In a first part, focused on molecular chemical reactivity, the students will acquire new tools to understand chemical transformation, exploring techniques for structural analysis such as nuclear magnetic resonance. Properties of diatomic molecules will be discussed based on molecular orbitals. In a second part, strongly focused on physical chemistry, we review the basics of thermodynamics to comprehend chemical reactivity, setting up the basis to calculate energy balances, predict the spontaneity of reactions or determine the conditions of equilibrium. We will revise also chemical kinetics, discover what factors determine reaction’s rate and the importance of catalysts to control and speed up reactions, very present in environmental sciences, industries and biochemistry.
To assimilate all the concepts learnt during lectures and tutorials, we strongly believe in the importance of experimental labs, hence up to 7 interactive labs are planned.
- Profesor: Auffrant Audrey
- Profesor: Guell Aleix
The role of chemistry in energy is explored in this course through an overview in electrochemistry and electroanalysis, old and state-of-the-art battery technology, and a first introduction to nanotechnology and nanomaterials. It is also planned an experimental lab to create ultimate perovskites-based solar cells. This intermediate-level chemistry course also explores topics such as chemistry in water, namely acid/base, complexation equilibrium and selectivity in chemical transformations. Basic notions in organic synthesis will be presented with the example of substitution and elimination reactions. Finally introduction to polymers and especially biosourced ones will be presented.
We continue offering experimental labs, up to 7 during the course, to strengthen concepts and gain experimental skills that will be key for future lab internships or postgraduate projects.
- Profesor: Auffrant Audrey
- Profesor: Guell Aleix