Unit name | Foundations of Chemistry |
---|---|
Unit code | CHEM00001 |
Credit points | 40 |
Level of study | QCA-3 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
Unit director | Dr. Charmant |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
IELTS minimum 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5 in writing and 4.5 in all other components or equivalent Students should have the appropriate qualifications in Science and Mathematics at the equivalent of FHEQ level 2 |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Chemistry |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
The unit is intended to provide students with a broad understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry and experience of practical techniques, as a pre-requisite for entry or progression onto undergraduate degree programmes in science. It defines the tools of the subject, chemical constitution and stoichiometry. The electronic structure of atoms and bonding in molecules are introduced and used in discussing molecular shape and in outlining the properties of key elements and inorganic compounds. The concepts of energy, equilibria and chemical kinetics are explored. The importance of acid/base solution equilibria and of oxidation/reduction processes in determining the properties of aqueous solutions is discussed. Structural Organic Chemistry is introduced through a study of hydrocarbons. Simple functional groups and mechanisms of organic reactions are discussed, and features of biologically important molecules are outlined. Practical sessions and tutorials are integral to the unit
At the end of this unit a successful student should be able to:
The unit will be taught through a combination of* asynchronous online materials, including narrated presentations and worked examples* guided activities such as short questions and multiple choice quizzes to develop and check conceptual knowledge and understanding* synchronous weekly group seminars – live sessions where lecturers will discuss questions and consolidation of the taught material, discuss worked examples and problems solving* synchronous weekly group tutorials, which will include discussions of assignments, feedback to students, group work and discussions of concepts and methods of problems solving* independent practical activities* laboratory sessions; students who either begin or continue their studies in an online mode may be required to complete laboratory, or alternative activities, in person, either during the academic year 2020/21 or subsequently, in order to meet the intended learning outcomes for the unit, prepare them for subsequent units or to satisfy accreditation requirements.
Assessment for learning/Formative Assessment
Weekly worksheets with feedback provided in small-group tutorials
A 45 minute formative multiple-choice test in week 9 with follow up peer review session in the same week.
Assessment of learning/Summative Assessment
Continuously assessed laboratory practical work, including, as appropriate, pre- laboratory, in-laboratory and post-laboratory work: 10%
2-hour multiple-choice end-of-unit examination to assess all of the material covered throughout the year: 90%.
Essential Reading
Chemistry, 4th edition, Blackman, Bottle, Schmid, Mocerino, Wille, 2018 (or 2nd, 3rd editions also appropriate)