Module FOUD0887: Foundation Chemistry

Department: Foundation Year (Durham)

FOUD0887: Foundation Chemistry

Prerequisites

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 core knowledge on which students can build on by self-study or in further courses of directed study.
• To develop confidence in a laboratory situation.
• To introduce a range of equipment.
• To develop observational and interpretative skills.
• To develop a problem-solving and logical thinking skills.
• To develop scientific report-writing, data handling and critical evaluation.
• To develop confidence and ability in handling chemical calculations.

Content

• Atoms, molecules, elements and compounds.
• Atomic structure and electronic configurations.
• Atomic mass and mass spectroscopy.
• Chemical bonding and intermolecular forces.
• Shapes of molecules.
• Giant structures.
• Kinetic and states of matter, gas, solid, liquid.
• Acids, bases, alkalis and indicators.
• Periodic Table: trends and patterns.
• Kinetics: collision theory, distribution of molecular energies, activation energy (qualitative), catalysis
• Reversible reactions, equilibria.
• Thermodynamics: exothermic and endothermic reactions, energy level diagrams, Hess' Law, bond energy calculations.
• Laboratory experiments covering the following subject areas: structure and bonding, empirical formulae by mass, acids and alkalis, metals, periodicity, kinetics, enthalpy changes.
• Calculations: relative atomic and molecular masses, formulae and equations, empirical formulae from mass, amount of substance, mass/mole, molar volume, volumetric calculations from titration results, simple treatment of Hess cycle.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the programme students will have:
• 1. Knowledge of a range of foundational subject concepts
• 2. Knowledge of a range of relevant research methods
• 3. Knowledge of a range of relevant vocabulary.

• By the end of the programme students will be able to:
• 1. Demonstrate the appropriate use of a range of foundational subject concepts.
• 2. Demonstrate the appropriate use of relevant methods.
• 3. Demonstrate the appropriate use of a range of relevant vocabulary.

• By the end of the programme students will be able to:
• 1. Demonstrate critical thinking
• 2. Demonstrate effective communication using appropriate academic styles
• 3. Demonstrate appropriate use of number
• 4. Demonstrate the use of appropriate sources of evidence (N/A)

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.
• Much of the learning, understanding and consolidation will take place through the use of structured worksheets during seminars and students' own time.
• Laboratory skills and knowledge will be assessed with a laboratory report.
• Knowledge and ability to use and apply concepts will be assessed by test.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

In class test and laboratory report.

■ 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