M1 - Materials Chemistry (MAT P1)

- Review of the thermodynamics of single-component systems.

- Fundamentals of thermodynamics for multicomponent systems. Chemical potential, the Gibbs-Duhem relation, variance.

- Overview of thermal analysis techniques used to construct binary and ternary phase diagrams: ATG, ATD, and DSC

- Construction and interpretation of binary phase diagrams based on thermodynamic variables. Gibbs free energy, pressure, and temperature diagrams as functions of the composition of the binary mixture. Liquid-liquid, liquid-vapor, and solid-liquid mixtures.

- Phase transitions: first- and second-order transitions, critical points. Examples.

- The supercritical state: definition, thermodynamic properties, and the most widespread industrial applications.

- Construction and interpretation of ternary phase diagrams: variance, definitions of ternary eutectics, first- and second-order peritectics, isothermal sections, and study of alloy cooling.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 13

TD: 7

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The purpose of this course on solution chemistry is to introduce the various concepts necessary for studying the complex liquid mixtures used in separative chemistry. The approach taken is primarily thermodynamic. In particular, the course explains the role of concentration effects, beyond the ideal laws that apply only to dilute solutions.

CM: 12:00 p.m.

TD: 8 H

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This lecture, delivered entirely in English, provides a basic introduction to crystallography and electron diffraction for beginners. X-ray diffraction is an important characterization technique in modern chemistry; the majority of crystalline structures in inorganic and organic solids have been determined using this method. It is therefore important for all students to understand its basic concepts and instrumentation. The course explains the principles of X-ray diffraction, along with the geometry and symmetry of X-ray patterns. In addition to the principles of interaction between X-rays and matter, it covers how to obtain quantitative intensities for single-crystal and powder diffraction patterns. It naturally includes an understanding of lattice planes and the concept of the reciprocal lattice, along with the construction of the Ewald sphere. Furthermore, it provides a basic understanding of the Fourier transform relationship between the crystalline structure and the diffracted intensities, as well as the concept of the reciprocal lattice.

Electron diffraction is a technique that complements X-ray diffraction and provides information on the symmetry and geometry of the materials under study. In this course, we will therefore explore the methods for obtaining electron diffraction patterns and interpreting them. We will be able to determine the lattice parameters, the reflection conditions, and the possible space groups.

This lecture also serves as an introduction to the lecture "Electron Microscopy and Crystallography II"

CM: 14

TD: 6

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Knowledge of the latest mass spectrometry techniques for the qualitative analysis of organic molecules and biomolecules.

1) Description of the fundamental principles (Ion Science and Technology):

- Ionization Techniques

- Analytical Techniques

- Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS)

- LC/MS and LC/MS/MS couplings

2) Application in the analysis of biomolecules and the monitoring of organic chemical reactions.

Hourly Volumes*:

CM: 3:00 p.m.

TD: 5 hours

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Polymers are all around us: we eat them, we wear them, and we build extremely complex structures out of them. From mature technologies to the most innovative materials, polymers are a crucial building block for shaping the world of tomorrow. In this course, we will cover several topics, including the controlled synthesis of polymers and cross-linked materials, surface modification using polymers, some characterization tools suited for polymers, and, finally, a section on the latest advances involving polymers.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 1:00 p.m.

            TD: 7:00 a.m.

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The HAC720C module covers “advanced inorganic materials” in five main sections. The^first section is devoted to general principles of inorganic materials and addresses structure-property relationships; particular attention is given to chemical bonding, the real crystal, and polycrystalline solids; the various classes of inorganic materials are described. The^second part focuses on ceramic materials (definitions and properties) and their synthesis (raw materials, including clays; shaping; drying and debinding; sintering); a distinction is made between traditional ceramics and technical ceramics (synthesis routes for oxide and non-oxide ceramics). Part³ covers glasses (classification and synthesis methods) and glass-ceramics (devitrification and soft chemistry); their properties and applications are also discussed. Part⁴ is dedicated to metals: properties of metals and metal alloys; metal nanoparticles; and catalytic materials. Part⁵ is devoted to inorganic materials developed for energy applications; ceramics (oxide and non-oxide; nanostructured) and metal hydrides are described (properties and synthesis) through several examples and in the context of their applications (batteries, hydrogen storage, and carbon dioxide capture).

