2013/14 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
CHEM3241 Self-Organising Molecular Systems
10 creditsClass Size: 90
Module manager: Dr A Aggeli
Email: A.Aggeli@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2013/14
Pre-requisite qualifications
Level 2 in Chemistry or Level 2 in Joint Honours (Science) with Chemisry or equivalentPre-requisites
| CHEM1130 | Introduction to Modern Chemistry |
This module is not approved as an Elective
Objectives
On completion of this module, students should be able to:- understand the principles of molecular self-assembly, the role of weak non-covalent forces in determining structure, energetics and dynamics in complex molecular systems;
- appreciate the way in which biology exploits molecular self-assembly, including protein folding, self-assembly in disease, DNA double helices, lipid membranes and the self-assembly of viruses;
- appreciate how synthetic chemists are learning to reproduce biological-like self-assembly in simpler chemical systems as a route to novel functional molecular materials;
- describe non-ideal behaviour of solutions and solution thermodynamics;
- understand the thermodynamics of interfaces between phases and understand the role of the interface in a range of technological and natural systems;
- appreciate concepts of metastability and supersaturation;
- describe the kinetics of phase changes; specifically nucleation processes, and how this relates to polymorphism.
Learning outcomes
Principles and mechanisms of molecular self-assembly:
- Molecular self-assembly in nature
- Molecular self-assembly in nanosciences and nanotechnology
- Equilibrium solution thermodynamics
- Role of the interface
- Non-equilibrium states - metastability and supersaturation
- Phase change kinetics and nucleation theory (role of interface)
- Role of Kinetics in polymorphism.
Skills outcomes
In the first part of the course students will learn the principles and mechanisms of molecular self-assembly, molecular self-assembly in nature and the use of molecular self-assembly in nanosciences and nanotechnology.
In the second part of the course students will learn about the role of the interface in controlling the phase and will be able to quantitatively understand the role of phase change kinetics in determining when and how changes in phase occur.
In addition students will develop their broader learning and academic skills through the in course assessments. This will include reading and understanding scientific papers in leading journals and communicating complex information in a concise manner.
Syllabus
PART ONE
Principles of self-assembly:
Lecture 1: Definition of molecular self-assembly, non-covalent forces, energetics and dynamics
Lecture 2: Self-assembly of surfactants in dilute aqueous solution
Lecture 3: Spontaneous curvature and geometric packing model
Lecture 4: Classical one-dimensional self-assembly
> (1st assessed report/computer exercise)
Lecture 5: Nucleation and co-operativity in controlling one-dimensional growth
Lecture 6: Self regulation of self-assembly.
Role of self-assembly in biology:
Lecture 7: Principles of polypeptide and b-sheet self-assembly
> (2nd assessed report/computer exercise)
Lecture 8: Hierarchical b-tape self-assembly
Lecture 9: Molecular self-assembly in disease.
Chemists attempts to build on biological self-assembly:
Lecture 10: Biological self-assembly as a route to novel smart molecular materials.
PART TWO
Lecture 11: Revision of 2nd year thermodynamics
Lecture 12: Solution thermodynamics (non-electrolytes)
Lecture 13: Electrolyte solutions
Lectures 14 and 15: The liquid interface
Lecture 16: Supersaturation and metastability (inhibition of phase changes)
Lectures 17 and 18: Kinetics of Phase changes and nucleation
Lectures 19 and 20: Polymorphism and nucleation Kinetics.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Example Class | 8 | 1.00 | 8.00 |
| Lecture | 20 | 1.00 | 20.00 |
| Tutorial | 2 | 1.00 | 2.00 |
| Private study hours | 70.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 30.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 | ||
Private study
20 hours - reading for lectures20 hours - preparation for assessed course work and examples classes
30 hours - preparation for examination.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Examples classes and assessed work throughout the semester.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Tutorial Performance | Tutorial Performance | 10.00 |
| Tutorial Performance | Tutorial Performance | 10.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 20.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr 00 mins | 80.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 80.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 27/10/2014
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD