Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module CHEM2012: CORE CHEMISTRY 2

Department: Chemistry

CHEM2012: CORE CHEMISTRY 2

Type Open Level 2 Credits 40 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • (Core Chemistry 1A (CHEM1012) AND A-level or approved equivalent in Mathematics) OR (AS-level Mathematics AND Core Chemistry 1B).

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Molecules in Action (CHEM1061)

Aims

  • To teach the fundamentals of Chemistry and to provide a foundation on which later courses can be based.

Content

  • Transition-metal chemistry.
  • Symmetry, group theory and covalent bonding.
  • Organic chemistry including Physical Organic Chemistry.
  • Quantisation and spectroscopy.
  • Thermodynamics.
  • Applied spectroscopy.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Rationalize the bonding in transition metal complexes, and thus understand their formation and magnetic properties, and to utilize this information in a predictive manner.
  • Describe key trends in the chemistry of the transition elements and use these trends as tools to assist in problem solving in any area of chemistry involving transition metals.
  • Determine the symmetry elements and point groups of molecules.
  • Use group theory to construct symmetry adapted linear combinations of atomic orbitals and then determine qualitative molecular orbital diagrams for simple molecules.
  • Rationalize molecular shape and photoelectron spectra using symmetry and bonding arguments.
  • Devise reasonable synthetic routes to moderately complex organic molecules.
  • Describe and rationalize outcomes of organic reaction processes involving alkene generation, carbene insertion and ring formation by cycloadditions.
  • Explain the application of molecular-orbital theory to unsaturated organic systems.
  • Rationalize the outcome of pericyclic reactions by application of conservation of orbital symmetry and FMO methods.
  • Apply kinetics to complex reaction schemes and use linear free energy relationships to predict reactivity.
  • Predict simple NMR spectra, and interpret infra-red, Raman, mass and more complex multinuclear NMR spectra.
  • Outline the basic principles of quantum mechanics and group theory and be able to apply these to simple systems to predict their structure and spectroscopy.
  • Apply thermodynamics to predict values of equilibrium constants and the direction of spontaneous change of chemical reactions.
  • Determine enthalpies from phase transition data.
  • Calculate colligative properties (solubility, depressed freezing points) from pure component data.
  • Apply thermodynamics to non-ideal systems of gases, gas mixtures, liquid mixtures, and solutions and calculate thermodynamic parameters from e.m.f. data.
  • Explain the principles governing non-ideal solutions in electrochemical cells and their use in the determination of pH, pKa for weak acids; as well as enthalpy changes related to emf and temperature.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Predict simple NMR spectra, and interpret infra-red, Raman and more complex multinuclear NMR spectra.
Key Skills:

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

    • Lectures are used to convey concepts and are examined by written papers. This is the best method to assess the knowledge of the students.
    • Workshops are larger groups of students where problems are considered and common difficulties shared. This ensures that students have understood the work and can apply it to real life situations. These are formatively assessed.
    • Computer classes give students the opportunity to learn to use off the shelf computer packages and those specific to chemists. They are formatively assessed.
    • The collection 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

    Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
    Lectures 81 5 per week 1 Hour 81
    Practicals 5 2 per Term 1.5 or 3 Hours 13.5
    Collection 1 1 in Term 2 2 Hours 2
    Other (workshops) 10 3 or 4 per Term 1.5 or 3 hours 16.5
    Total 288.5
    Preparation and Reading 400

    Summative Assessment

    Component: Examination Component Weighting: 80%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    Written examination 1 Three hours 50%
    Written examination 2 Three hours 50%
    Component: Continuous Assessment Component Weighting: 20%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    coursework 100% One and a half hours written examination

    Formative Assessment:

    Collection (a 2 hour exam in week 11). 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