About this course: The course introduces the three key spectroscopic methods used by chemists and biochemists to analyse the molecular and electronic structure of atoms and molecules. These are UV/Visible , Infra-red (IR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopies. The content is presented using short focussed and interactive screencast presentations accompanied by formative quizzes to probe understanding of the key concepts presented. Numerous exercises are provided to facilitate mastery of each topic. A unique virtual spectroscopic laboratory is made available to enable students to measure and analyse spectra online. Assessment is via summative quizzes completed during the course period.
Created by: University of Manchester
Taught by: Patrick J O'Malley, D.Sc, Reader
Chemistry
| Level | Intermediate |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Ultraviolet and Visible Spectroscopy
In this first week we introduce the electromagnetic spectrum and the origin of transitions giving rise to ultraviolet and visible (UV/Vis) spectra. You will learn that electronic transitions are caused by absorption of radiation in the UV/Vis region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The reason for the wavelength and intensity of bands will be described and the colour origin of certain compounds will be discussed. You will also be shown how UV/Vis spectroscopy is performed and you will be able to run and analyse your own spectra. As the final activity in this module you are given a link to view how to obtain a UV/Visible spectrum in the laboratory. Good luck, try and participate in the discussion forums to enhance your learning and don't forget to complete the end of week laboratory quiz which contributes to your final mark.
10 videos, 7 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Video: Introduction
- Reading: Guidance for studying the course
- Reading: ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
- Reading: Pre-course survey
- Reading: Week 1 Lecture Notes
- Video: What is spectroscopy?
- Video: The nature and properties of electromagnetic radiation
- Video: Example of energy calculation
- Video: Energy levels: Molecular Orbital Theory - revision
- Video: Molecular Orbital diagram for CO
- Video: UV/Visible spectroscopy
- Video: Example of Beer-Lambert calculation
- Video: Transitions relevant to UV/Vis Spectroscopy
- Video: Effect of conjugation on wavelength
- Practice Quiz: Week 1
- Reading: Lab 1 Introduction
- Reading: How to obtain a UV/Vis spectrum
- Reading: Run a UV/Visible spectrum
Graded: UV/Vis laboratory quiz
WEEK 2
Infrared Spectroscopy
In this module we introduce the theory underpinning infrared (IR) spectroscopy and show examples of analysis using the technique. Transitions between the vibrational energy levels of molecules occurs in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. We start with the theory underlying vibration using the simple harmonic oscillator model. Analysis of more complex molecules is introduced using group frequencies and number of vibrational modes. You will also be shown how to obtain an infrared spectrum and will have an opportunity to run your own spectrum. At the end of this module you are given a link to view how to obtain an infra red spectrum in the laboratory. Don't forget to complete the end of week laboratory quiz which contributes to your final mark for this course.
6 videos, 4 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Week 2 Lecture Notes
- Video: Infrared spectroscopy
- Video: Vibrational frequency
- Video: Example vibrational frequency calculation
- Video: Energy levels and dipoles
- Video: Vibrational modes
- Video: Example IR spectra of organic molecules
- Practice Quiz: Week 2
- Reading: Lab 2 Introduction
- Reading: How to obtain an infra red spectrum
- Reading: Run an infra red spectrum
Graded: IR Lab Quiz
WEEK 3
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy
This week we concentrate on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Here a magnetic field is used to create energy levels for magnetic nuclei present in a molecule. Transition between these energy levels occurs in the radiofrequency region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The positions of the bands in the observed spectrum is dependent on the shielding of the nuclei by the local electronic structure, giving rise to a parameter known as chemical shift. Bands also display fine structure caused by spin-spin coupling with neighbouring nuclei. Examples on the analysis of NMR spectra for structure determination will be given. As the final activity in this module you are given a link to view how to obtain an NMR spectrum in the laboratory. Don't forget to compete this end of week laboratory quiz which contributes to your final mark.
9 videos, 4 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Week 3 Lecture Notes
- Video: NMR Spectroscopy Introduction
- Video: Nuclear spin in an external magnetic field
- Video: Spin and magnetisation
- Video: Chemical shift
- Video: More on chemical shift
- Video: Analysis of proton spectra
- Video: Spin-spin coupling
- Video: Spin-spin coupling mechanism
- Video: Carbon-13 NMR and pulsed methods
- Practice Quiz: Week 3
- Reading: Lab 3 Introduction
- Reading: How to obtain an NMR spectrum
- Reading: Run an NMR spectrum
Graded: NMR lab quiz
WEEK 4
Final Assessment
Graded: Week 4 Quiz
FAQs
How It Works
Coursework
Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.
Help from Your Peers
Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.
Certificates
Earn official recognition for your work, and share your success with friends, colleagues, and employers.
Creators
University of Manchester
Tracing its roots back to 1824, the University of Manchester is home to almost 40,000 students. The University has three Nobel laureates among its current staff – more than any other British university - and a total of 25 Nobel laureates have come from our past and present students and staff. We have three main goals: to undertake world-class research; to deliver an outstanding learning and student experience; and to be socially responsible.
Ratings and Reviews
One of the best course with detail information on subject.
content too simplified which covered most fundamental knowledge but hasn't associated with many questions in quiz.
There is a lot of theory for spectroscopy which i was expecting, for example in UV/VIS spectroscopy there are rules to measure the maximum wavelength value of the compound based on conjugation and pi bonds. Also some of the tutorial questions were abstract which were hard to get the solution without additional information. But a good source to recap vital concepts
Coursera provides universal access to the world’s best education, partnering with top universities and organizations to offer courses online.
© 2017 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
PJ
Great course. There is a good room for improvement. May be a more numerical problems could be added. More exercise problems could also be helpful. I hope the team at Manchester University continues developing the courses like this. In sum, really great course. helped me fill some gaps in my knowledge in spectroscopy.