Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2026-2027
Module CHEM1121: Mathematical Methods for Chemists
Department: Chemistry
CHEM1121: Mathematical Methods for Chemists
| Type | Open | Level | 1 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2026/2027 | Module Cap | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- A-level or equivalent in Chemistry AND Mathematics.
Corequisites
- Foundations of Chemistry: Atoms, Bonding & Energetics (CHEM1032).
Excluded Combination of Modules
- Single Mathematics A (MATH1561), Single Mathematics B (MATH1571), Linear Algebra I (MATH1071), Calculus I (MATH1061).
Aims
- To introduce and reinforce background material and skills in mathematics of central importance to understanding and application in later chemistry modules.
Content
- Background material and skills in mathematics.
- Differentiation. Stationary points. Taylor Series. Integration. Solving differential equations. Multidimensional functions. Partial differentiation. Exact and inexact total differentials. Multidimensional integration.
- Vectors, matrices and matrix algebra. Coordinate systems. Complex numbers. Determinants. Eigenvectors and eigenvalues.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- Fluency with mathematical tools relevant to the study of chemistry at degree level.
Subject-specific Skills:
- Developing mathematical descriptions of problems in physical chemistry.
- Manipulating and solving mathematical equations.
- Physical interpretation of mathematical equations and methods.
Key Skills:
- Application of mathematical methods to express and solve quantitative problems.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Lectures deliver subject-specific knowledge.
- Workshops and consolidation lectures enhance the student learning experience.
- Self-directed study, through reading lecture notes and textbooks, and practising questions, develops subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation.
- On campus written examination demonstrates achievement of the appropriate level of subject-specific knowledge.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 16 | 1 per week | 1 hour | 16 | |
| Workshops | 9 | 4 in term 1 and 5 in term 2 | 2 hours | 18 | Yes ■ |
| Preparation and Reading | 166 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Examination | Component Weighting: 100% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| On Campus Written Examination | 2 hours | 100% | |
Formative Assessment:
Set work in preparation for workshops. Peer review and exemplars in workshops.
■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.