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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. 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(75%). All 3 module learning outcomes will be assessed.
2) Continuous assessment (25%) in the form of TWO short in-class open book tests. This will test module learning outcomes 1 and 2 but will consist of exercises that are more suitable for an ‘open book’ approach and include a clear formative as well as summative purpose.
Feedback will be via return of the annotated exam paper at the end of the academic year. Annotated test papers will be returned in the same way as coursework assignments i.e. within the usual timeframe.
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. Staff teaching this module have research experience and insight in the topics covered. 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 e-LP platform. Assessment will be by means of an examination and problem solving tests. Employers are always interested in applicants who can demonstrate an aptitude for applying numeracy and employers in chemistry fields will appreciate the topics covered in this module, particularly polymer chemistry which plays a role in many aspects of chemical technology.
Course info
UCAS Code F110
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Applied Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
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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