ADAM MICKIEWICZ UNIVERSITY IN POZNAŃ, POLAND
Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University
in Poznań
Chemistry: Applied Chemistry - full-time studies
Brief description
AMU M.Sc. in Applied Chemistry programme introduces student to advanced theoretical
chemistry (the quantum world) and inorganic and organic (syntheses, retrosynthetic analysis,
chiral compounds) chemistry to progresses to advanced physical chemistry, crystallography
(diffraction), spectroscopy, instrumental analysis (design of analytical instruments/tools, their
performance and limitations) and chemical technology (modern industrial technological
processes). Core courses prepare students to work in industry, research institutions and public
administration where expert knowledge of ecology, chemistry and production processes is
required. The programme includes a number of elective courses the wide offer of which meet
students’ individual interests.
See below for examples of detailed descriptions of some courses.
Chemistry, applied chemistry
second cycle study programmes
L- Lecture; Class.- Classes; Sem.-Seminar
Semester 1
No
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Type of course
Chemical technology
Theoretical chemistry
Crystallography
Inorganic chemistry
Organic chemistry
Elective course
Total
L.
Clas
s.
30
30
15
30
30
15
150
Sem.
Lab.
.
Exam
ECTS
45
75
75
45
60
60
45
360
*
6
7
5
5
5
5
33
.
Exam
ECTS
75
45
60
45
30
255
*
8
5
5
5
5
28
45
45
0
30
30
30
30
165
*
*
*
*
-
Semester 2
No
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Type of course
Instrumental analysis
Spectroscopy
Physical chemistry
Elective course
Master seminar
Total
L.
30
15
30
15
90
Class
0
Semester 3
Sem.
30
30
Lab.
45
30
30
30
135
*
*
-
Lp
.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Type of course
L.
Master seminar
Monographic lecture
Monographic lecture
Master laboratory
15
15
Total
30
Class
0
Sem.
30
30
.
Exam
ECTS
30
15
15
200
260
-
5
1,5
1,5
22
30
.
Exam
ECTS
30
15
15
200
260
-
5
1,5
1,5
22
30
Lab.
200
200
-
Semester 4
Lp
.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Type of course
L.
Master seminar
Monographic lecture
Monographic lecture
Master laboratory
15
15
Total
30
Class
0
Sem.
30
30
Lab.
200
200
-
Chemical technology
Full name Chemical technology
Code 02-TCHCU
Faculty Faculty of Chemistry
The aim of the course is to introduce most typical modern industrial technological processes
related to production of different chemical agents and substances, detailed explanation of
particular stages of raw product transformations, training in interpretation of results,
preparation of reports, communication and work in a group.
Chemical technologies in focus include: production of sulfuric acid, nitrogen compounds
(ammonia, nitric acid, fertilizers), phosphorus industry (acid, fertilizers), production based on
rock salt (Na2CO3, NaOH, sodium metal, chlorine and its compounds), coal (degasification
and gasification), natural gas and oil (refinery and petrochemistry), typical organic syntheses
(methanol, aldehydes, phenol, styrene), polymers. Ecological aspects of technology are
emphasized.
Students, in groups of 2 or 3 persons, carry out assigned laboratory tasks related to the
problems of inorganic and organic technology presented in lectures. Exemplary tasks are:
obtaining of superphosphate, production of soda, catalytic oxidation of SO2, dehydration of
ethanol, alkylation of benzene, technical analysis of solid fuels (determination of the heat of
combustion of gas and solid fuels), analysis of petroleum products.
Upon completion of the course, students will have the basic knowledge and understanding of
typical production technologies and ecological aspects of chemical production. Students are
expected to be able to make correct choices of raw products for different technological
processes and to choose proper methods for investigation of semiproducts and products
obtained in result of technological processes.
