Module Identifier | BS11910 | ||
Module Title | INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY | ||
Academic Year | 2002/2003 | ||
Co-ordinator | William A Adams | ||
Semester | Semester 1 | ||
Other staff | Dr Philip Cadman | ||
Pre-Requisite | Normally Dual Award in Science or its equivalent. | ||
Course delivery | Lecture | 20 Hours | |
Practical | 9 Hours (3 x 3 hours) | ||
Other | 4 Hours Workshop. (2 x 2 hours) | ||
Assessment | Semester Exam | 2 Hours One 2 hour written semester examination. | 70% |
Semester Assessment | Continuous Assessment: Continuous assessment of practicals and workshops. | 30% | |
Supplementary Assessment | 2 Hours One 2-hour theory examination; re-submission of all failed course work. | 100% |
The nature and properties of compounds is explained. Examples are selected to illustrate the writing of formulae with particular reference to balancing cationic and anionic charge in complex compounds.
The concept of moles is introduced together with Avogadro's constant. Moles of an element or compound are explained as are moles of charge. Calculations involved in making up solutions of known concentration are explained.
Different types of reaction are outlined, including hydration, hydrolysis, neutralisation, oxidation and reduction and examples of, and factors affecting, equilibria are illustrated. Equations describing reactions are explained.
Solubility in different types of solvent is discussed together with the main properties of aqueous solutions. The solubility of sparingly soluble compounds is discussed. Colligative properties are explained.
Acids, bases and salts are defined. The dissociation of strong and weak acids and bases is explained together with the action of buffer solutions.
The gas laws are outlined and used and the final section provides an introduction to organic chemistry with specific coverage of hydrocarbons.