Module CHEM1131: Chemical Systems & Change: Structure & Dynamics

Department: Chemistry

CHEM1131: Chemical Systems & Change: Structure & Dynamics

Prerequisites

• A-level or equivalent in Chemistry AND Mathematics.

Corequisites

• Foundations of Chemistry: Atoms, Bonding & Energetics (CHEMXXX).

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To introduce and reinforce background material in cognate subject areas that are of central importance to material taught in later chemistry modules.

Content

• Units and dimensions. Conventions and handling thereof.
• Qualitative Inorganic chemistry, Coordination chemistry. Isomerism, nomenclature and stability of complexes.
• Hard and soft acids and bases. Introduction to crystal field theory.
• Background material and skills in physics, and chemical biology that are of central importance to material covered in other Chemistry modules.
• Spectroscopy and proof of structure: molecular structure analysis by NMR and IR spectroscopies and mass spectrometry.
• Organic chemistry concepts and applications pertaining to synthesis and manipulation of functional groups.

Learning Outcomes

• To determine the co-ordination geometries of simple inorganic and organic molecules and ions and account for the bonding in them;
• To describe the key aspects of stereochemistry and be able to appreciate and exemplify the three major types of isomer (constitutional, diastereoisomer, enantiomer);
• To describe, including the use of curly arrows, the fundamental organic reaction mechanisms of nucleophilic addition and substitution at carbonyl groups and apply this understanding to simple transformations;
• To describe the basic principles underlying spectroscopy, and be able to deduce the structure of simple organic species from spectra;

• Solve chemical problems.
• Develop mathematical solutions to basic chemical problems.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• 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 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.
• Student performance will be 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

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Set work in preparation for tutorials.

■ 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.