Unit information: Advanced Computational & Interdisciplinary Chemistry for Chemists in 2015/16

Unit name	Advanced Computational & Interdisciplinary Chemistry for Chemists
Unit code	CHEM30018
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Professor. Rich Pancost
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	CHEM20170, CHEM20180, CHEM20190, CHEM20480
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Chemistry
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

The course covers a range of disciplines that do not fall into traditional sectional divisions, including subjects that span the breadth of chemistry, intersect other disciplines (e.g. geochemistry, biochemistry) and highlight how chemistry underpins a wide range of modern science. The unit focuses on computational chemistry with an emphasis on modelling and on global biogeochemical cycles. The overall structure will comprise an initial module focusing on computational chemistry, representing one of the major tools/techniques that spans the discipline (and beyond) and is essential to addressing major scientific challenges. The course aims to provide a widening knowledge of interdisciplinary chemistry, which is appropriate for a BSc student and will enable progress to even more advanced aspects in a variety of areas of chemistry. This unit aims to develop (i) a deeper understanding of analytical techniques; (ii) an ability to reason through processes and interactions in complex biological and environmental systems; and (iii) an understanding of how chemistry underpins a wide range of other disciplines and its role in addressing major societal challenges.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• • Appreciation of the many aspects of biomolecular design, engineering and production
  • The application of modern-day problems in biology and biotechnology
  • Consideration of the broader ethical, social & legal issues of biomolecular engineering
  • Understanding of how cutting edge analytical methodologies can be used to resolve previously intransigent biochemical and environmental processes
  • Understanding of how numerical modelling allows the complexity of chemical systems in the environment to be examined

Teaching Information

The unit comprises lectures and workshops.

Assessment Information

Assessment will be based on 3 hours of written examination.

Reading and References

R Atmospheric Change: An Earth System Perspective (Graedel, T. E.; Crutzen, Paul J.) Freeman, W. H., 1993. ISBN-10: 0716723328 (currently 2 copies in Chemistry library and 2 copies in Wills Memorial library)

R Molecular Biology of the Cell (Alberts et al) Garland Science, 2007. ISBN-10: 0815341059 (currently 6 copies in Biological Sciences library, 31 copies in Medical library and 1 copy in Veterinary Sciences library)

R The Earth System, 3rd Edition (Kump, Kasting and Crane) Prentice Hall, 2009. ISBN-10: 0321597796 (currently 4 copies in Geographical Sciences library and 9 copies in Wills Memorial library)

R Molecular Quantum Mechanics, P. W. Atkins and R. S. Friedman, OUP, 2011 (currently 6 copies in Chemistry library)