Module Identifier BS11910  
Module Title INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY  
Academic Year 2006/2007  
Co-ordinator Dr David J Hopper  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Dr Hazel M Davey  
Pre-Requisite Normally Dual Award in Science or its equivalent.  
Course delivery Other   2 x 3h Workshops  
  Lecture   20 x 1h lectures  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam2 Hours Theory paper  70%
Semester Assessment Workshops (2 x 3h)  30%
Supplementary Assessment2 Hours Theory paper plus resubmission of failed or missing work100%

Learning outcomes

On completion of the module, students should be able to:
demonstrate an understanding of the structure of atoms and molecules and how these relate to the periodic table,
relate general properties of elements to the periodic table,
give examples of the different types of bonding in molecules,
identify the main functional groups in organic compounds,
use chemical symbols in simple equations to show chemical reactions,
outline the principles governing reaction equilibria and pH,
demonstrate an understanding of molar concentrations and calculate amounts of compounds needed for specific concentrations.

Aims

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 biological studies.

Content

The curriculum will include the following.
The concept of atoms and elements.
The structure of atoms in terms of protons, neutrons and electrons.
The concept of atomic number and electronic configuration will be put in the context of the periodic table and this will be used to explain some rationale and order to the properties of the elements.
This will lead to a consideration of simple molecules, a description of ionic and covalent bonding, and the idea of valency.
A section on organic chemistry will deal with the special properties of carbon, hydrocarbons and homologous series, isomerism (including chirality), and an introduction to functional groups and their nomenclature.
The carboxyl and amino functional groups will be dealt with in the context of acid, bases and buffers. This will also include the concept of equilibria.
The concepts of moles and molar concentrations will be introduced together with Avogadro's constant and calculations for making up solutions of known concentration.

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Lewis, R. & Evans, W. (2006) Chemistry 3rd. Palgrave
** Supplementary Text
Crowe, J (2006) Chemistry for the Biosciences Oxford 0199280975
Eldredge, P (2006) Chemistry: Principles, Patterns, and Applications Pearson 0321413709

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4