KJM1500 Physical Chemistry Course description

The course is about research through practice and about gaining knowledge from explorative design-processes.The course will focus on working directly with materials, spatial interaction, developing model-studies and examining process. Exploration is emphasized throughout the course and the student is expected to generate a comprehensive series of model output and to develop aesthetic, re¿exive skills in design.

Admission to the Master's programme.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student:

• is capable of defining and carrying out calculations of energy, work and heat
• is capable of explaining and carrying out calculations of enthalpy (H), entropy (S), and Gibbs free energy (G), for different processes
• is capable of deriving and carrying out calculations of the connection between equilibrium constants, temperature and thermodynamic values
• is capable of explaining and calculating phase equilibria/ phase diagrams
• is capable of defining and carrying out calculations of colligative properties
• is capable of deriving connections between electrochemistry and thermodynamic values
• is capable of deciding a reaction order and performing kinetic calculations
• has basic knowledge of energy and energy transfer in different systems, knowledge of colligative properties and phase equilibria
• has basic knowledge of radioactivity
• has basic knowledge of transition metal and coordination compounds

Skills

The student:

• can collaborate in groups both with practical and written work
• have insight into the proper handling of chemicals on the basis of safety data sheets and from laboratory experience

General competence

The student:

• can perform thermodynamic measurements for different processes and phase transitions
• can derive some equations in thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium and phase equilibrium, electrochemistry and reaction kinetics
• can plot and outline phase diagrams
• can use Nernst equation and emf measurements in calculations
• can solve simple rate laws as differential equations and use the expressions further in calculations

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has developed advanced abilities in visual- and material articulation and aesthetic application .
• has gained advanced knowledge of material engagement and how the world of things, artifacts, and material signs can be embodied through practical exploration.
• has gained advanced knowledge about interplay between material-aesthetics and object­-semantics.
• has gained knowledge about aesthetic strategies, methods and theory within a practical design research project.

Skills

The student is capable of:

• independently running a discovery-led process and stating a relevant research question.
• developing and recognizing relevant practical working methods.
• developing concept- and material model studies within a specific context.
• analyzing and reflecting on form and material application using relevant terminology.
• dissecting and refining design models systematically
• analyzing and synthesizing experience from observations and various perceptions.
• exhibiting and presenting their research using relevant terminology and tools.

General competence

The student

• is familiar with the theoretical basis of a practice based-research.
• understands the need for and use of practical exploration.
• is familiar with the terminology and language of practice-based research

;The following coursework is compulsory and must be approved before the student can sit the exam:

• 8 compulsory exercises (2-4 hours per exercise)
• 1 laboratory exercise with Lab report (2 -5 pages) ; ;;

The most important teaching and learning methods for this course are discussions, group work, lectures, studio courses and tutoring.

A handheld calculator that cannot be used for wireless communication or to perform symbolic calculations. If the calculator's internal memory can store data, the memory must be deleted before the exam. Random checks may be carried out.

Grade scale A-F.

One internal examiner. External examiners are used regularly.

Individual or group portfolio examination. The portfolio consists of:

• Design-process documentation including end-product (model studies and iterations responding to the problem definition or research area), timeline with outline of process, documentation of model-studies and presentation of end-product.
• End-reflection in appropriate media (written, video, poster etc.) on the design-process and end-product.

The examination result can be appealed.