CY4071 - Fundamental Chemical Concepts (2022/23)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2022/23 | ||||||||||||||||
| Module title | Fundamental Chemical Concepts | ||||||||||||||||
| Module level | Certificate (04) | ||||||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||||||||
| School | School of Human Sciences | ||||||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||||||||
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| Running in 2022/23(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module covers the fundamental concepts of inorganic/physical chemistry and mathematics needed as a foundation for students studying Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Students will undertake practice problem solving skills based on the material taught.
The aim of this module is to ensure you will develop key skills and knowledge in:
1. fundamental mathematical principles
2. key concepts of bonding and molecular shape
3. some aspects of the descriptive chemistry of the elements and your exposure to introductory concepts in physical chemistry
This module aims to provide you with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility and mathematical competence.
Prior learning requirements
None
Available for Study Abroad? YES
Syllabus
Balancing simple chemical equations. Atomic orbitals. Radial distribution functions. Atomic numbers. Aufbau principle and Pauli exclusion principle. Ionic, covalent, metallic and coordinative bonding. Valence shell electron pair repulsion theory. Ionisation energies and trends in the periodic table, illustrated using the chemistry of the s block. (1, 2)
Phases of matter, their properties and interconversions. The kinetics of simple (bio)chemical reactions. Mathematical concepts. Algebra. Simple differentiation and integration. (3-5)
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Teaching and learning sessions include lectures/tutorials + mini-tests, (31 h) and practicals (4 h) with feedback where appropriate.
Tutorials have an emphasis on problem solving based on pre-set work with student participation and group activities. Students will be expected to prepare in advance for tutorials to develop problem-solving skills using worksheets provided. Feedback from these sessions facilitates the learning process. Lectures are used to set context and to deliver subject material, and are linked to tutorials, mini-tests and practicals. Students will be expected to reflect on the learning experience and develop their own understanding of the material.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:
1. explain structure and bonding in chemistry using fundamental theories.
2. demonstrate knowledge of trends in the periodic table.
3. perform simple mathematical manipulations.
4. quantitatively assess basic chemical kinetics data.
5. explain molecular organisation
Assessment strategy
The module consists of three components: 2 minitests (2 x 20 mins; 30%) – this will allow staff and students to track progress through the module and allows for interventions to be made early to prevent students struggling, and is in accordance with best practice for first year courses. Maths coursework (30%) – this will cover the basic mathematical concepts needed for the degree and will include a series of 7 online tests. A summative exam (1 h; 40%) – this will contain inorganic and physical chemistry. It will require students to incorporate the knowledge in the module to solve problems.
To pass the module, students need to achieve a minimum aggregate mark of 40%.
Bibliography
https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/CBC9360A-791D-372F-F71B-7F409AA4A2B9.html?lang=en-US&login=1