2020-2021 / CHIM0202-2

Physical Chemistry

Duration

30h Th

Number of credits

 Master in physics (120 ECTS)4 crédits 
 Master in physics (60 ECTS)4 crédits 

Lecturer

Christian Damblon, Bernard Leyh

Coordinator

Bernard Leyh

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

Key-concepts of modern physical chemistry are introduced in the frame of various topics oriented towards the applications of physical chemistry in material sciences (B. Leyh, 18 hours) and biomolecular chemistry (C. Damblon, 12 hours):

  • Macromolecular behaviour: from the molecular structure to phase diagrams
  • Structure of biomolecules
  • Spectroscopic approaches to structure elucidation of biomolecules
  • Statistical physics of polymer chains and behaviour in dilute, semi-dilute and concentrated solutions
  • Polymer visco-elastic behaviour

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

At the end of the course, the students are expected to be able to apply the basic ideas of physical chemistry to account for the structural and thermodynamical behaviour of matter, in particular, modern materials and biomolecules. Making the link between molecular properties and the macroscopic observations will be an important aspect in their way of thinking.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

The course is based on the essential mathematical, physical and chemical concepts taught during the bachelor studies in physics.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

There is no practical laboratory work associated with this course. Selected experimental demonstrations may be presented during the theoretical lectures.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

30 hours theoretical lectures (each lecture lasts 3 hours with break)

Organisational adjustments related to the current health context

The courses and examinations are/will be organised by video-conferencing.

Recommended or required readings

Copies of slides will be made available.
Textbook (for the lectures taught by B. Leyh): Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules, G. Patterson, CRC Press (2007)

Assessment methods and criteria

Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.

Any session :

- In-person

written exam ( open-ended questions ) AND oral exam

- Remote

written exam ( open-ended questions ) AND oral exam AND written work

- If evaluation in "hybrid"

preferred remote


Additional information:

The theoretical competences are assessed during an oral (B. Leyh) and a written (C. Damblon) examination. The students may consult their lecture notes/reference textbook during these assessments.
To obtain a grade of at least 8/20, it is required to reach at least 8/20 in both parts of the course.
In case of a remote oral examination, the camera of the student will have to be switched on.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Contacts

Christian Damblon Department of Chemistry, Building B6c 4000 Liège 1 (Sart Tilman) Phone: +32 (0)4 3663788 e-mail: C.Damblon@uliege.be
Bernard Leyh Department of Chemistry, Building B6c (office R77) 4000 Liège 1 (Sart Tilman) Phone : +32 (0)4 3663425 e-mail : Bernard.Leyh@uliege.be