CH3G9-15 Catalysis
Introductory description
This module builds on core concepts covered in Year 1 and Year 2 modules and laboratories and expands knowledge and understanding of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. The module is divided into 3 core topics, which are interspersed with short revision/introduction sessions. The lectures will be supported by problem based workshops.
Module aims
By the end of this module, students should be able to describe the mechanisms of common homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions, understand how selectivity can be achieved in catalytic reactions, deduce new mechanisms and interpret unseen experimental data and suggest suitable catalysts for a given transformation.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
The module is split into 3 topics interspersed with short revision/introduction sessions. Each topic will be delivered via lectures and supported by workshops.
1: Bio/organocatalysis.
2: Homogenous transition metal catalysis.
3: Heterogenous catalysis.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Use the correct terminology to describe and quantify catalytic processes
- Describe the mechanisms of homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions outlined in the syllabus with reference to the elementary steps involved and through application of concepts from organic, organometallic, inorganic, materials, and physical chemistry
- Understand how selectivity can be achieved in catalytic reactions by reference to the structure and electronic characteristics of the catalysts used
- Deduce new mechanisms and interpret unseen experimental data using the principles developed above
- Suggest suitable catalysts for a given transformation and predict how modifications to a given catalyst will impact productivity, reaction selectivity, and reaction outcome
- Appreciate contemporary and frontier directions of catalysis research
Indicative reading list
Reading lists can be found in Talis
Specific reading list for the module
Subject specific skills
Deduce new mechanisms and interpret unseen experimental data related to catalysis problems.
Predict how modifications to a given catalyst will impact productivity, reaction selectivity, and reaction outcome.
Ability to interpret and evaluate contemporary and frontier directions of catalysis research.
Transferable skills
Communication
Critical Thinking
Digital Literacy
Information Literacy
Problem Solving
Professionalism
Sustainability
Teamwork
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 21 sessions of 1 hour (7%) |
| Practical classes | 4 sessions of 1 hour (1%) |
| Private study | 125 hours (42%) |
| Assessment | 150 hours (50%) |
| Total | 300 hours |
Private study description
N/A
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group D
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Group video presentation | 20% | 30 hours | No |
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The assessment is designed to develop student awareness of current problems and directions at the forefront of contemporary catalysis research and will be managed as a small group project. Each group will produce a short, recorded lecture style presentation overviewing a ‘contemporary or frontier direction of catalysis research’ with at least one illustrative example from the scientific literature at a level suitable for their year 3 peers (20 min). A list of possible topics will be provided on a first come first serve basis, but student suggestions would be welcomed and subject to the discretion of the person teaching the overarching topic. Examples include, biomimetic, artificial metalloenzymes, applications of photoredox catalysis in organic chemistry, chalcogen bonding catalysis, asymmetric variants of classical organometallic catalysis, supramolecular catalysis, supported catalysts, environmental catalysis, biphasic catalysis, gold catalysis, plasmonic catalysis, single atom catalysis, electrocatalysis. In addition to producing their own video, students would be required to watch and score others at random (up to 1 hour). |
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Reassessment component |
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| Individual video presentation | No | ||
Assessment component |
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| Centrally-timetabled examination (On-campus) | 80% | 120 hours | No |
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Written examination
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Cohort level examination feedback provided via Moodle following the Exam Board.
Courses
This module is Option list B for:
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UCHA-4 Undergraduate Chemistry (with Intercalated Year) Variants
- Year 4 of F101 Chemistry (with Intercalated Year)
- Year 4 of F122 Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry (with Intercalated Year)
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UCHA-3 Undergraduate Chemistry 3 Year Variants
- Year 3 of F100 Chemistry
- Year 3 of F121 Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry
- Year 3 of UCHA-F110 Undergraduate Master of Chemistry (with Industrial Placement)
- Year 4 of UCHA-F107 Undergraduate Master of Chemistry (with Intercalated Year)
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UCHA-F109 Undergraduate Master of Chemistry (with International Placement)
- Year 3 of F109 MChem Chemistry (with International Placement)
- Year 3 of F111 MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry (with International Placement)
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UCHA-4M Undergraduate Master of Chemistry Variants
- Year 3 of F100 Chemistry
- Year 3 of F105 Chemistry
- Year 3 of F109 MChem Chemistry (with International Placement)
- Year 3 of F125 MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry
- Year 4 of UCHA-F127 Undergraduate Master of Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry(with Intercalated Year)