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Core 6: Spectroscopy & Chemistry - CHE00019I

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  • Department: Chemistry
  • Module co-ordinator: Prof. Victor Chechik
  • Credit value: 30 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2021-22
    • See module specification for other years: 2022-23

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2021-22 to Summer Term 2021-22

Module aims

This module explores spectroscopic methods and further aspects of chemistry. The subject matter explored in this module is covered at a more advanced level compared to the foundations courses delivered as part of stage 1 and serves to signal to the students how their understanding of chemistry will be expected to develop in its sophistication throughout the course.

Module learning outcomes

At the end of this module students will have:

  • an understanding of advanced spectroscopy and concepts in and catalysis.
  • developed written and verbal communication skills in small group tutorials and workshops.
  • applied the principles taught in the module to solve unseen problems in small group tutorials and workshops
  • developed new and existing laboratory skills.
  • performed data analysis using a range of software.
  • developed scientific writing skills.

Module content

Module content:

  • Vibrational spectroscopy (MCRC, 6 lectures, central workshop and assessed workshop)
  • Excited states and photochemistry (JNM, 6 lectures, college tutorial)
  • Applications of NMR spectroscopy in organic chemistry (PAOB, 5 lectures, central workshop)
  • Catalysis (SBD, 8 lectures, college tutorial)
  • Photoelectron spectroscopy and molecular orbital theory (CED, 6 lectures, central workshop and college tutorial)
  • Fundamentals of magnetic resonance (MEH, 6 lectures, college workshop)
  • Physical chemistry
  • Scientific writing (2 lectures, NJW)

Indicative assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Online Exam: Core 6 Exam		 2.5 hours 55
Open Examination: Multiple choice questions online
Assessed workshop: Vibrational Spectroscopy		 N/A 15
Open Examination: Multiple choice questions online
Practical skills assessment :Practical skills assessment 2		 1 hours 30

Special assessment rules

Non-reassessable

Additional assessment information

Core 6 Closed Exam: Spectroscopy & Chemistry

  • answer one compulsory question and three out of four other questions.

Vibrational spectroscopy is assessed by an assessed workshop. Reassessment of this component is in the form of an exam question based on the same content.

Indicative reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Online Exam: Core 6 Exam		 2.5 hours 55
Open Examination: Multiple choice questions online
Assessed workshop: Vibrational Spectroscopy		 N/A 15
Open Examination: Multiple choice questions online
Practical skills assessment :Practical skills assessment 2		 1 hours 30

Module feedback

  • Tutorials/workshops: written feedback will be given for tutorial work within a week. Written and/or oral feedback for workshops will be given either during the sessions or within a week.
  • Exams: closed exam results with per-question breakdown are returned to the students via supervisors within 5 weeks. Outline answers are made available via the Chemistry web pages when the students receive their marks, so that they can assess their own detailed progress/achievement. The examiners’ reports for each question are made available to the students via the Chemistry web pages.

Indicative reading

Atkins, Overton, Rourke, Weller and Armstrong, “Shriver and Atkin’s Inorganic Chemistry”, Oxford University Press.

Clayden, Greeves, Warren and Wothers, “Organic Chemistry”, Oxford University Press.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.