You will study advanced modules in core physics and chemistry.
A final research project will apply your theoretical, computational and experimental techniques to an area of your choice.
Chemical Bonding and Reactivity
To provide a fundamental understanding of molecular structure and of the requirements for reactivity.
To introduce modern electronic structure theory and demonstrate how it can be applied to determine properties such as molecular structure, spectroscopy and reactivity.
Solids, Interfaces and Surfaces
This course aims to teach the relationship between structure and properties of solids, structure of Solids and characterisation.
It aims to teach a general introduction to Interfaces and Surfaces.
Fourier Methods
Knowledge of waves and oscillations is needed to understand many physical phenomena. In this module you’ll learn some very useful mathematical tools (Fourier methods) for describing them.
Knowledge of waves and oscillations is needed to understand many physical phenomena. In this module you’ll learn some very useful mathematical tools (Fourier methods) for describing them.
You’ll study:
- what Fourier methods are and what are their interesting properties
- how to characterise periodic and non-periodic functions
- how to solve optical diffraction problem
- how Fourier methods help in solving differential equations
Atoms, Photons and Fundamental Particles
This module will introduce students to the physics of atoms, nuclei and the fundamental constituents of matter and their interactions. The module will also develop the quantum mechanical description of these.
Topics to be covered are:
- Approximation techniques first order perturbation theory, degeneracies, second order perturbation theory, transition rates, time-dependent perturbation theory, Fermi's golden rule
- Particle Physics protons and neutrons, antiparticles, particle accelerators and scattering experiments, conservation laws, neutrinos, leptons, baryons and hadrons, the quark model and the strong interaction, weak interactions, standard model
- Introduction to atomic physics review of simple model of hydrogen atom, Fermi statistics and Pauli principle, aufbau principle, hydrogenic atoms, exchange, fine structure and hyperfine interactions, dipole interaction, selection rules and transition rates
- Lasers optical polarization and photons, optical cavities, population inversions, Bose statistics and stimulated emission, Einstein A and B coefficients
- Nuclear Physics Radioactivity, decay processes, alpha, beta and gamma emission, detectors, stability curves and binding energies, nuclear fission, fusion, liquid drop and shell models.
Introduction to Solid State Physics
The aim of this module is to introduce to you the fundamental topics in solid state physics. We start by looking at why atoms and molecules come together to form a crystal structure. We then follow the electronic structure of these through to interesting electronic, thermal and magnetic properties that we can harness to make devices.
Solid state physics underpins almost every technological development around us, from solar cells and LEDs to silicon chips and mobile phones.
The aim of this module is to introduce to you the fundamental topics in solid state physics. We start by looking at why atoms and molecules come together to form a crystal structure. We then follow the electronic structure of these through to interesting electronic, thermal and magnetic properties that we can harness to make devices.
You’ll study:
- Why atoms and molecules come together to form crystal structures
- The description of crystal structures, reciprocal lattices, diffraction and Brillouin zones
- Nearly-free electron model – Bloch's theorem, band gaps from electron Bragg scattering and effective masses
- Band theory, Fermi surfaces, qualitative picture of transport, metals, insulators and semiconductors
- Semiconductors – doping, inhomogeneous semiconductors, basic description of pn junction
- Phonons normal modes of ionic lattice, quantization, Debye theory of heat capacities, acoustic and optical phonons
- Optical properties of solids absorption and reflection of light by metals, Brewster angle, dielectric constants, plasma oscillations
- Magnetism – Landau diamagnetism, paramagnetism, exchange interactions, Ferromagnetism, antiferromagnetism, neutron scattering, dipolar interactions and domain formation, magnetic technology
Physics Project
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.
Advanced Laboratory Techniques
This course aims to teach advanced experimental techniques in chemistry.
To provide experience in the recording, analysis and reporting of physical data.
To put into practice the methods of accessing, assessing and critically appraising the chemical literature.
Chemistry and Molecular Physics Literature and Communication Skills
You’ll undertake a literature review on a selected topic in the area of chemistry and molecular physics, presenting your work as a written report.
You’ll also develop your communication skills through group work, presentations and writing for the general public.
You’ll spend around two hours per week in workshops for this module.
Structure Determination Methods
A general introduction to lasers, including laser radiation and its properties will be given.
A number of current laser spectroscopic methods will be reviewed, which allow the determination of vibrational frequencies and structures.
Examples will cover ground and excited state neutral molecules, radicals and complexes, as well as cations of these.
An introduction to modern diffraction methods will be given, involving neutrons, electrons and X-rays.
Applications will cover solids (crystalline and amorphous), liquids and gases.
Throughout, there will be extensive examples from the research literature.
Bioinorganic and Metal Coordination Chemistry
The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of coordination chemistry in the context of macrocyclic, supramolecular and bioinorganic chemistry and its applications in metal extraction and synthesis.
You will gain an appreciation of the importance of metals in biological systems, and be able to explain the relationship between the structure of the active centres of metallo-proteins and enzymes and their biological functions.
The module is assessed by a two-hour written exam.
Catalysis
This module aims to provide a framework for understanding the action of heterogeneous catalysts in terms of adsorption/desorption processes and for understanding catalyst promotion in terms of chemical and structural phenomenon and also describes a wide variety of homogeneous catalytic processes based on organo-transition metal chemistry.
Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
This module covers inorganic mechanisms and the overarching fundamental principles of greener and sustainable chemistry as applied to processes, inorganic reaction mechanisms, and discussion on the theme of greener and sustainable chemistry
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the
module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on