Molecules and Materials: Current research and curriculum links RC470 / H02

This course aims to highlight current research happening at a molecular level at the University of Warwick and how it relates to macroscopic properties of materials we find around us. Molecular structure largely determines the physical properties of a substance we can hold in our hands. By knowing the chemical content and  the way that the atoms are arranged in a 3D structure, we can understand and even manipulate a material's physical properties such as conductivity, colour, stability and even flexibility.

You will have the opportunity to meet scientists working in current research relevant to the secondary science curriculum. You will be able to try out practical activities to support the teaching and learning of the chemistry curriculum in the context of real research and applications, and we will give you ideas and activities to use in your classroom.

Talk 1: Prof Sebastien Perrier
Prof Perrier’s research focuses on the synthesis of macromolecules with highly controlled and pre-determinable structures using modern polymer and organic synthetic methods. Supramolecular interactions are exploited to organise these molecules into nanostructured materials, for applications in nanomedicine (e.g. drug delivery, vaccines, antimicrobial materials, nanotechnology (e.g. components for optoelectronic applications), materials science (e.g. rheology modifiers) or chemistry (catalysis, processes, etc.).

Talk 2: Dr David Fox
Benzene rings are found in many classes of molecules from peptides to coal-tar, and their electronic structure and bonding is still of great importance. Over the past decade the rise in interest in graphene, the increased resolution in molecular imaging, and the 2012 Olympic Games, have inspired new research into molecules with fused benzene rings and fuelled a desire to see what happens when you break the bonding rules.

Talk 3: Dr. Monica Ciomaga Hatnean
Dr Ciomaga Hatnean’s research focuses on the study of novel materials with exotic properties, and the work spans across the two branches of materials research (synthesis and characterisation). Her work involves the growth and study of single crystals of a wide range of compounds (oxides, borides, chalcogenides and intermetallic). These materials have various physical properties and a great potential for applications in magnets or superconductors. The physics of all the materials is investigated by a wide range of techniques, using the equipment existing in the Superconductivity and Magnetism Group, as well as resources available at central facilities (synchrotron, neutron and muon sources). The aim of this fundamental research is to understand the complex structure and physics of materials, in order to achieve a better control of their functional properties and learn how to harness their potential for applications.