This course is divided into two parts, both parts building on the material taught in CHEM 2209. The foundations in Solid State Chemistry are expanded to cover topics in structural characterisation, local crystal chemistry and properties of selected functional inorganic materials.

The Physical Chemistry part includes an introduction to statistical thermodynamics which is an essential tool for advanced research in physical chemistry including biophysics and surface chemistry.  The lecture material on colloid and surface chemistry is more applied with a focus on industrial examples.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand how intermolecular forces determine colloidal behaviour, surfactant and surface phenomena. (LO1)

2. Understand the application of statistical thermodynamics to describe the behaviour of gases, simple liquids, as well as phase (gas-liquid) phase equilibrium and liquid mixtures. (LO2)

3. Develop an understanding of the relationship between structure, local crystal chemistry and function in the solid state. (LO3)

4.  Implement the theory developed in the lecture course through the practical component. (LO4)

• Mid-semester exam (37.5%) (LO1 & LO2)

• Assignments/lab reports (25%) (LO4)

• Final exam (37.5%) (LO3)

65 hours of lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes and a further 65 hours of independent learning.

CHEM2209

Incompatibility: CHEM3021

First semester second year chemistry

Physical Chemistry, Atkins and de Paula (any recent edition)

Inorganic Chemistry, 5th edition by P. Atkins, T. Overton, J. Rourke, M. Weller and F. Armstrong.