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 1:00 p.m.

TD: 7:00 a.m.

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This course unit provides students with foundational knowledge and cross-disciplinary skills in the field of colloids and interfaces, which are common to the various tracks within the Master’s in Chemistry program (Materials Chemistry, Separation Chemistry, Materials and Processes, ICAP Cosmetic Engineering, and Biomolecular Chemistry). It is also offered to international students enrolled in the SFRI program at the University of Montpellier, where instruction is conducted in English. An introductory presentation covering basic notions and concepts will help students discover and better understand the main physicochemical properties of colloidal dispersions, associative colloids, and macromolecular solutions, as well as the parameters and phenomena governing stability in colloidal dispersions and mixed solution-colloid systems. Next, an interdisciplinary practical course based on the flipped classroom model will be offered to help students build and deepen their knowledge through individual and group analysis of the various applications of colloidal and interfacial phenomena and systems.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 7

TD: 13

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NMR:

Liquid-phase NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) is an essential spectroscopic analytical method for chemists, enabling, in particular, the determination of the structure of small organic molecules or macromolecules in solution, as well as the study of dynamic phenomena... The objective of this course unit is to understand the phenomena involved in this technique and to relate them to the various structural insights provided by this method. The goal is to be able to interpret the spectral data obtained from this analysis to elucidate the structure and stereochemistry of organic molecules or the structures of polymers, or to monitor reactions.

X-ray diffraction:

X-ray diffraction is a powerful, non-destructive technique for characterizing the crystalline structure of materials; it is also capable of providing crystallographic and structural information, such as lattice parameters and atomic positions. This includes all crystalline materials, such as ceramics, materials for energy and information storage and processing, as well as organic molecules and metal complexes (interatomic distances and angles, stereochemistry (chirality, stereoisomerism, etc.), intra- and intermolecular bonds, etc.). The objective of this course unit is to provide an introduction to crystallography and diffraction, with the goal of understanding the operation and characteristics of an X-ray diffractometer, as well as interpreting diffraction patterns (structural analysis, lattice parameters).

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 10

            TD: 10

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This course unit will cover the fundamental concepts and practical tools of chemometrics through: - statistical data analysis;

• the laws of probability;
• confidence interval estimation;
• parametric and nonparametric tests.

An introduction to experimental design will be offered at the end of the module.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 7 a.m.

TD: 1:00 p.m.

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The first part of the course presents the fundamentals of transition-metal organometallic chemistry. It begins with a description of the metal-carbon bond to facilitate an understanding of its stability and chemical reactivity.  Next, we will demonstrate the power of this synthetic tool for forming C–H, C–C, and other bonds. Examples of their applications in various fields will help students grasp these reactions and their areas of application: fine chemistry, industrially important catalytic transformations, the synthesis of natural products, and the preparation of materials.

The second part of this course is devoted to the chemistry of heteroelements, with a focus on silicon, tin, and boron. This part aims to present the various methods for preparing boron-, tin-, and silicon-based reagents, as well as the main transformations carried out with these compounds, including their applications in organic synthesis and materials synthesis.

CM: 1:00 p.m. 

TD: 7 H

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The syllabus for this course unit focuses on describing the principles and applications of the main methods used for the structural characterization of solids, thin films, surfaces, and interfaces, as well as several examples of their applications in materials chemistry. It covers the following techniques.

• Introduction to Solid-State NMR (NMR Signals, Interactions in Solid-State NMR, Magic-Angle Rotation, NMR Sequences, Cross-Polarization, Instrumentation, etc.)
• Electron microscopy: principles and applications of scanning and transmission electron microscopy and related techniques (EDS microanalysis).
• Spectroscopic methods: Raman spectroscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray spectroscopy (XAS, XRF, etc.), Mössbauer spectrometry.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 10 a.m.

            TD: 10 a.m.

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This course is designed to build on the fundamentals of organic chemistry and coordination chemistry covered in the third year of the bachelor’s program and to introduce concepts related to molecular engineering and molecular chemistry. The course consists of lectures and tutorials. Students will prepare for certain lectures and tutorials using provided course materials, enabling them to actively participate in class and tutorials, understand the concepts presented, and acquire the necessary skills. A study plan and related activities will be provided. For students who have not covered the fundamentals of coordination chemistry and organic chemistry, relevant materials will be made available.

