MSc Chemistry

A 1-semester Unit of 24 lectures split into 3 sub-units of 8, supported by individual workshops.

1. Polymer Chemistry  Prof. M. Turner
2. Heterogeneous Catalysis Dr. F. Mair (Unit Co-ordinator)
3. F-block Chemistry  Prof. S. Liddle

The unit is a mix of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, a reflection of the nature of our subject as it becomes more applied to real-world situations. 
 

The unit aims to:
Equip students with the ability to do all of the things listed under Intended learning outcomes for each of the three sections, on Polymer Chemistry, Homogeneous Catalysis, and F-block chemistry.
 

On successful completion of the course students should be able to:

• Analyse the reaction steps and interpret experimental data to inform hypotheses on mechanisms of metal-catalysed reactions, or to predict reaction outcomes. 
• Explain and interpret the different types of polymers and how their formation and architecture is controlled, and differentiated in polymerisation processes.
• Compare and contrast the occurrence, synthesis, chemical and physicochemical properties of the f-block elements with transition metal analogues.

• Select, apply and interpret data from the synthesis or measurement of metal or polymer based systems.
 

Problem solving. Evaluation of data. Analytical skills. Investigative skills. Academic writing.

Feedback through workshops and blackboard quizzes and individual and group discussions with graduate teaching assistants/staff in the laboratory component.

Part 1:
R. J. Young and P. A. Lovell, Introduction to Polymers, 3rd Ed. 2011, CRC press, Main Library Blue Floor 3, 541. 7Y4, and Joule Library 547.84YOU or as e-book.
M. P. Stevens, Polymer Chemistry: An Introduction, 3rd Ed. 1999, OUP, Main Library Blue Floor 3, 541.7, S78, and Joule Library 541.7STE.
For more depth: G. Odian, Principles of Polymerization, 4th Ed. 2004, Wiley, Main Library 541.7O7 or as e-book

Part 2:
R. H. Crabtree, The Organometallic Chemistry of the Transition Metals, 5th Ed. Wiley, 2009. Main Library Blue Floor 3, 547.056 C1, or as e-book.
Ch. Elschenbroich. Organometallics, 3rd Ed. Wiley-VCH, Main Library Blue Floor 3, 547.9 E2, or as e-book
S. Bhaduri and D. Mukesh, Homogeneous Catalysis: Mechanisms and Industrial Applications. Wiley, 2000, Joule Library 660.097BHA. 
S. P. Nolan (Ed.), N-Heterocyclic Carbenes in Synthesis, Wiley, 2006, , Main Library Blue Floor 3, 547.1N22, or as e-book.

Part 3:
S. Cotton, Lanthanide and Actinide Chemistry, 2006, Wiley, DOI:10.1002/0470010088
N. Kaltsoyannis and P. Scott, The f-elements, Oxford Chemistry Primers, No. 76
H. C. Aspinall, Chemistry of the f-block elements, CRC Press.