PR3003 - Chemistry (2017/18)
Module specification | Module approved to run in 2017/18 | ||||||||||||||||
Module title | Chemistry | ||||||||||||||||
Module level | Foundation (03) | ||||||||||||||||
Credit rating for module | 30 | ||||||||||||||||
School | School of Human Sciences | ||||||||||||||||
Total study hours | 300 | ||||||||||||||||
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Assessment components |
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Running in 2017/18(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module will introduce important ideas and concepts in fundamental chemistry that will allow students to study scientific subjects at level 4.
Module aims
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.
Syllabus
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.
Learning and teaching
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, tutorials and practicals.
Lectures are used to deliver subject material and are linked to tutorials. 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. Students are expected to work on their coursework assignment
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.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
- understand the periodic variation of atomic properties
- understand structure and bonding in simple compounds, and relate this to their displayed physical properties
- perform calculations in logical and precise manner on simple chemical systems
- understand how compounds and elements combine in simple chemicals reactions
- understand simple chemical nomenclature
- understand underlying concepts that drive chemical reactions in simple scenarios
Assessment strategy
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.
Bibliography
Crowe J and Bradshaw T (2010) Chemistry for the Biosciences: the essential concepts, Oxford University Press [core]
Lewis R and Evans W (2011) Chemistry, 4th Edition, Palgrave Foundations [core]