Module: Spectroscopy and Electrochemistry

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Spectroscopy and Electrochemistry
Module Code	CHM1009 (ITS: CS202)
Faculty	Chemical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

To introduce the basic concepts of spectroscopy as well as electrochemistry, equilibria and also discusses the general physical properties of molecules. To develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of spectroscopy. To develop problem solving skills with reasoning. To understand the theory underlying spectroscopy and electrochemistry and provide a background to practical laboratory training.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the effect on a molecule of the absorption of a photon of electromagnetic radiation
2. Descibe the limitations of the equations used to model absorption events
3. Calculate physical parameters from spectroscopic data
4. Calculate cell potentials under nernstian and non-nernstian conditions
5. Use cell potentials to determine concentration of analyte in sensor cells
6. Calculate thermodynamic parameters using cell potentials
7. Appreciate the role of electrochemistry/redox chemistry across a number of biological an industrial domains

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Independent Study	101	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10247	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Robert Forster	Module Teacher	Tia Keyes

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	100%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	1,
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

SPECTROSCOPYGeneral
Modes of excitation; electronic, bond deformation, rotational, nuclear spin inversion.Introduction; Energy Levels: Schrodinger equation: solve for particle in one dimensional box. Concept of energy levels: Thermal population of energy levels. Vibration Spectra: Hooke's Law, SH oscillator, force constants, zero point energy. The anharmonic oscillator, the Morse function. Selection rules. Vibration - rotation spectra. Vibrations of polyatomic molecules, fundamental vibrations, overtones and combination bands.Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectra Spectroscopy: Angular spin momentum of a nucleus. I, interaction with magnetic field, Bohr Nuclear energy levels in a magnetic field. Larmor precession frequency. Factors influencing chemical shift, Origin of spin-spin coupling and its use in structural determinations.PHYSICAL CHEMISTRYElectrochemistry: Electrochemical cells: galvanic and electrolytic, electrodes, potential of interfaces, standard emf, measurement of emf, types of electrodes, construction of electrodes, ion- selective electrodes.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Banwell CN, McCash EM: 1994, Fundamentals pf Molecular Spectroscopy, 4th, McGrath Hill, London, 0-07-707976-0

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None