- UCAS course code
- F109
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Master of Chemistry (MChem)
MChem Chemistry
Duration: 4 years
Year of entry: 2025
UCAS course code: F109 / Institution code: M20
- Key features:
Scholarships available
Accredited course
- Typical A-level offer: A*AA including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: AAA including specific subjects
- Refugee/care-experienced offer: AAB including specific subjects
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 37 points overall with 7,6,6 at HL, including specific requirements
Course unit details:
Group Theory: Fundamentals and Applications
| Unit code | CHEM20311 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 10 |
| Unit level | Level 2 |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
- to identify symmetry elements (the identity, proper and improper rotation axes, mirror plane, inversion centre) in a given molecule and hence to assign the molecule to its point group, based on knowledge of its shape
- to understand the content of point group character tables and how to extract information from them
- to understand how to obtain the symmetries of the degrees of freedom in a molecule
- to understand how to use Group theory to perform a complete or partial vibrational analysis of a given molecule and to use that analysis together with experimental data to deduce molecular structure
- to use the concepts of high and low symmetry and the relationship between them to solve structural and spectroscopic problems
- to understand how to obtain the symmetries of groups of orbitals in a molecule
- how to set up a Walsh correlation diagram
- to use Group Theory to set up a molecular orbital bonding scheme for a d-transition metal complex
- to understand the ordering of ligands in the spectrochemical series
- to predict distortion based on symmetry considerations
- to introduce and to use the projection operator
- to understand and be able to use Walsh correlation diagrams and MO theory to explain key chemical trends in the p-block.
Pre/co-requisites
| Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory Chemistry | CHEM10101 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
| Energy and Change | CHEM10212 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
| Coordination Chemistry | CHEM10312 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
| Structure and Reactivity | CHEM10412 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
| CHEM10520 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory | |
| Chemists' Toolkit II | CHEM20500 | Co-Requisite | Compulsory |
| Integrated Spectroscopy and Separations | CHEM20611 | Co-Requisite | Compulsory |
| Organic Synthesis | CHEM20411 | Co-Requisite | Compulsory |
Aims
The unit aims to enable students at the end of this module to:
- describe and explain the fundamental principles of group theory as used in Chemistry
- apply group theory methods to interpret, predict and rationalise spectroscopic data
- apply group theory to develop models to rationalise chemical bonding
- apply group theory to describe the electronic structure of d-transition metal complexes
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students should be able to:
- describe and explain the fundamental principles of group theory as used in Chemistry
- apply group theory methods to interpret, predict and rationalise spectroscopic data
- apply group theory to develop models to rationalise chemical bonding
- apply group theory to describe the electronic structure of d-transition metal complexes
Syllabus
Knowledge and understanding
- Use concepts of molecular symmetry to identify physical properties
- Construct molecular orbitals and understand their role in determining molecular properties and reactivity
Intellectual skills
- Reflective skills on prior learning
- Chemical problem-solving
- Spectroscopic data analysis
- Structure analysis and prediction
- Understand the principles and application of spectroscopic techniques to the determination of molecular structure
Transferable skills and personal qualities
Problem-solving, analytical skills and time management.
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Other | 20% |
| Written exam | 80% |
Online tests - 20%
Feedback methods
Workshops (1 hour weekly)
Tutorials (3 × 1 hour during course)
E-learning (on-line formative quizzes, self-help tutorial web-sites)
Office hours (weekly during course)
Rolling feedback (answers to FAQs on <blackboard>)
Pre-examination revision sessions (practice test for on-line assessment, revision class during examination period)
Post-examination feedback (able to view marked examination scripts)
Recommended reading
Recommended textbooks:
Introductory texts
(a) Group theory for chemists: fundamental theory and applications, K. C. Molloy, 541.5/M91 https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780857092403/group-theory-for-chemists
(b) Molecular symmetry and group theory: a programmed introduction to chemical applications, A. Vincent, 541.5/V17
(c) Introduction to molecular symmetry, J. S. Ogden, Oxford Chemistry Primer, no. 97, 541.5/O31 https://bibliu.com/app/#/view/books/9780198559108/epub/html/toc.html
(d) Group theory for chemists, G. Davidson, 541.5/D6
(e) Beginning group theory for chemists, P. H. Walton, 541.5/W29
Advanced texts
(a) Chemical applications of group theory, F. A. Cotton, 541.5/C
(b) Symmetry and structure (readable group theory for chemists), S. F. A. Kettle, 541.5/K26
(c) Molecular symmetry, D. J. Willock, 541.5/W33 https://onlinelibrary-wiley-com.manchester.idm.oclc.org/doi/book/10.1002/9780470747414
(d) Orbital Interactions in Chemistry, T. A. Albright, J. K. Burdett, M.-H. Whangbo
online e-book: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9781118558409
Compilation of data
Point group character tables and related data, J. A. Salthouse and M. J. Ware, 541.5/S
Interactive websites for symmetry
https://www.ch.ic.ac.uk/local/symmetry/
https://symotter.org/
https://www.chemtube3d.com/category/structure-and-bonding/symmetry/
https://www.staff.ncl.ac.uk/j.p.goss/symmetry/Molecules_pov.html
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Assessment written exam | 2 |
| eAssessment | 1 |
| Lectures | 11 |
| Practical classes & workshops | 11 |
| Tutorials | 3 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 72 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| David Collison | Unit coordinator |
Additional notes
There is a strict work and attendance requirement on this course. In particular, attendance at workshops will be closely monitored and if attendance falls below 66% you will be excluded from taking the resit exam.
You must inform your lecturer or the School of Natrual Sciences Hub immediately if you miss a workshop for a legitimate reason e.g. medical..