Literature
C.H. Bartholomew and R.J. Farrauto, Industrial Catalytic Processes, Willey, 2006
J.A. Moulijn, M. Makkee, A. Van Diepen, Chemical Process Technology, Wiley, 2003
Theoretical chemistry
Full name
Code
Faculty
Theoretical chemistry
02-CHTU
Faculty of Chemistry
The aim of the course is to introduce unusual properties of the quantum world including e.g.
quantization, superposition of states, uncertainty, wave-particle duality, complementarity and
probabilistic versus deterministic interpretation of the quantum theory. This includes
distinguishing between micro- and macro-levels of matter organisation and relations linking
them, learning how to construct the quantum eigenvalue equation for atomic and molecular
systems and how to solve it by application of analytical and approximate methods. The next
stage is learning the connection between internal motions of molecules (rotational,
vibrational, electronic) and their ability to generate MW, IR, UV spectra and which
molecular properties can be determined from high-resolution spectra. Finally students learn
how to evaluate molecules from the spectra using methods of theoretical spectroscopy,
adequate application of the quantum calculus to solve particular problems in the quantum
domain, application of MAPLE program for symbolic calculations in mathematics and
quantum chemistry.
This course covers:
History and experimental basis of quantum theory. Spin: Stern-Gerlach experiment, Pauli
exclusion principle, EPR and NMR spectra. FEMO method: π-electron approximation,
variables separation method, energy quantization, electronic UV spectra of polyenes, 2dimensional potential well, degeneration phenomenon. Ab initio variational Ritz method: base
functions set, variational principle. Semi-empirical variation Hückl method: basic
assumptions, determination of α- and β-integrals, energy levels and associated wave
functions, π-electron density and bond order. Hydrogen atom and polyelectronic molecules:
center of mass, relative and spherical coordinates, Schrödinger equation and its solutions,
orbitals and atomic terms. Rovibrational systems: harmonic and anharmonic potentials,
energy levels, IR and MW spectra, normal vibrations, spherical, symmetric and asymmetric
rotors. Shape of the spectrum: Lambert-Beer law, selection rules, Boltzman distribution. CD
spectra.
Literature
I. N. Levine, Students solutions manual to quantum chemistry, Prentice Hall, 2008.
P.W. Atkins, R. Friedman, Molecular quantum mechanics, Oxford University Press, 2005.
J. M. Hollas, Modern spectroscopy, Wiley, 2004.
J. M. Hollas, High resolution spectroscopy, Wiley, 1998.
L. Pauling, E. B. Wilson, Introduction to quantum mechanics with application to chemistry,
Dover Publications, 1985.
G. M. Barrow, Introduction to molecular spectroscopy, McGraw-Hill Education, 1962.
Crystallography
Full name
Code
Faculty
Crystallography
02-KRYU
Faculty of Chemistry
The course aims to provide background knowledge on the diffraction phenomenon in crystals,
diffraction methods and their application for studies of single crystals and polycrystalline
materials. The students will be taught how to use these methods to solve analytical and
structural problems. Other objectives are to develop students’ ability to interpret experimental
results and to prepare a scientific report.
Upon completion, students will know basic diffraction techniques used in chemistry and be
able to solve analytical and structural chemical problems such as identification of the solid
phases from diffraction patterns, determination of unit-cell dimensions and crystal symmetry
from diffraction pattern. Students will be proficient in finding structural information from
database searches.
This course covers:
Crystallization process; methods of crystallization; X-rays; diffraction of X-rays on crystals;
reciprocal lattice; intensity of diffracted beams; symmetry of diffraction pattern; electron and
neutron diffraction. Elements of X-ray diffraction of polycrystalline materials: indexing of
powder diffractograms, identification of crystalline phases. Elements of X-ray diffraction on
single crystals: determination of unit-cell parameters and crystal symmetry, determination of
atomic coordinates, interpretation of results of X-ray structural analysis. Introduction to
structural databases.
