| Unit name | Materials Chemistry: Material Interfaces |
|---|---|
| Unit code | CHEM30031 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Davis |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
CHEM20005 Materials Chemistry: Materials for Energy and either CHEM20007 CHEM20009 Core Concepts on Chemistry for Chemical Physics or CHEM20009 Core Concepts on Chemistry |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Chemistry |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Why is this unit important?
The aim of this unit is to equip chemistry students with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle major societal challenges across Energy, Health and the Environment. This is the final unit in a series of optional units that focus on functional materials with real-world application. Material Interfaces will provide students with an advanced level understanding of key classes of materials and in particular the contrast between bulk and interfacial properties. This unit will focus on how interfaces at different length scales can enhance the core properties of materials and extend the range of potential applications.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
This unit is part of a series of optional units throughout levels 4 – 6 that cover functional materials with real- world application. At level 4 students are introduced to the Material World and key classes of materials. At level 5 the focus shifts to core electronic and magnetic properties of bulk materials with a thematic focus on Materials for Energy. This level 6 unit builds on this prerequisite knowledge to explore how material interfaces influence applications in key thematic areas linked to School research themes.
An overview of content
The aim of this unit is to introduce students to functional materials chemistry that will underpin future cutting-edge technological developments. The unit introduces key classes of materials and associated thematic application areas of Energy, Environment and Health where developments in functional materials by chemists will make significant contributions. The unifying focus is on how defects and interfaces at the molecular scale and beyond link to the materials properties and explaining how and why these materials are used in real-world practical applications. The unit will comprise four courses of 6 lectures and particular emphasis is given to multifunctional and high surface area materials.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will develop an understanding of how material properties can be enhanced at multiple length scales. They will be able to apply this fundamental knowledge to optimise a single material for multiple applications or different classes of material for the same application.
Learning Outcomes
You will learn through a blended approach, involving a mixture of face-to-face and online teaching, asynchronous and synchronous lectures, online resources, individual student led enquiry and/or team-based student led enquiry.
Summary of approximate student workload:
Total: 200 hours
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks:
The summative coursework will be supported by a formative activity to brief the students to ensure:
they understand the aims, context, requirements, marking criteria, anticipated time to be spent on the assessment and that any resources required (eg computational) can be accessed. Each individual course will also be supported by a workshop staffed by two staff specialists in the topic. These formative activities will be scheduled a week or two following the final lecture. They will typically involve problem sheets allowing immediate feedback to ensure ILO1 is secure. More extended problem-solving questions will be used to test ILOs 2,3 and provide preparation for the final summative exam questions. Feedback on these questions can be provided in or post workshop depending on individual student progress.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark:
The unit will be assessed by a combination of coursework (25%) and an end-of-year exam (75%). The coursework will involve a synoptic activity that underpins material synthesis/characterisation primarily testing ILOs 1 and 2.
When assessment does not go to plan
The re-assessment task will match the original assessment. Working in groups will only be required for logistical reasons eg access to lab based research equipment with subsequent data analysis performed individually. As such reassessment for individuals should not prove a problem.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. CHEM30031).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
