Spectroscopy and Physical Chemistry

Module code: NT3008

This module will introduce you to the theory and practice behind spectroscopy and expand on the applications of physical chemistry.

Spectroscopy is the study of the relationship between matter and electromagnetic radiation. It's important for a chemist - particularly those working in analytical and physical fields - to be adept at spectroscopy. Atoms and molecules have distinct spectra, which can be used to discover, classify and quantify information about a sample's elemental composition.

This module will also expand upon the core systems behind physical chemistry, expanding on the following topics:

• The thermodynamics of solution formation
• Different methods of transportation
• Ion migration & diffusion
• The nature of a colloid and its stability
• The size and shape of colloidal particles, and the interplay between the attractive and repulsive interactions between them
• The principles of collision theory and transition state theory
• Reactions and their associated mechanisms including methods available for their determination
• The kinetics of chemical reactions and how they are influenced by homogenous and heterogeneous catalysts including associated mechanisms; how catalysis can be monitored and modelled
• Qualitative and quantitative analyses of and solving problems involving the movement of charged and neutral species in solutions and kinetic data