CH3AN2-Advanced Analytical Techniques for Inorganic Structure Determination
Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4
Module Convenor: Prof Frantisek Hartl
Email: f.hartl@reading.ac.uk
Module Co-convenor: Dr Roger Bennett
Email: r.a.bennett@reading.ac.uk
Type of module:
Summary module description:
You will develop your understanding of advanced analytical chemical techniques, specifically in the areas of electrochemistry, photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, and electron paramagnetic resonance.
Aims:
This course aims to give students a fundamental understanding of the theoretical background of the advanced analytical methods and their applicability in inorganic, coordination, and organometallic chemistry.
Assessable learning outcomes:
You will be trained:
- To describe and discuss the subject matter of the module and explain the concepts within it.
- To critically examine questions raised in workshops and analyse numerical and other problems.
- To elucidate molecular structure, identity and bonding properties based upon the application of the above techniques.
Additional outcomes:
On this module you will develop problem-solving and numeracy skills through workshops and use them in critical analysis of available experimental data.
Outline content:
Photoelectron Spectroscopy and X-ray Fluorescence (3 lectures (1h + 2h) + 2h workshop)
UV- and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and their role in studying molecular structure and bonding. X-ray fluorescence and its use in elemental analysis; Moseley’s law; portable XRF and it use in fieldwork.
Electrochemical Methods of Analysis (6 lectures (3x 2h) + 2h workshop)
Principal types of electrochemical cells. Cyclic voltammetry at microelectrodes and its application in inorganic and coordination chemistry. Electrocatalytic and electrode-catalysed reactions. Potentiometry with ion-selective electrodes. Diverse types of membranes for selective ion detection and analysis, and multiple-membrane cells for gas sensing.
EPR Spectroscopy (4 lectures (2x 2h + 2h workshop)
EPR spectroscopy in studying paramagnetic molecules; g and A values; comparison with NMR spectroscopy. Isotropic and anisotropic EPR spectra. Spin trapping.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Weekly lectures per week with workshops on related material.
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
| Lectures | 13 | 3 | |
| Supervised time in studio/workshop | 6 | ||
| Guided independent study: | 78 | ||
| Total hours by term | 0 | 97 | 3 |
| Total hours for module | 100 |
| Method | Percentage |
| Written exam | 75 |
| Class test administered by School | 25 |
Summative assessment- Examinations:
1.5 hours.
The examination for this module will require a narrowly defined time window and is likely to be held in a dedicated exam venue.
Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
2-hour end of Spring term test
Formative assessment methods:
You will attend problem-solving workshops on the topics covered in the lectures. Where appropriate, formative tutorials or quizzes will be prepared.
Penalties for late submission:
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:
- where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
- where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
Assessment requirements for a pass:
An overall mark of 40%.
Reassessment arrangements:
Reassessment arrangements are in accordance with University policy. Reassessment of the written examination is held during the University-administered re-examination period in August. Failed coursework may be re-assessed by an alternative assignment before or during the August re-examination period.
Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:
Last updated: 30 March 2023
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A STUDENT'S CONTRACT.