module specification

This module will be introducing important ideas and concepts in fundamental chemistry that will allow students to study scientific subjects at level 4. The module aims to develop students’ understanding of fundamental concepts key to subjects involving the molecular sciences. In addition, skills adjunct to the chemical sciences including numeracy, logical argument, research, referencing and the utilisation of abstract models will be developed.

Atoms and forces:  matter is built from atoms interacting and bonding through electrostatic forces.  The structure of matter affects its physical and chemical properties, and influences how substances react chemically.
Chemical bonds: The understanding of how chemical bonds are made and broken by the movement of electrons allows us to predict patterns of reactivity.
Patterns in chemical behaviour and reactions:  By identifying patterns in chemical behaviour we can predict the properties of substances and how they can be transformed into new substances by chemical reactions. This allows us to design new materials of use to society.
Energy changes:  The energy changes that take place during chemical reactions can be used to predict both the extent and the rate of such reactions.
Organic chemistry:  introduction to organic chemistry including basic functional groups, nomenclature, empirical formulae, chemical formulae and structural formulae.  LO 1-6

The module is delivered through a range of different mechanisms including tutorials, lectures, on-line material and directed course work.

Teaching and learning sessions consist of lectures, and tutorials.
Lectures (46 h) are used to deliver subject material and are linked to tutorials (23 h).  Tutorials are utilized to develop problem solving skills throughout the module.
Students will be expected to reflect on the learning experience and develop their own understanding of the topics covered.
The module is supported by a website on WebLearn which includes a number of electronic learning aids, with a particular emphasis on consolidation of previous and current learning. Students would be expected to use the site for assisted study.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. understand the periodic variation of atomic properties
2. understand structure and bonding in simple compounds, and relate this to their displayed physical properties
3. perform calculations in logical and precise manner on simple chemical systems
4. understand how compounds and elements combine in simple chemicals reactions
5. understand simple chemical nomenclature
6. understand underlying concepts that drive chemical reactions in simple scenarios

This module will be assessed by a series of time-constrained tests and in-class seen test designed to extend the students allow them to develop their research skills along with developing skills in extended writing. The tests will provide both formative and summative assessment; the tests are formative in the regard that earlier topics will be required for the progress test, allowing consolidation of the major concepts required by the molecular sciences.

To pass the module students need to achieve a minimum aggregate mark of 40%.  If the module is passed on reassessment, then the maximum mark awarded will be 40%.

Feedback will be given on Weblearn and on marked scripts.  For all summative components students will receive feedback within the university guidelines of two weeks. In the event of marking taking 2-3 weeks, generic feedback will be given in the meantime.

1. Tests 1
This assessment will consist of four short minitests on individual topics and a progress test covering all the topics in this section.  These progress tests will assess student factual knowledge, problem solving ability and will be associated with the main taught topics in the module.  These knowledge will be
Assessment matched by learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6

Tests 1                50%       Week
Minitest 1a            6%          3
Minitest 2a            6%          5
Minitest 3a            6%         8
Minitest 4a            6%        10
Progress test A   26%      14

2. Tests 2
This assessment will consist of four short minitests on individual topics and a progress test covering all the topics in this section.  These progress tests will assess student factual knowledge, problem solving ability and will be associated with the main taught topics in the module
Assessment matched by learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6

Tests 2                   50%      Week
Minitest 1b              6%       18
Minitest 2b              6%       20
Minitest 3b              6%      22
Minitest 4b             6%      24
Progress test B   26%     29