In laboratory classes students a) determine unit-cell parameters and crystal symmetry, b)
design the reciprocal lattice for a crystal, c) draw a projection of a crystal structure, d) register
X-ray diffraction pattern for a polycrystalline sample, e) identify a polycrystalline phase from
its diffractogram, f) index powder diffractogram, g) perform database search for specific
crystal structures.
Literature
W. Massa, Crystal Structure Determination, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1999
R. Tilley, Crystals and Crystal Structures, Wiley, 2006
Inorganic chemistry
Full name
Code
Inorganic chemistry
02-CNGBU
Faculty
Faculty of Chemistry
This course is a series of lectures introducing current issues in advanced inorganic chemistry.
Topics cover: 1/ solid state, ionic solids, 2/ transition metals, 3/ transition metal complexes, 4/
coordination bond, 5/ introduction to coordination chemistry, 6/ introduction to metaloorganic
chemistry, 7/ catalysis by metals and their complexes, 8/ introduction to bioinorganic
chemistry, 9/ high-molecular inorganic compounds, 10/ inorganic materials with specific
properties: • hardness, • electric conductivity, • pigments.
Upon completion, students will have basic knowledge and orientation in different subtopics in
advanced inorganic chemistry.
Organic chemistry
Full name Organic chemistry
Code 02-CORBU
Faculty Faculty of Chemistry
The aim of this course is to provide students with the knowledge of and skills needed in
modern planning of organic syntheses with regard to retrosynthetic analysis, including
planning of synthesis of chiral compounds.
This course covers:
Organic synthesis - introduction: planning of synthesis, selectivity of the reactions and control
of their stereochemistry. Basic principles of retrosynthetic analysis: definitions and
terminology. Types of disconnections. Donor and acceptor synthons. Functional group
interconversion (FGI). Formations of bonds: C-C and C-X. Protective groups: introduction
and removal and strategy for choosing. Asymmetric synthesis. Synthesis with the use of chiral
auxiliary, reagent and catalyst. Organic synthesis with the use of organophosphorus
compounds: Wittig reaction (phosphorus ylides), Horner-Wodsworth-Emmons reaction and
Mitsunobu reaction. Organic synthesis with the use of organosulfur compounds. Synthesis of
complex molecules. Polar rearrangements. LABORATORY. Exercises involve multistep
syntheses with emphasis on their planning, retrosynthetic analysis and selection of protective
groups. Examples of Wittig and Mitsunobu reactions.
On completion, students will know how to plan the synthesis of medium complex organic
compounds with the use of retrosynthetic analysis and chiral compounds employing chiral
auxiliaries, reagents and catalysts. Moreover, students will have the skills to perform
multistep synthesis using protective groups.
Literature
Carrey F. A. and Sundberg R. J., Advanced Organic Chemistry, Springer (2007).
Smith M. B., Organic Synthesis, McGraw-Hill, New York (2002).
Warren S., Organic Synthesis: The Disconnection Approach, John Wiley and Sons, New
York (1982).
Instrumental analysis
Full name
Code
Faculty
Instrumental analysis
02-AINU
Faculty of Chemistry
This course covers:
Molecular Spectroscopy (UV-Vis, Fluorescence, IR, Raman, NMR), Atomic Spectroscopy
(AAS, AES), Mass Spectrometry, Electroanalytical Techniques (Potentiometry,
Polarography, Voltammetry, Coulometry), Separation Techniques (GC, HPLC, CE), and
Sensors.
For every technique covered the following issues will be addressed: the fundamentals, the
basic components of the instrument, the instrument output (quantitative or qualitative), the
limitations of the method, the suitability for particular types of analyses, protocols for using
the instruments and for analyzing the data. Sources of errors, reference materials and
validation of methods will be also addressed.
