Module CHEM1061: MOLECULES IN ACTION

Department: Chemistry

CHEM1061: MOLECULES IN ACTION

Prerequisites

• A-level or equivalent in Chemistry.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Core Chemistry 2 (CHEM2012)

Aims

• To present the chemical factors behind topical issues.

Content

• Nuclear chemistry, uses of radioactivity, polymorphism.
• Neurotoxins, chemical-warfare agents, legal and illegal drugs of abuse.
• Light sources, visible spectrum, colour reception of the eye, colour mixing, composite colours, pigments; luminescence, fluorescence, phosphorescence.
• The importance (breadth, financial/economic and societal) and relevance of the chemical industry and their broad context.
• Electronic structure of a water molecule, models of water, interactions between water molecules, origins and consequences of hydrogen bonds, super-cooled and superheated water, the structure of ice, industrial water purification and wastewater treatment.
• Two assignments. Guidance on essay writing, literature searching and what constitutes plagiarism

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the fundamentals of nuclear chemistry and demonstrate a basic comprehension of how elements form in stars and why abundances of elements differ.
• Explain radioactivity and describe applications in, dating, medicine, energy generation and labelling.
• Explain the concept of polymorphism and describe the structure and some applications of different allotropes of elements such as carbon, phosphorus and oxygen.
• Describe the basic pharmacology of certain well known biologically active molecules.
• Present some of the common chemical carcinogens, mutagens and teratogens, with a basic comprehension of how current chemotherapy agents work.
• Explain the structures and properties of fullerenes and the history of their discovery.
• Explain qualitatively how molecules emit and interact with light and describe how these mechanisms are applied.
• Develop an appreciation of the economic importance of chemistry, together with an indication of its scale.
• Give an overview of the broad classes of chemicals and materials made commercially worldwide and the relative amounts of each produced.
• Develop an appreciation of global water resources and water purification..
• Explain the relationship between the structure of water and its properties.
• Describe and rationalise the phase diagram of water.

• Produce a scholarly essay on an area of relevant literature
• Produce a informative video communication on a specific topic.

• Demonstrate skills in scientific writing.
• Demonstrate verbal and presentation skills in video communication.

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 to illustrate the application of theory to practical examples. When appropriate, lectures will be supported by written on-line material, or by information and relevant links on Blackboard Learn Ultra.
• Private study should be used by students to develop their subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation, through reading textbooks and literature. Students will be able to obtain further help in their studies by approaching their lecturers, either after lectures or at other mutually convenient times.
• Group workshops are where students will learn and develop skills about writing and communication.
• Assignments allow students to present information in their own words, synthesising ideas and demonstrating their ability to communicate effectively in written form.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Essay writing exercise in term 1 cluding peer review appreciation.

■ 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