NES2404 : Physical Chemistry
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students
- Module Leader(s): Dr Ben Horrocks
- Lecturer: Dr Toni Carruthers, Professor Thomas Penfold
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
This module builds on the foundation of stage 1 physical chemistry and gives a deeper understanding of the principles that govern chemical processes. The module covers microscopic theories of chemistry based on quantum mechanics, the macroscopic point of view of thermodynamics, the molecular view of reactive collisions, and the statistical concepts that link these three branches of the subject. The principles of chemical energetics, kinetics and spectroscopy will be illustrated throughout with examples of the modern applications of physical chemistry.
Outline Of Syllabus
Foundations and Applications in Quantum Mechanics
Fundamentals in Quantum Mechanics (e.g. Particle-in-a-box model)
Time-dependent and Time-independent Quantum Mechanics
Applying Quantum Mechanics: Quantum Chemistry
Quantum Chemistry in Materials Discovery
Understanding and Computing Excited State Properties of Molecules
Energetics and Interfacial Phenomena
Statistical Concepts, Chemical Potential and Thermodynamics of Solutions
Standard States, Activities and Electrode Potentials
Fundamentals in Interfaces: Adsorption, Isotherms and Electrical Double Layer
Colloids and Polymers
Applications of Thermodynamics in Energy Materials and Sustainability
Molecules in Motion
Kinetic theory, Molecular Mobility and Collisions in Gases
Electrolyte Conductivity and Ion Mobility in Solution
Diffusion-Controlled Reactions and Transition State Theory
Excited State Kinetics
Complex Reaction Mechanisms
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Formative examination - Semester 1 |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 24 | 1:00 | 24:00 | Lectures or equivalent synchronous online materials if required. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 12 | 2:00 | 24:00 | Revision for module examination - semester 2 |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Module Examination - Semester 2 |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 12 | 1:00 | 12:00 | Revision for formative examination |
| Guided Independent Study | Skills practice | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | Online questions (Canvas or NUMBAS) following workshops |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 44 | 1:00 | 44:00 | Calculation classes including some computational classes |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 63:00 | 63:00 | Background reading, calculation practice and practice at past papers |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
A variety of methods will be used for delivery of the material and to ensure that students actively engage with the subject matter. Traditional lecture delivery is accompanied by calculation classes.
Each lecturer will be available for drop-in sessions where students can have queries clarified.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 75 | Module Examination - Semester 2 |
Zero Weighted Pass/Fail Assessments
| Description | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | M | Canvas-based quizzes linked to the lectures. |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 2 | M | Online Questions |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The formative digital exam will assess the level of knowledge and understanding from topics studied in semester 1. This will allow the module team to review and feedback on any topic which may have been problematic.
The online computer assessment tests students ability to perform calculations and solve unseen problems in the absence of the time pressure of a conventional written examination.
The summative written examination will assess the level of knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the module. The examination will present students with questions from a selection of topics learnt throughout semester 1 and 2 module content.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NES2404's Timetable