Upon completion, students will know: the principles and design of instruments in modern
analytical chemistry, the performance of analytical instruments relative to their potential of
use and limitations (sensitivity, precision and detection limit). Students will acquire skills to
draw diagrams for analytical instruments, to explain the principles and design of modern
analytical instruments, to apply their knowledge to carry out determination according to the
analytical protocol to instrument methods. Student will be able to perform calculations
relevant to data processing and quality control of obtained results.
Literature
G. Currell, Analytical instrumentation, Wiley, Chichester 2000.
Spectroscopy
Full name
Code
Faculty
Spectroscopy
02-SPKU
Faculty of Chemistry
This course facilitates acquiring knowledge necessary for understanding the direct relation
between different spectroscopic methods and the processes taking place as a result of light
absorption, emission and scattering. Moreover, the students will become familiar with the
applications of the spectroscopic methods, in particular the steady-state and time-resolved
absorption and emission spectroscopy in research and analytical work in chemistry, physics,
biology and medicine, in standard and non-standard investigation.
This course covers:
Types of molecular spectroscopy; electronic absorption and emission spectroscopy. Physical
processes and chemical reactions studied by steady-state and time-resolved electronic
spectroscopy. Absorption, emission and emission-excitation spectra, the shape, positions,
intensity and the vibronic structure of the spectrum, factors influencing these parameters.
Optical scheme, parameters and work of a spectrophotometer and spectrofluorimeter. The
choice of conditions for the correct measurement of absorption and emission spectra and
determination of the quantum yield of emission. Procedure for absorbance and emission
measurements. The processes that can influence the absorption and emission spectra and thus
the properties of the systems studied. The application of the absorption and emission
spectroscopy. Application of the absorption and emission spectroscopy, especially in HPLC.
Upon completion, students will : 1. recognize the factors influencing the absorption and
emission spectra measured and therefore influencing the molecular parameters of the systems
studied. 2. have practical knowledge of measuring the absorption and emission spectra, the
choice of the best conditions of measurements depending on the purpose of the study,
properties of the systems studied and parameters of the experimental equipment.3. have basic
knowledge of methodical problems in absorption and emission studies. 4. have skills to
interpret absorption and emission spectra. 5. know about factors which have important
influence on absorption and emission spectra. 6. be able to interpret result of measurements
and to formulate conclusions about the system studied on the basis of experiments conducted .
Literature
Materials available at http://www.staff.amu.edu.pl/~iwonam/student.htm
W. Schmidt, Optical Spectroscopy in Chemistry and Life Sciences, Wiley, Weinheim 2005.
J. R. Lakowicz, Principles of Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Second Edition, Kluwer
Academic/Plenum Publishers, New York 1999.
P. Suppan, Chemistry and light, RSC, London 1994.
Physical chemistry
Full name
Code
Faculty
Physical chemistry
02-CFZL
Faculty of Chemistry
Lectures discuss applications of chemical physics to describe and explain properties of
systems relevant for chemistry and biology and include examples related to thermodynamic
equilibrium, reaction rates and structure of matter. Lectures highlight the role of models in the
description of physicochemical phenomena and methods of data analysis. The following
topics will be discussed: enzymatic catalysis, oscillatory reactions, conformations of
polymers, equilibrium ligand binding.
Laboratory classes covers topics related to the lectures: electrolytic and buffer properties of
aqueous solutions of amino-acids; chemical reactions in micellar solutions; modeling
conformations of polymer chains; Bielousov-Żabotyski reaction; aggregation kinetics;
binding of low molecular weight ligands by proteins.
Upon completion, students will have better understand the role of models in description of
systems and phenomena, as well as broader knowledge of methods of data analysis. In
laboratory students will develop skills to set and run experiments that determine physical
quantities, as well as skills to use IT tools to analyze and visualize experimental data.
Literature
P.W. Atkins, P. DePaula, Physical Chemistry, Oxford University Press (8th edition, 2006)
J. M. Berg, J. L. Tymoczko, L. Stryer, Biochemistry, Freeman (6th edition, 2007)