AP0624 - Advanced Physical and Polymer Chemistry

What will I learn on this module?

Building upon your knowledge of physical and organic chemistry you will learn about a number of topics that are of great importance in the chemistry of consumer products and current research. These headline topics are:

• Spectroscopy
• Liquids, colloids and surfactants
• Crystals and liquid crystals
• Polymers

Particular emphasis will be placed on polymer chemistry due to its importance in industry and you will study both the physical aspects of polymers as well as their synthesis using organic and organometallic chemistry.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn to apply previous knowledge of physical and organic chemistry to understand concepts in advanced physical and polymer chemistry and how these can be used to predict behaviour in solids and liquids. You will solve numerical problems in physical/polymer chemistry and propose methods of synthesising polymers. The lecture sessions will be a mixture of formal lectures, videos and problem solving exercises. The lab class will allow you to implement theory from the lectures into practice. As part of independent learning you will be expected to access, study, and critically appraise research papers on specific sub-topics.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

All lecture materials will be made available on the e-learning portal. The problem solving exercises will be an integral part of the learning on this module and you will be taken through examples in class and given exercises to do during class time, with guidance, as well as independently outside of the teaching sessions.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1.You will be expected to understand and apply physical and organic chemistry principles to predict behaviour and design solutions in advanced physical and polymer chemistry
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2.Your scientific numeracy skills will be developed as well as your ability to appraise published research.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
3.You will see how physical chemistry applies to complex ‘real world’ systems. In polymer chemistry issues such as recycling and environmental impact of plastics will be considered.

How will I be assessed?

1) Component 1: The main assessment will be a formal written examination (60%). All 3 module learning outcomes will be assessed.
2) Continuous assessment (40%) in the form of TWO in-class open book tests (2 x 15%) and one lab-based class and assessment (10%). Module learning outcomes 1 and 2 will be tested in the OBTs, consisting of exercises that are most suitable for an ‘open book’ approach and include a clear formative as well as summative purpose. Module learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3 will be assessed in the lab assessment. Feedback will be via return of the annotated exam papers/lab reports.

Pre-requisite(s)

Students must have studied physical and organic chemistry to level 5 standard

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

In this module you will apply your hard-won knowledge of organic and physical chemistry to advanced physical chemistry and polymer science. Teaching will be provided by lectures that incorporate problem solving sessions supported by videos that demonstrate the application of what you will be learning to ‘real world’ scenarios. This will be supported by placing all material on the eLP. Assessment will be by means of an examination, open-book tests, and a mid-semester practical. Employers are always interested in applicants who can demonstrate an aptitude for applying numeracy, and employers in chemistry fields will value the topics covered in this module, particularly polymer chemistry which plays a role in many aspects of chemical technology

Course info

UCAS Code Z044

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School Geography and Natural Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

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The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

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Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

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