Form 20
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
Module Title
Applications of Chemical Kinetics
School
Engineering and Physical Sciences
Module
Co-ordinator
Dr. J. H. Cameron
SCQF
Level
9
Module
Code
1. Pre-requisites
Minimum D grade in Stage 2 core Chemistry modules, or the equivalent
2. Linked Modules
(specify if synoptic)
3. Excluded Modules
Molecules to Systems
4. Replacement Module
Code:
6. Degrees for which this
is a core module
7. Aims
Date Of Replacement:
All chemistry degrees
5.
B19PC
Availability as an
Elective
Semester
Yes

1
On or OffCampus
Credits
On
15
No
The module aims to:
 Describe a range of applications of kinetics to the solution of chemical problems
 Provide specific discussion of the kinetics of atmospheric chemistry
 Discuss the mechanisms of redox and substitution reactions at metal centres
8. Syllabus
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Applications of Chemical Kinetics
Models of Solution Reactivity – Activation-controlled Reactions; Thermodynamic Formulation of Transition State Theory
Models of Gas Phase Reactivity – Beyond Lindemann Theory
Enzyme Kinetics – Michaelis-Menten kinetic scheme and its treatment with the Lineweaver-Burk plot. Maximum turnover number and the Michaelis constant.
Competitive, uncompetitive and non-competitive enzyme inhibition.
Chain Reaction – The hydrogen-bromine reaction in detail and then its comparison with the other hydrogen-halide reactions. Rice-Hertzfeld chain mechanism for
hydrocarbon pyrolysis. The hydrogen-oxygen branched chain reaction.
Photochemical Kinetics – Rates of Photochemical Reactions; Quantum Yields; Kinetics of Excitation, Non-radiative Relaxation and Luminescence in the
Photophysics of Small Molecules
Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics – Origin, Composition and Structure of the Atmosphere; Stratospheric Ozone Formation and Destruction; Formation of
Photochemical Smog; Acid Precipitation; Greenhouse Effect
Inner sphere and outer sphere electron transfer reactions
Ligand exchange reactions – factors influencing the relative rate of substitution, including solvent exchange
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Form 20
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
Module Title
Applications of Chemical Kinetics
School
Engineering and Physical Sciences
Module
Co-ordinator
Dr. J. H. Cameron
SCQF
Level
9
Module
Code
B19PC
Semester
1
On or OffCampus
Credits
On
15
9. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness)
Subject Mastery
Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive Skills
Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research-Informed Learning)
On completion of this module, the learner will be able to:
 Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of chemical kinetics in a range of different chemical systems
 Appreciate the significance of kinetics in the chemistry of atmospheric species
 Define and discuss the various issues associated with atmospheric chemistry
 Discuss aspects of the chemistry of the ionosphere, troposphere and stratosphere
 Appreciate the impact of fundamental chemical reactions on the broader issue of environmental impact
 Demonstrate an understanding of the factors that influence the rate of electron transfer involving the complexes of metals
 Discuss the different types of mechanism for ligand exchange at a metal centre and describe the factors that influence the
mechanism adopted in specific situations
Personal Abilities Industrial, Commercial & Professional Practice
Autonomy, Accountability & Working with Others Communication, Numeracy & ICT
Personal abilities are embedded in the module. The module provides the opportunity to :
 Demonstrate problem-solving skills and the ability to critically evaluate ideas and information
 Use and evaluate information from a range of sources
 Present information using a range of IT applications
 Manage time effectively, work to deadlines and prioritise workloads
 Communicate complex ideas and information effectively to a group of peers
 Use ICT skills with on-line materials, assessments (formative and summative) and web links to support the learning process
 Apply strategies for appropriate selection of relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge
 Practise the use of standard methods in the solution of routine chemical problems within familiar contexts
 Exercise some initiative and independence in carrying out defined activities
 Work with groups of peers to discuss chemical problems and identify solutions
10. Assessment Methods
11. Re-assessment Methods
Method
Duration of Exam
Weighting (%)
Synoptic modules?
Method
Duration of Exam
(if applicable)
Synoptic Examination
Class test
Continuous Assessment
Laboratory Work
12. Date and Version
Date of Proposal
27 August, 2007
3h
2h
Date of Approval by
School Committee
(if applicable)
50%
15%
15%
20%
B19PD
Examination (100%)
Date of
Implementation
15 September, 2008
2h
Version
Number
1.0
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