CH5713 Surface Science and Heterogeneous Catalysis

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

10

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable

To be arranged.

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof C J Baddeley

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Prof C J Baddeley, Prof P A Wright

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

The module describes the Chemistry of solid surfaces with particular reference to the structure of metal, oxide and semiconductor surfaces. The techniques available to characterise the uppermost atomic layers of a solid are presented and the novel reactivity of surfaces is linked to applications in sensors, electronic devices, heterogeneous catalysis as well as the processes of corrosion, friction and wear.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS CH2501 AND PASS CH2701

Assessment pattern

2-hour Written Examination = 100%

Re-assessment

Oral Re-assessment = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 - 3 lectures per week over 9 - 10 weeks (within Weeks 1-11) and 2 - 3 tutorials in total.

Scheduled learning hours

20

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

80

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Understand the concepts of surface structure, adsorption and desorption
  • Understand and describe techniques used to characterise solid surfaces and the adsorption of molecules at surfaces
  • Identify the main classes and uses of heterogeneous catalysts.
  • Appreciate the relevance of catalyst activity, selectivity, deactivation and regeneration.
  • Describe and apply methods to elucidate reaction mechanisms and characterise active catalytic sites