Chemistry and Molecular Physics MSci

This module builds on your previous studies in chemistry and provides a firm foundation in topics including: atomic and molecular structure; the shapes of molecules spectroscopy; the shapes and electronic properties of organic molecules; the reactions of alkenes and alkynes; and periodic trends in the properties of the elements of the s- and p-blocks. You’ll spend around five hours per week studying this module with weekly tutorials. 

This module introduces you to the chemistry of the transition metal elements and their coordination complexes. You’ll develop an understanding of the bonding, reactivity, spectroscopic and magnetic properties of the d-block elements and their compounds. You’ll spend around two hours per week studying this module. 

This module introduces you to the essential laboratory skills that are required in inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. You’ll spend around 4 hours per week in laboratory practicals performing experiments, and collecting and analysing data. You’ll present written reports of your experimental work that will form part of the assessment for this module.

This module will introduce you to topics which will underpin all subsequent physics modules such as: classical mechanics; vectors; Einstein's special theory of relativity; electromagnetism; electrical circuits and quantum physics. You’ll spend around five hours per week in lectures and tutorials studying this module. 

You’ll receive training in basic computing techniques using MatLab, and will be introduced to their use in solving physical problems. You’ll spend three to four hours in computer classes and a one hour lecture each week. 

You’ll study a selection of mathematical techniques that are used for analysing physical behaviour. Topics will include: complex numbers; calculus of a single variable; plane geometry; differential equations; calculus of several variables; and matrix algebra. You’ll spend around three hours per week in workshops and lectures studying this module. 

This module builds on the practical, analytical and communication skills developed in the first year and introduces experiments across the range of chemistry, based on your second year theory modules. You’ll spend around six hours per week in practicals for this module. 

You’ll explore the use of modern software to address topics in chemistry, you’ll use the symbolic computational programme Maple to examine and solve problems in quantum mechanics. You’ll also be introduced to numerical programming skills and methods using a procedural programming language. You’ll spend two hours each week in lectures for this module. 

You’ll build upon the principles of thermodynamics and kinetics developed in your first year, applying this to gaseous and liquid bulk phases, liquid to gas and solid to gas interfaces, and electrochemical cells. You’ll spend around 5 hours per week in lectures and workshops studying this module. 

You’ll study topics including: particles and waves; vibrating molecules; orbitals; electron spin and spin-orbit coupling; Einstein coefficients; and centrifugal distortion. You’ll spend around two hours per week in lectures and one hour in workshops that run every three weeks for this module. 

You’ll be given an introduction to the theoretical and elementary applications of quantum mechanics. Beginning with a discussion of the motion of particles and the quantum theory of angular momentum, you’ll then study the importance of symmetry, quantum statistics and matrix mechanics. You’ll have four hours of lectures and workshops each week for this module. 

Building on the year one module ‘From Newton to Einstein’ you’ll be introduced to the mathematics of vector calculus and will cover various aspects of electromagnetism including the treatment of magnetic media, electromagnetic waves and various techniques for the solution of electromagnetic problems. You’ll spend around four hours per week in lectures and workshops for this module. 

You’ll be introduced to a variety of topics including: basic techniques and equipment used in experimental physics; training in the analysis and interpretation of data; and training in the skills of record keeping and writing scientific reports. You’ll have around eight hours of practicals and lectures each week to study this module. 

You’ll study topics such as the physical properties of the atmosphere, chemistry of ozone in the stratosphere, global warming, and analytical methods in atmospheric chemistry in three hours of lectures each week.

You’ll use symmetry and group theory to consider vibrational spectroscopic data and spectroscopy as a tool for the characterisation of molecules. You’ll also study organometallic terminology and principal reaction types through an hourly lecture each week.  

You’ll be introduced to the principles of analytical chemistry, including the principal types of instrumentation used and the statistical treatment of analytical results. You’ll spend around two hours per week in lectures and workshops studying this module. 

In this module you’ll learn how physicists can harness the health benefits of using radiation, as well as measuring and controlling levels of radiation in the environment. You’ll examine the biological effects of radiation, the principles which govern safe exposure limits and the way issues of radiation protection are presented to the public. You’ll spend around four hours in lectures and seminars each week for this module. 

You’ll be given an overview of how forces at the nanoscale are different to those observed in macroscopic systems and will consider how they can be exploited in nanometre-scale processes and devices. You’ll focus on the physical basis and measurement of forces operating on the nanoscale, considering van der Waals, electrostatic, hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions. You’ll spend around three hours per week in lectures and workshops studying this module. 

You’ll explore the structure of molecules which are biologically significant and their mutual interactions and dynamics. Emphasis will be placed on the physical determination of molecular structure and intermolecular forces through two hours of lectures per week. 

You’ll study the relationships between structure and properties of solids, and develop electronic structure theories that account for a wide range of properties of solids. You’ll learn about semi-conductors, photoconductivity, LEDs and solar cells and attend around two lectures per week in this module.