Coordination Chemistry: The course will cover various aspects of transition metal and lanthanide complexes, molecular materials (polynuclear complexes and coordination polymers with extended structures, such as MOFs, etc.), as well as their properties and applications. Structural aspects, bond characterization, properties, and issues related to stability and reactivity will be addressed. Emphasis will be placed on the complexation effect and the stability of complexes of metals, lanthanides, and actinides with certain ligands, with a view to applications in the biomedical field (imaging and therapy), decontamination (nuclear field), etc. The electronic properties (relaxivity, magnetism) and optical properties (absorption, luminescence) of these complexes will be discussed and placed in the context of applications in various fields, such as imaging, electronics, sensors, etc.

Organic Chemistry: This course builds on the knowledge acquired during the Bachelor’s program and will provide a systematic study of the main reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry, establishing a common foundation for all students in the Master’s in Chemistry program. The main processes (substitution, addition, elimination, transposition, etc.) and their essential characteristics and applications to mechanistic sequences will be examined. This course is designed to equip students with general tools for analyzing mechanisms (ionic, radical, and concerted) so they can understand these mechanisms in all their variety.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 1:00 p.m.

TD: 7 H

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The professional project bridges the gap between traditional practical work and laboratory or industry internships. It takes the form of a supervised project in which students are placed in a professional setting through collaborative (group) work based on the completion of a project addressing a problem identified by a company, local government, nonprofit organization, or academic institution. It is part of the core curriculum of the Master’s in Chemistry and is carried out under the supervision of a faculty member or industry professional serving as a mentor. Conducted throughout the semester, this project aims to integrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills acquired during the undergraduate and early Master’s programs through this professional scenario. These real-world scenarios will be directly related to the Master’s track chosen by the students. In addition to disciplinary skills in chemistry, students will also acquire interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills—which are intrinsically linked to project management—thereby equipping them for their future professional careers.

Addressing a research problem: an example of the synthesis of new phosphorescent materials.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 5 hours

TD: 5 hours

Practical Training: 40 hours

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The internship in the 8th semester of the Master’s 1 program in Biomolecular Chemistry is designed to familiarize students with careers in life sciences research. Students will have the opportunity to complete this introductory research internship in academic or private laboratories. Subject to prior approval by the academic staff (internship topic must be related to the master’s program curriculum and the environment/resources must be appropriate), students may seek a host team in an academic setting at the institutes of the Chemistry Cluster at the University of Montpellier (IBMM, ICGM, …), in academic laboratories outside the University of Montpellier (in France or abroad), or in the private sector (chemical, pharmaceutical, and agri-food industries, biotechnology laboratories, …).

Fieldwork: 2- to 4-month internship

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The goal of this course is to enable students with a background in chemistry to understand the fundamentals of process engineering.

The course consists of two main parts, both of which are illustrated by the same process.

In the first part of the course, a drying process will be used to introduce the most common heat and mass transfer phenomena encountered in process engineering, from which the dimensionless numbers can be derived. In the second part, the thermodynamic properties of air/water vapor mixtures will be used to derive basic sizing rules for the same drying process.

This course will be taught entirely in English.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 10

TD: 10

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The following topics will be covered:

- Bio-based solvents

- Fuels derived from biomass

- Antioxidants derived from lignin

- Metal catalysts derived from plants

- Surfactants derived from renewable resources

- Examples of industrial applications of enzymatic synthesis

Hourly Volumes*:

CM: 15

TD: 5

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A general approach to liquid-liquid extraction will be developed through the concepts of thermodynamics and kinetics, with the aim of understanding the mechanisms responsible for extraction as well as the processes occurring at the liquid-liquid interface. The fundamental aspects of other types of extraction (liquid-solid, supercritical fluid extraction, and distillation) will also be covered.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 12:00 p.m.

            TD: 8:00 a.m.

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The course on medicinal chemistry aims to introduce students to the key steps in the process of developing molecules with biological activity. In particular, the course will cover the interactions involved, the concept of the pharmacophore, bioisostery, and other related topics, as well as structure-activity relationship studies, enabling students to consider appropriate strategies and structural modifications.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 3:00 p.m.

