This unit builds on a range of chemical concepts and techniques introduced in 200 level units that are widely used by modern scientists that are not restricted to the chemical sciences; including earth sciences, environmental studies, industrial chemistry, and physical, health and life sciences. It also introduces topics in materials chemistry as they apply to the development of a range of advanced components used in everyday and technological products. 

The material presented concentrates on giving a sound foundation to the theory and application of modern characterisation techniques with an emphasis on the elucidation of chemical structure, with major topics including advanced emission and molecular spectroscopic techniques such as NMR spectroscopic applications (including variable temperature, solid state and 2D experiments), EPR, IR, Raman, photoelectron, UV-Vis spectroscopy, the stereochemistry of inorganic and organic compounds and various aspects of the physical chemistry of surfaces. 

In addition, both laboratory-source and synchrotron-based X-ray techniques are introduced, including diffraction and XAS methods. The laboratory program reinforces concepts introduced in lectures and gives students experience in good laboratory practice and hands-on usage of modern research level spectroscopic, physical chemistry and diffraction instrumentation.