Module FOUN0037: INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY

Department: Foundation Year [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

FOUN0037: INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To encourage students to develop confidence in their own abilities in a science subject.
• to develop students' learning skills.
• to introduce a basic bank of knowledge on which students can build either by the process of self study or in further courses of directed study.

Content

• Atoms, molecules, elements and compounds.
• elements of the Periodic Table.
• atomic structure.
• electronic configurations.
• atomic masses.
• bonding.
• bond polarity, electronegativity.
• Hydrogen bonding.
• shapes of molecules.
• structure of diamond and graphite.
• states of matter.
• diffusion, real gases and intermolecular forces.
• acids, bases, alkalis and indicators.
• metals and non-metals.
• ionic equations, oxidation and reduction.
• elements in Period 3, Groups 1 and 7.
• kinetics.
• collision theory.
• distribution of molecular energies.
• activation energy (qualitative), catalysis.
• reversible reactions, equilibria.
• thermodynamics: exothermic and endothermic reactions, energy level diagrams, Hess' Law.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students will have acquired the knowledge to be able to:
• describe atomic and electronic structure, for the first 20 elements.
• describe, with examples, different bonding types and the relation of bonding to properties and structures.
• identify characteristics of metals, non-metals, acids and alkalis.
• identify and explain the factors affecting rate of reaction.
• describe exothermic and endothermic reactions.
• describe states of matter, simple Kinetic Theory and the Ideal Gas Equation.

• By the end of the module students will have acquired the skills to be able to:
• use the Periodic Table.

• By the end of the module the students will:
• be able to communicate effectively in writing
• be able to apply number both in the tackling of numerical problems and in the collecting, recording, interpreting and presenting of data
• have improved their own learning and performance
• be able to demonstrate problem solving skills

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

• Theory, initial concepts and techniques will be introduced during lectures and demonstrations.
• Much of the learning, understanding and consolidation will take place through the use of structured exercise during tutorials and students own time.
• Knowledge and understanding of concepts will be assessed by a written assignment.
• Knowledge and ability to use and apply concepts will be tested by an end of module test.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

Exercises and library research