In this module you’ll select two out of the following advanced units: astrophysical chemistry; inorganic reaction mechanisms; medicines from nature; molecular and laser spectroscopy; solid state materials chemistry. For each unit, you will spend around two hours each week in lectures and seminars. 

In this module you’ll select two out of the following advanced units: biosynthesis and biocatalysis; nucleic acids; applications of NMR; surface and interface studies; polymer chemistry. For each unit, you will spend around two hours each week in lectures and seminars.

You’ll be introduced to general methods for the discussion of wave propagation, specifically methods for the solution of differential equations and Fourier methods. You’ll spend around six hours each week in lectures and workshops for this module. 

This module will introduce you to the physics of atoms, nuclei and the fundamental components of matter. You’ll cover topics such as: particle physics; atomic physics; lasers; and nuclear physics. You’ll spend around four hours a week in lectures and workshops for this module. 

Providing a general introduction to solid state physics, you’ll cover topics such as: bonding; crystal structures; band theory; phonons; and optical properties of solids and magnetism. You’ll spend around four hours per week in lectures and workshops studying for this module. 

You’ll carry out a project within the areas of chemical and molecular physics, which may be experimental or theoretical in nature. Spending around two hours per week in lectures and tutorials, you’ll work in pairs to plan your project under the guidance of a project supervisor.

You will be welcomed into one of the research groups within the School of Chemistry to undertake an in-depth research project. All projects will involve a review of relevant published work and the planning and execution of a research topic under the guidance of two supervisors.

You’ll be given the opportunity to undertake a research project in chemistry and molecular physics at a university in continental Europe under the guidance of a supervisor. You’ll spend around 10 hours a week undertaking research training and laboratory and theoretical research alongside two hours per week report writing. 

You’ll be introduced to the modern theory of gravitation, covering topics such as: specifying geometry; equivalence principle; general relativity; and Schwarzschild black hole. You’ll spend around four hours per week in lectures and workshops studying this module. 

This module examines experimental high energy physics techniques such as synchrotrons and cyclotrons and their applications in medical imaging. Through two hours of lectures each week, you’ll cover topics including: cyclotrons, synchrotrons; applications to radiation detectors; X-ray imaging; and nuclear medicine. 

Through two hours of lectures per week you’ll cover topics such as: NMR; introduction to MRI; physics of nerves; EEG and MEG.

You’ll consider the use of scanning probes to acquire images of surfaces with sub-atomic resolution and to investigate the phenomena which occur on the nanometre length-scale. Spending around two hours per week in lectures, you’ll examine how scanning probe microscopy has provided an enormous stimulus to nanoscience and how new research and applications are developing in this emerging discipline. 

You’ll be given knowledge of the basic techniques of image processing, considering how images can be enhanced and cleaned up. Topics you’ll cover include: resolution and quantization; colour models; image filters; image transformations; and image compression. You’ll spend around four hours per week in lectures, seminars and tutorials for this module. 

In this module, you’ll cover various topics such as: Friedmann models and hot big bang; scalar fields; Newtonian approach; dark energy; the cosmological constant; and modified gravity. You’ll spend around five to six hours each week in lectures, seminars and tutorials. 

You’ll be given an introduction to the principles of NMR and related techniques such as electron spin resonance, nuclear quadrupole resonance and dynamic nuclear polarization. Spending two hours in lectures each week, you’ll consider these topics, along with details of instrumentation and their applications. 

You’ll develop your knowledge of quantum theory, with particular emphasis on how these systems evolve over time. Within this module, you’ll cover topics such as the dynamics of operators and wavefunctions, the quantum dynamical properties of the harmonic oscillator and the quantum dynamics of composite systems. You’ll spend around four hours per week in lectures and workshops studying for this module. 

This module will explore the physics of semiconductors and some of their applications. Topics include: semiconductor materials; energy bands and band bending; quantum confinement and the density of states; electrical properties; and semiconductor devices. You’ll have around two hours of lectures each week to study for this module. 

You’ll be introduced to key ideas in modern theoretical particle physics. You’ll consider topics such as: forces of nature; conservations laws; electron-positron scattering; and neutrino oscillations. You’ll spend around two hours each week in lectures for this module.

Building on your knowledge from the previous years' modules in inorganic chemistry, you’ll study topics including: electron transfer pathways; inorganic chemistry in biological systems; the principles of molecular and supramolecular photochemistry; applications of inorganic photochemistry; and photocatalysis. You’ll spend around four hours in lectures and seminars each week for this module. 

You’ll learn about the properties of matter from condensed matter through to gas phase including the novel states of matter such as ultracold molecules in traps and liquid He nanodroplets, microsolvated clusters, and low dimensional carbon structures. You’ll study the dynamics of chemical processes  and the capability of modern light sources allowing for the study of time-resolved measurements on timescales ranging from pico- to attoseconds. You’ll study this module through two hours of lectures per week.

You’ll select two specialised topics to study in depth from: bio-organic mechanisms; chemistry for the environment; photon molecule interactions; chemical sensors. You’ll spend around two hours a week studying for this module.