerisations in neoteric solvents (ionic liquids, supercritical fluids);
gels and colloids.
Energy (9 lectures/seminars):
This course concerns the technologies and issues surrounding the energy industry. Content will include:
the energy landscape through the ages;
energy consumption as a driver for economic development (GDP) and social advancement;
the carbon-neutral or free future, the many “whys” and “why nots”, and where we’re at;
energy harvesting technologies;
energy storage technologies;
energy delivery technologies;
energy unites and calculations;
energy efficiencies, thermodynamic and practical limitations and energy losses.
Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes are course dependent in this module but all include:
A working knowledge of leading-edge chemical technologies;
The ability to apply recent technology to chemical problems;
An understanding of how to apply frontier chemical technologies to increase sustainability
Skills
The courses are designed to give choice in the style of questions attempted by the students. Skills Associated with the Module:
subject specific skills;
problem solving;
critical analysis and technical evaluation;
data analysis;
chemical calculations;
literature reading;
creative thinking and design.
AAA including Chemistry and a second Science subject + GCSE Mathematics grade B/6.
A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate will be accepted as part of an applicant's portfolio of qualifications with a Distinction* being equated to a grade A at A-level.
Irish leaving certificate requirements
H2H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H2 in Chemistry and a second Science subject + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O3 in Mathematics
International Baccalaureate Diploma
36 points overall including 6,6,6 at Higher Level to include Higher Level Chemistry and a second Science subject + GCSE Mathematics grade B/6.
Standard Level grade 5 in Mathematics would be acceptable in lieu of the GCSE requirement.
Graduate
A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided any subject requirements are also met.
Note
All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.
In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.
Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. Once your on-line form has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.
Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.
For entry last year, applicants for MChem programmes in Chemistry offering A-level/BTEC Level 3 qualifications must have had, or been able to achieve, a minimum of six GCSE passes at grade B/6 or better to include Mathematics (minimum grade C/4 required in GCSE English Language). However, this profile may change from year to year depending on the demand for places. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled.
Offers are normally made on the basis of three A-levels. Applicants repeating A-levels require grades BBC at the first attempt. Grades may be held from the previous year.
Applicants offering two A-levels and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of performance in the overall BTEC grade awarded. Please note that a maximum of one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent) will be counted as part of an applicant’s portfolio of qualifications. The normal GCSE profile will be expected.
For applicants offering the Irish Leaving Certificate, please note that performance at Irish Junior Certificate (IJC) is taken into account. For last year’s entry, applicants for this degree must have had a minimum of six IJC grades at B/Higher Merit. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of Leaving Certificate subjects can be satisfied.
Applicants offering Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas are not normally considered for MChem entry but, if eligible, will be made a change course offer for the corresponding BSc programme.
Access course qualifications are not considered for entry to the MChem degree and applicants should apply for the corresponding BSc programme.
The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but, in the case of degree courses in Chemistry, these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.
A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking would not normally be considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking four A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.
Candidates are not normally asked to attend for interview.
If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a Faculty/School Visit Day, which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice and the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.
If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions and Access Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
An IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
International Students - Foundation and International Year One Programmes
INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.
These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.
Studying for the MChem Chemistry with Study Abroad will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from this degree at Queen's are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline, including chemistry.
Chemistry with Study Abroad graduates have entered careers in a wide variety of fields, including the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industry, the forensic services, publishing, marketing, teaching and the financial services.
Employer Links and Consultations:
We regularly consult and develop links with a large number of employers including, for example, Teva, Almac, and Seagate and also have an Industrial Advisory board for the course composed of experienced senior industrial members.
Placement Employers
Our past students have also gained work placement with organisations such as:
Many of the research projects within the School have industrial input, and are in collaboration with a wide variety of companies operating in the chemical sector. Given the close working relationships, between industry and the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering new opportunities to expand placements, industrial contact and career opportunities are continually developing.
Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
The tuition fees quoted above for NI and ROI are the 2024/25 fees and will be updated when the new fees are known. In addition, all tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase in each year of the course. Fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.
Additional course costs
Students are required to buy a laboratory coat and safety glasses in year 1 at a cost of approx. £20.
Students have the option to join the Royal Society of Chemistry at a cost of approx. £20 per year
Students who undertake a period of study or work abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their degree programme, are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. These costs vary depending on the location and duration of the placement.
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.
Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/students.
When to Apply
UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2025 from early September 2024.
The advisory closing date for the receipt of applications for entry in 2025 is still to be confirmed by UCAS but is normally in late January (18:00). This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.
Applications from UK and EU (Republic of Ireland) students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2025) subject to the availability of places. If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.
Applications from International and EU (Other) students are normally considered by Queen's for entry to this course until 30 June 2025. If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.
The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.
Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students
Applying through UCAS
Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2025.
Applying direct
The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Find out more.
Applying through agents and partners
The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.
