Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2013-2014 (archived)
Module CHEM1098: CORE CHEMISTRY 1B
Department: Chemistry
CHEM1098: CORE CHEMISTRY 1B
| Type | Open | Level | 1 | Credits | 30 | Availability | Available in 2013/14 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- A2-level or equivalent in Chemistry AND Mathematics.
Corequisites
- Core Chemistry 1A (CHEM1078) AND Practical Chemistry 1A (CHEM1087) AND Practical Chemistry 1B (CHEM1107).
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None.
Aims
- To introduce areas of chemistry and key analytical skills that are of central importance to material taught in later modules.
Content
- Quantitative aspects of inorganic chemistry: redox reactions.
- The ionic model, lattice energies, the structure of ionic materials.
- Physical organic chemistry: acid base catalysis, determination of pKa, keto-enol equilibria.
- Electrochemistry: Nernst equation. Electrochemical cells. Electrolytes. Conductivity.
- Tools for Chemistry. Solving differential equations by integration. Functions of many variables, partial differentiation, stationary points, total derivative.Vectors. Equations of motion, force and momentum. Harmonic motion. Complex numbers.
- Estimating errors.
- Matrices and matrix algebra. Determinants. Eigenvectors and eigenvalues.
- Coordinate systems. Angular motion and angular momentum. Electric and magnetic fields.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- balance chemical equations, carry out stoichiometric calculations based on them, and understand the construction and applications of Frost diagrams;
- describe the ionic model and the 3D structures of simple metals and compounds;
- perform simple thermodynamic calculations on inorganic materials;
- describe the importance of physical techniques for understanding organic reaction mechanisms;
- demonstrate the importance of electrochemical calculations;
- develop mathematical models to describe simple physical problems.
Subject-specific Skills:
- Solve chemical problems;
- Develop mathematical solutions to basic chemical problems.
Key Skills:
- Apply mathematical tools to develop and solve physical problems.
- Understand and apply the building blocks of physical chemistry.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Lectures are used to convey concepts, demonstrate what is required to be learned and the application of the theory to practical examples. When appropriate, lectures will be supported by written material, or by information and relevant links on DUO.
- Problem classes are given to ensure that the students have grasped the concepts given in the lectures and to practice examples of problems. In preparation for the problem classes students attempt a set of defined problems. Problem classes will be formatively assessed. All work will be returned with feedback.
- 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.
- Private study should be used by students to develop their subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation, through reading textbooks and literature.
- A progress test is held in January 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.
- Students will be able to obtain further help in their studies by approaching their lecturers, either after lectures or at other mutually convenient times.
- Student performance will be summatively assessed through examinations. Examinations test students' ability to work under pressure under timed conditions, to prepare for examinations and direct their own programme of revision and learning, and develop key time management skills. The examination will provide the means for students to demonstrate the acquisition of subject knowledge and the development of their problem-solving skills.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 54 | 3 per week | 1 Hour | 54 | |
| Problem Classes | 18 | 1 per week | 1 Hour | 18 | ■ |
| Workshops | 3 | 1 per week in Term Three | 1.5 hours | 4.5 | ■ |
| Progress Test | 1 | 1 per year | 2 hours | 2 | ■ |
| Preparation and Reading | 221.5 | ||||
| Total | 300 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Examinations | Component Weighting: 90% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Written examination 1 | 3 hours | 50% | |
| Written examination 2 | 3 hours | 50% | |
| Component: Coursework | Component Weighting: 10% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Progress Test | 2 hours | 100% | |
Formative Assessment:
Problem classes/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