Module CHEM1061: MOLECULES IN ACTION

Department: CHEMISTRY

CHEM1061: MOLECULES IN ACTION

Prerequisites

• A2-level or equivalent in Chemistry.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Core Chemistry 2 (CHEM2012)

Aims

• To present the chemical factors behind topical issues.

Content

• Beautiful molecules: buckminster fullerenes, aspirin, paracetamol, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and chemotheapeutic agents, neurotransmitters, anaesthetics, vitamins and vision.
• Nasty molecules: chemical-warfare agents, teratogens, mutagens, carcinogens, drugs of abuse.
• Molecules and light: light sources, visible spectrum, colour reception of the eye, colour mixing, composite colours, pigments; luminescence, fluorescence, phosphorescence.
• Molecular architecture and giant molecules: fitting molecules together, self-organising systems, membranes, host-guest systems, ceramics, polymer structures, dendrimers and networks, polymer morphology.
• Small molecules: atmospheric pollutants, pollution indoors, noble-gas compounds.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain some of the economic and environmental issues associated with the industrial manufacture of bulk chemicals.
• Illustrate the problems associated with some of the gases in the atmosphere, particularly the oxides of nitrogen, chlorine and trioxygen.
• Describe the difficulties associated with the production of useful explosives.
• Describe the basic pharmacology of certain well known biologically active molecules.
• Present some of the common chemical carcinogens, mutagens and teratogens, with a basic comprehension of how current chemotherapy agents work.
• Explain the structures and properties of fullerenes and the history of their discovery.
• Rationalise how non-covalent interactions lead to molecular aggregation.
• Relate macroscopic polymer properties to the underlying chemical structure and chain architecture.
• Explain simple polymer synthesis.
• Explain qualitatively how molecules emit and interact with light and describe how these mechanisms are applied.

• Demonstrate skills in scientific writing.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures are used to convey concepts. These are examined by written papers. This is the best method to assess the knowledge of the students.
• The progress test held in January is for students to assess their own learning and performance to improve their examination technique. It is an opportunity for them to assimilate the work completed in the first term. Papers are returned to students with model answers so that they can learn from the experience.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Tutorial/workshop set work.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University