TD: 5 hours

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This course is shared among MI students in the Master’s in Chemistry program: ICAP P1, ICAP P2, MAT P1, MAT P2, and BM (second semester). The following topics will be covered:

• The 12 Principles of Green Chemistry and Units of Measurement in Green Chemistry;
• Synthesis Strategies in Sustainable Chemistry;
• Alternative or environmentally friendly solvents for synthesis and extraction;
• Unconventional Activation Techniques and Applications.

CM: 13

TD: 7 H

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The mechanical and thermal properties of materials are central to many applications in the field of energy materials. Following an introduction to these various fields of application, this course unit aims to define the different concepts necessary for understanding both the mechanical and thermal properties of materials, focusing exclusively on “bulk” materials.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 11: 00 a.m.

            TD: 9: 00 a.m.

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An overview of the most commonly used computational and modeling methods in the field of solid-state chemistry, categorized by the spatial and temporal scales that can be studied using these methods:

(1) Quantum calculations (Hartree-Fock, post-Hartree-Fock methods, DFT),

(2) Force-field-based modeling (atomistic and coarse-grained),

(3) Hybrid QMMM and AACG modeling.

Overview of various computational techniques: static and optimization calculations, molecular dynamics, and Monte Carlo simulations.

The EU will include lectures and lab sessions. Two modeling lab assignments will be offered: modeling techniques in classical mechanics and quantum calculations.

            CM: 11:00 a.m.

            TD: 9:00 a.m.

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This course unit is dedicated to introducing inorganic materials and nanomaterials intended for use in the biomedical field (imaging, therapy, implants). This course unit builds upon the knowledge acquired in course unit HAC930C (Development of Materials for Health). The course aims to explore health-related issues and the role of inorganic materials and nanomaterials in diagnosis, therapy, and well-being. Strategies for developing future inorganic materials and nanomaterials based on theragnostics, multifunctionality, and smart materials will also be addressed.

The EU program includes lectures and tutorials. Students will be assigned a group project on the (theoretical) study of a material or inorganic nanomaterials for health applications.    

CM: 11

 TD: 9

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This learning unit will explore, in small groups or through individualized instruction, educational tools and best practices related to communication and career integration, through:

• assessments of knowledge, skills, competencies, interpersonal skills, and motivation;
• raising awareness of job-search techniques;
• CV and cover letter writing;
• rules for oral and written communication;
• mock job interviews.

Practical exercises directly related to the industries targeted by the students’ respective programs will be offered.

TP: 8:00 p.m.

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The electronic and optical properties of solids are central to numerous applications in the fields of energy (photovoltaic panels, passive coolants, etc.), light generation (white LEDs, lasers, etc.), and electronics (components, microprocessors, etc.). Following an introduction to these various fields of application, this course unit aims to define the key concepts necessary for mastering both the electronic and optical properties of materials—properties that are essential for understanding the most advanced technologies.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 11: 00 a.m.

            TD: 9: 00 a.m.

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"Hybrid" materials constitute a new class of materials that combine organic ligands linking inorganic units; they are being studied more and more, both from a fundamental and an applied perspective.

In this course unit, two main categories of hybrid materials will be covered:

• Coordination Networks and Metal-Organic Frameworks
• Organosilicon/carbon materials

CM: 10 a.m.

TD: 10 a.m.

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This module will cover the theoretical knowledge necessary for understanding, formulating, and implementing dispersed systems. The physicochemical principles governing the preparation and stability of solid-liquid and liquid-liquid dispersions will be discussed in detail, in accordance with specifications and expected performance characteristics. The various concepts covered include powder dispersibility, modification of the solid-liquid interface to control zeta potential and colloidal interactions (extended DLVO), and the rheology of dispersed systems in relation to the state of dispersion. Liquid-liquid dispersion: emulsification, Winsor’s R-ratio, formulation using the HLD method, and formulation maps.

Introduction to Synthesis Techniques in Dispersed Media: Emulsion Synthesis of Nanoparticles, Latex, Microcapsules, etc.

CM: 11

TD: 9

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