Fundamentals of Chemistry

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Assess the validity of chemical information, experiments, inferences and statements
• Interpret and translate from one form to another, data presented as continuous prose or in tables, diagrams, drawings and graphs;
• Apply chemical principles and concepts in solving problems in unfamiliar situations including those which relate to ethical, social, economic and technological implications and applications of chemistry;
• Describe, explain and interpret phenomena and effects in terms of chemical principles and concepts, presenting arguments and ideas clearly and logically, using specialist vocabulary where appropriate;

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Manage your own learning;
• Use IT to support learning.
• Communicate scientific information effectively;
• Apply problem solving techniques to familiar and unfamiliar chemical problems;
• Apply mathematical methods to solve problems in chemistry;

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Draw on existing knowledge to show understanding of the ethical, social, economic, environmental and technological implications and applications of chemistry;
• Use chemical skills in contexts which bring together different areas of the subject.
• Select, organise and present relevant information clearly and logically, using specialist vocabulary where appropriate
• Recognise, recall and show understanding of chemical facts, terminology, principles, concepts and practical techniques;

Topics include:

Foundation chemistry, Atoms, bonds and molecules, Elements, matter and trends, Energy, rates and the petrochemical industry, Hydrocarbons and alcohols:, Alkali metals, halogens and electrolysis, Advanced organic chemistry, Analytical techniques, Acids, bases and carboxylic acid derivatives, Advanced inorganic chemistry, Electrode potentials and advanced kinetics, Compounds of nitrogen

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include:

• Lectures, supported by hand-outs illustrating theory and examples;
• Projected materials;
• Study materials available on the Virtual Learning Environment;
• Practice exercises and tests, including in-lecture questions utilising voting pads.

Learning activities include:

• Individual work on examples both in class and at home
• Problem solving, comprehension and data analysis exercises
• Self-assessment exercises
• Group discussion/question and answer sessions
• Individual research on topics
• Private study

Study Time Allocation:

• Contact Hours: 120
• Private Study Hours: 180
• Total study time: 300 hours

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Chemistry. Chemistry, 3rd Edition, Chris Conoley and Phil Hills, Collins. ISBN – 13: 978 0 00 726747 7 Any A level Chemistry text such as: Chemistry, 3rd Edition, Rob Lewis and Wynne Evans, Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN – 13: 987 0 230 000117 Advanced Chemistry for You (Paperback) by Lawrie Ryan. Nelson Thornes Ltd (19 Oct 2000) ISBN-10: 0748752978 ISBN-13: 978-0748752973 Calculations in AS / A Level Chemistry by J. Clark. Longman (20 Sep 2000). ISBN-10: 0582411270 ISBN-13: 978-0582411272 Chemistry Web sites – recommended resources listed on the VLE

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External