Module CHEM1012: CORE CHEMISTRY 1A

Department: Chemistry

CHEM1012: CORE CHEMISTRY 1A

Prerequisites

• A2 level or equivalent in Chemistry AND AS mathematics grade B or above.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

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

Content

• Structure and bonding: structure of the hydrogen atom, introduction to orbitals, Aufbau principle.
• Chemical periodicity.
• Coordination Chemistry.
• Nucleophiles and electrophiles.
• Synthesis, mechanism, reactivity and stereochemistry.
• Thermodynamics of ideal chemical systems: first and second laws of thermodynamics, U, H, S, and G, equilibrium constants.
• Chemical dynamics.
• Spectroscopy and proof of structure: molecular structure analysis by NMR, IR and mass spectroscopy.
• Practical work.

Learning Outcomes

• Draw the graphical forms of hydrogenic wave functions, and describe their importance in determining the form of the periodic table.
• Know the sequence, in the table, of s-block, p-block and first-row transitional elements.
• Describe the hybrid orbital method of bonding in sp, sp2 and sp3 configurations.
• Describe the molecular orbital theory of bonding in 1st row homo and hetero diatomics.
• Describe trends in properties of elements and compounds throughout the periodic table, and account for why these trends occur.
• Determine the co-ordination geometries of simple inorganic and organic molecules and ions and account for the bonding in them.
• Describe the difference between electrophiles and nucleophiles, accounting for their differing behaviour.
• Rationalise the chemistry of alkanes, alkyl halides, alkenes and carbonyl compounds.
• Describe the basic principles underlying spectroscopy, and be able to deduce the structure of simple organic species from spectra.
• Describe the fundamental thermodynamic parameters and calculate their values from physical data, relate changes in the parameters to phase changes and use them to calculate equilibrium constants for chemical reactions.
• Relate an equilibrium constant to fundamental thermodynamic parameters.
• Manipulate rate equations and analyse experimental kinetic data in chemical and biochemical applications.
• Relate reaction mechanism to rate laws and use kinetic data to draw mechanistic conclusions.

• Perform safely basic experimental procedures such as titrations, synthesis, purification and crystallisation of organic and inorganic compounds.
• Determine rate and thermodynamic properties experimentally.

• Work effectively in a tutorial group to solve chemical problems;
• Apply IT skills to laboratory reports and data analysis.

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.
• Tutorials are given to ensure that the students have grasped the concepts given in the lectures and to practice examples of problems. The work is formatively assessed.
• 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.
• Laboratory classes teach students techniques in various aspects of practical chemistry. They are continuously assessed so that the student can learn from one session to the next. They are also essential because any chemist needs to be able to perform standard experiments competently.
• 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 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