Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2006-2007 (archived)

Module FOUN0037: INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY

Department: FOUNDATION YEAR [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

FOUN0037: INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY

Type Open Level 0 Credits 10 Availability Available in 2006/07 Module Cap None. Location Queen's Campus Stockton

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

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

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • 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.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module students will have acquired the skills to be able to:
  • use the Periodic Table.
Key Skills:
  • 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

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 20 Weekly 1 hour 20
Seminars 10 1 hour 10
Preparation and Reading 70
Total 100

Summative Assessment

Test 60% (two hour invigilated test 100%) Written assignment 40% (written assignment 100%)

Formative Assessment:

Exercises and library research


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