| Unit name | Introductory Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Unit code | CHEM10600 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Chris Russell |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
A-Level Chemistry or its equivalent; A-Level Mathematics or its equivalent |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Chemistry |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This unit introduces and explore key fundamental themes used throughout chemistry. It aims to do so in a qualitative way to focus on the broad ideas and implications. Key ideas include orbitals, energy, quantisation and bonding, why reactions happen, shapes of molecules, mechanisms, rates of reaction and measurements . The content provides a foundation for students going on to take Chemistry for Life Scientists (CHEM 10700) and/or Chemistry for Physical Scientists (CHEM 10800).
This unit aims to introduce students to fundamental ideas in chemistry which, for those who continue with chemistry, will be developed throughout their studies. The implications of these fundamental ideas are illustration with real world examples to set them in context and highlight their relevance in the modern scientific world.
" To provide students with a broad and balanced appreciation of key chemical concepts
" To develop in students the first fundamental practical skills.
" Understanding of energy quantization, energy levels, and their connection to spectra;
" Knowledge of quantum numbers describing electrons in an atom;
" Ability to predict the shape of covalently bonded molecules, and name (systematic and trivial) functional groups and organic molecules;
" Ability to predict, name and draw the isomers of organic and inorganic complexes;
" Understanding of the terms electrophile, nucleophile, acid and base and an appreciation of their roles within a reaction;
" Be able to use curly arrow representation to indicate electron flow and therefore mechanism;
" Understanding the relationship between structures and spectra;
" Appreciate the basic limitations/extent of information obtained from each spectroscopic method qualitative and/or quantitative;
" An ability to use simple laboratory apparatus, follow instructions and operate in a safe manner.
" An appreciation of interrelationship between all branches of chemistry and between theory and applications.
Lectures, small group tutorials, laboratory sessions and independent study. The Dynamic Laboratory Manual provides important e-learning resource in advance of (and during) the laboratory sessions. A small amount of pre-tutorial online material will be provided to assist students with tutorial work. Self test MCQs.
5 lectures per week for 8.4 weeks @ 3 hours per lecture 126 hours
6 practicals @ 5.5 hours 33 hours
9 contact tutorials @ 3 hours 30 hours
3 on-line tutorials @ 2 hours 6 hours
TOTAL 195 hours
Students will be continuously assessed in laboratory work (summative and formative)(10%) and will experience formative assessment within the unit, for example via tutorials. Students will be assessed on this unit by a 2-hour summative MCQ exam (90%).
Essential reading will be from the following books:
Atkins’ Physical Chemistry, 10th Edition, P W Atkins and J de Paula, Oxford University Press 2014.
Organic Chemistry, 2nd Edition, J Clayden, N. Greeves, S Warren, Oxford University Press, 2012.
Inorganic Chemistry 6th Edition, M Weller, T Overton, J Rourke and F Armstrong, Oxford University Press 2014.
Further reading from Periodicity in the s- and p-block Elements, N C Norman, Oxford Primer, 1997.
