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 relating to the periodic table, atomic properties, chemical bonds, simple chemical reactions and nomenclature. In addition, skills adjunct to the chemical sciences including numeracy, logical argument, research, referencing and the utilisation of abstract models will be developed. Regular low-stakes assessments are employed to encourage learning, student motivation, attentiveness, and attendance.

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, tutorials and practicals.
Lectures (50 h) are used to deliver subject material and are linked to tutorials (25 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; guided independent study accounts for 225h.
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.

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

Feedback will be given on Weblearn and on marked scripts.  For all summative components (apart from the end-of-module examination) students will receive feedback within the university guidelines of three weeks.

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.  This knowledge will be assessment matched by learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6

001       Tests 1                              40%    Tariff             Week
Coursework Minitest 1                     5% 10 minutes        3
Coursework Minitest 2                     5% 10 minutes        5
Coursework Minitest 3                     5% 10 minutes        8
Coursework Minitest 4                     5% 10 minutes      10
Coursework Progress test 1            20% 45 minutes     15

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

002 Tests 2 40% Tariff Week
Coursework Minitest 5 5% 10 minutes 17
Coursework Minitest 6 5% 10 minutes 19
Courswork Minitest 7 5% 10 minutes 22
Coursework Minitest 8 5% 10 minutes 24
Coursework Progress test 2 20% 45 minutes 28

3. Coursework
This assessment will consist of students working in small groups to make a 1 minute (max length) video on a chemistry topic relevant to their degree pathway.  The students will need to submit their 1 minute video and write a 500 reflective commentary (no referencing required) together.

This coursework will allow students to apply context, in terms of their chosen pathway, to the chemistry topics they have been taught in the module
Assessment matched by learning outcomes 1, 2, 4 & 6

003 Coursework 20% Tariff Week
Coursework Project 20%  13

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%.