Master of Chemistry (MChem)

MChem Chemistry

Gain valuable work experience as part of your Chemistry degree.
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Year of entry: 2025
  • UCAS course code: F109 / Institution code: M20
  • Key features:
  • Scholarships available
  • Accredited course

Full entry requirementsHow to apply

Course unit details:
Core Chemistry 3

Course unit fact file
Unit code CHEM30211
Credit rating 10
Unit level Level 3
Teaching period(s) Semester 1
Offered by Department of Chemistry
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

The unit covers three core topics in physical chemistry: (1) statistical thermodynamics; (2) vibrations in molecules and solids; and (3) physical organic chemistry. Each topic is taught in a blended format with three independent-study and four in-person sessions. The majority of the teaching follows the “flipped classroom” approach, with students asked to watch short videos during the independent-study sessions which are then supported with summaries and worked examples in the in-person sessions. 

Aims

The unit aims to provide students with a working knowledge of three core topics in physical chemistry: (1) statistical thermodynamics; (2) vibrations in molecules and solids; and (3) physical organic chemistry. 

Learning outcomes

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

  • Explain the key steps in the derivation of the Boltzmann distribution;
  • Select and apply the tools of statistical thermodynamics to predict gaseous properties;
  • Explain the theoretical basis for modelling vibrations in polyatomic molecules and phonons in solids;
  • Describe the connection between imaginary harmonic modes and the potential-energy surface (PES) of molecules and solids;
  • Interpret data from statistical thermodynamics and phonon spectra to characterise phase transitions in solids;
  • Select and apply concepts in transition-state theory and the Eyring equation to predict and explain dynamical and kinetic behaviour in small molecules;
  • Explain the detailed nature of the relationship between the free energy, equilibrium constant and reactivity in the context of organic chemistry;
  • Design experiments to measure and rationalise chemical reaction mechanisms;
  • Apply the principles of physical and physical-organic chemistry explain and rationalise the structure and properties of topical supramolecular materials. 

Syllabus

Statistical thermodynamics (Dr C. Trujillo, 7 sessions) 

  • Classical thermodynamics.
  • Statistical definition of entropy: microstates.  
  • Microscopic and macroscopic properties: ensembles, Boltzmann distribution.  
  • Partition function: internal energy, entropy, Helmholtz free energy.
  • Ideal gases of atoms: translational partition function.  
  • Ideal gases of diatomic molecules: rotational partition function, rotational temperature, symmetry number.
  • Vibrational partition function: diatomic and polyatomic molecules, total vibrational partition function, vibrational temperature.  
  • Electronic partition function.  
  • Statistical mechanics and equilibrium: Gibbs free energy, equilibrium constants.

Vibrations in molecules and solids (Dr. J. M. Skelton, 7 sessions) 

  • Vibrations in polyatomic molecules: Hessian and dynamical matrices, frequencies and eigenvectors.
  • Phonons in solids: the Bloch theorem, wavevectors, the phonon dispersion and density of states.
  • Energetic and dynamical stability: Helmholtz free energy of solids, imaginary harmonic modes, potential energy surfaces (PES) and stationary points, phase transitions.
  • Reaction dynamics: transition state theory and the Eyring equation. 

 

Physical organic chemistry: (Prof. S. J. Webb, 7 sessions) 

  • Relationships between free energy changes, equilibrium constants and reactivity.
  • Physical concepts in the design of experiments to test or establish reaction mechanisms and the application of physical methods to mechanistic problems.
  • Effects of structural variation and change of reaction conditions on organic reactivity.
  • Types of supramolecular interactions and their relative strengths.
  • Applications of supramolecular chemistry. 

Transferable skills and personal qualities

Analytical, problem-solving, numeracy and mathematical skills. 

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Written exam 100%

Feedback methods

Students will have access to a significant quantity of problems and worked solutions, provided as part of the workshops, that they can use to check their progress. A summative revision session held at the end of the course provides an opportunity for cohort-level feedback on more challenging topics. Students also have the opportunity for direct feedback from course staff during the in-person sessions and/or office hours. 

 

Recommended reading

  • P. Atkins and J. de Paula, Atkins’ Physical Chemistry (10th Ed.), OUP, 2014
  • A. Maczek, Oxford Chemistry Primers 58: Statistical Thermodynamics, OUP, 1998
  • M. T. Dove, Introduction to Lattice Dynamics, CUP, 1993
  • J. I. Steinfeld, J. S. Francisco & W. L. Hase, Chemical Kinetics and Dynamics, Pearson, 1998
  • H. Maskill, The Physical Basis of Organic Chemistry, OUP, 1985 (ISBN: 9780198551997)
  • E. V. Anslyn and D. A. Dougherty, Modern Physical Organic Chemistry, University Science Books, 2006 (ISBN: 9781891389319)
  • J. W. Steed and J. L. Atwood, Supramolecular Chemistry, Wiley, 2000 (ISBN: 0471987918)
  • P. Beer, P. Gale and D. K. Smith, Supramolecular Chemistry, OUP, 1999 (ISBN: 9780198504474)
  • J. M. Seddon and J. D. Gale, Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics, RSC, 2001 

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Assessment written exam 2
Lectures 24
Practical classes & workshops 3
Independent study hours
Independent study 71

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Jonathan Skelton Unit coordinator

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