2020/21 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

CHEM3262 Supramolecular and Macromolecular Chemistry

10 creditsClass Size: 105

Module manager: Dr Paul Beales
Email: p.a.beales@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2020/21

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The objective of this interdisciplinary module is for students to learn the fundamental principles of non-covalent chemistry: molecular recognition, supramolecular chemistry, and self-assembly of small molecules and macromolecules. Any given molecule's supramolecular or non-covalent chemistry is what determines its function, these principles link to areas including biomolecular science, analytical and materials chemistry. Non-covalent chemistry also underpins Soft Matter science which covers the behaviour of colloids, emulsions, liquid crystals, foams and aerosols as well as the solution phase behaviour of macromolecules (e.g. polymers) and self-assembled mesophases. 

Objectives

The objective of this interdisciplinary module is for students to learn the fundamental principles of molecular recognition, supramolecular chemistry, and self-assembly of small molecules and macromolecules.

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module, students should be able to:
(i) identify different types of non-covalent interactions;
(ii) Discuss and interpret the thermodynamics of host-guest interactions;
(iii) Discuss the molecular recognition properties of common receptors eg crowns, calixarenes etc;
(iv) Understand the principles of self-assembly and template directed syntheses of a broad range of complex molecular architectures;
(v) Understand the fundamental principles of both theoretical and synthetic polymer chemistry;
(vi) Discuss the polymeric properties, and the methods utilised to assess these properties that are of significance for the generation of soft materials;
(vii) Understand the importance of non-covalent interactions in soft matter;
(viii) Understand and apply self-assembly models for amphiphiles and 1D self-assembly of supramolecular polymers.

Syllabus

Fundamental non-covalent and labile interactions
Basic thermodynamics including macrocyclic effect, multivalency, co-operativity, evaluating affinity.
Types of molecular hosts including crown ethers, cryptands and calixarenes.
Template Directed Synthesis including discrete assemblies and interlocked architectures.
Polymer synthesis
Polymer Self Assembly
Polymer Analysis
Non-covalent interactions in soft matter
Amphiphile self-assembly
Thermodynamics of self-assembly and the critical micelle concentration
Mechanisms of 1D self-assembly
Models of solution phase polymer conformations

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
On-line Learning	12	1.00	12.00
Independent online learning hours			48.00
Private study hours			40.00
Total Contact hours			12.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

Engaging with online learning materials. Reading beyond the online material. Working through problem sets. Preparation for exam (20h).

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Regular examples for which worked solutions will be available. Online exercises. Synchronous online sessions.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Computer Exercise	Problem-solving exercises	15.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		15.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Open Book exam	2 hr	85.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		85.00

Exam replacement / 48h coursework exercise

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 24/03/2021

Disclaimer

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