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Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Physical Chemistry Laboratory
Module Code CS256
School School of Chemical Sciences
Online Module Resources

Module TeacherJohn Gallagher
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 2.5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
The pirpose of this module is to develop manipulative and observation skills through experimental procedures where the emphasis is mainly on the accurate determination of physical parameters.The understanding of the fundamental principles in physical chemistry with the development of reasoning and problem-solving skills through experiment.

Learning Outcomes
1. Perform basic physical chemistry laboratory experiments
2. Conduct experiments to further develop knowledge of Spectroscopy, Kinetics, Electrochemistry and Thermodynamics
3. Record and analyse experimental data in order to make conclusions. For example considering experimental data obtained, to conclude on a first order reaction or a second order reaction
4. Develop and improve report writing skills by presenting weekly reports based on each experiment conducted



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lab30Physical Chemistry Lab
Assignment15Weekly laboratory report
Directed learning12Textbooks and references- study
Independent learning5No Description
Total Workload: 62

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Physical Chemistry Laboratory, Experiments From.
1. Absorption spectrum of molecular iodine - determination of the dissociation energy of the iodine molecule in the ground and first excited electronic state.2. Measure of force constants of C-H bonds by infra-red spectroscopy.3. Measurement of the visible absorption spectra of dyes in solution and correlation of their absorption maxima using the 'electron-in-a-box' model.4. Determination of the stability constant of the triiodide ion by determining its complex distribution between carbon tetrachloride and water.5. Determination of a phase diagram for a binary mixture, methanol and carbon tetrachloride.6. Kinetics of the alkaline hydrolysis of ethyl benzoate - determination of the order of reaction and the rate constant.7. Acid-catalysed iodination of acetone - investigation of whether the reaction is general acid or specific acid catalysed.8. Thermodynamics of a chemical reaction from EMF measurements.9. Activity coefficients of electrolyte solutions from EMF measurements on a galvanic cell.10. Kinetics of the oxidation of iodide by persulphate - a second order reaction showing the effect of ionic strength on the rate of reaction.11. Redox potential studies on the iron(II)/iron(III) system.12. Absorption of oxalic acid on charcoal.13. Critical micelle concentration of a colloidal electrolyte..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 2
Indicative Reading List
  • John Gallagher and Vincent Hooper: 0, Essential:The Physical Chemistry Laboratory Manual for AS2 and CL2.Supplementary:The 2nd year Physical Chemistry Lecture Course as well as recommended textbooks for the 2nd year Chemistry Lecture course.,
Other Resources
None
Array
Programme or List of Programmes
CFBSc in Chemistry with French
CGBSc in Chemistry with German
Timetable this semester: Timetable for CS256
Date of Last Revision28-MAY-09
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