Module Information
Module Identifier
BR11710
Module Title
INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY
Academic Year
2011/2012
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Other Staff
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 x 1 hour lectures per week |
| Other | 2 x 3 hour workshops during semester |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Continuous assessment Outcomes 3, 4 | 40% |
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 | 60% |
| Supplementary Assessment | 2 Hours Examination 60%; Assignment 40%. Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module. | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Classify substances as elements, compounds and mixtures
2. Identify the main functional groups in organic compounds.
3. Use equations to show chemical reactions and equilibria.
4. Perform calculations to determine amounts of substances and concentrations.
Brief description
The module aims to introduce students who have little grounding in chemistry to the language and concepts of the subject to give them sufficient background for their studies in biological, environmental and rural sciences.
Content
The course will start with the basic principle that all matter is composed of elements, compounds and mixtures. These in turn are made up of atoms and sub-atomic particles including protons, neutrons and electrons.
Atomic number and electronic configuration will be used to explain the order of the periodic table and the properties of the elements. The concepts of moles and molar concentrations will be introduced together with Avogadro's constant and calculations for making up solutions of known concentration. The bonding of atoms together to form simple molecules will be developed, including a description of ionic and covalent bonding, and the concept of valency.
A section on organic chemistry will introduce the special properties of carbon, hydrocarbons and homologous series.
Concepts of isomerism (including chirality) and nomenclature of functional groups will be developed. The carboxyl and amino functional groups will be dealt with in the context of acids, bases and buffers. This will also include the concept of equilibria.
Atomic number and electronic configuration will be used to explain the order of the periodic table and the properties of the elements. The concepts of moles and molar concentrations will be introduced together with Avogadro's constant and calculations for making up solutions of known concentration. The bonding of atoms together to form simple molecules will be developed, including a description of ionic and covalent bonding, and the concept of valency.
A section on organic chemistry will introduce the special properties of carbon, hydrocarbons and homologous series.
Concepts of isomerism (including chirality) and nomenclature of functional groups will be developed. The carboxyl and amino functional groups will be dealt with in the context of acids, bases and buffers. This will also include the concept of equilibria.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Workshops will involve calculations relevant to the course material including determining amounts, concentrations, volumes and balancing equations. |
| Communication | |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Outside the formal contact hours students will be expected to practice with directed learning exercises on which feedback will be available. |
| Information Technology | |
| Personal Development and Career planning | |
| Problem solving | Lectures will introduce problem solving with worked examples and directed study will provide students with an opportunity to practice these skills. Workshops will extend this work and will be assessed. |
| Research skills | |
| Subject Specific Skills | Chemical concepts and terminology will be introduced and developed. |
| Team work | Students will work in pairs/small groups during workshop sessions. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4