This module is comprised of introductory chemistry, both general and organic chemistry. The module objectives are to give an understanding of fundamental principles and theories of chemistry. This includes an introduction to matter, molecules, atomic theory, stoichiometry, volumetric analysis, redox chemistry, gas laws, intermolecular forces and solids. The foundation level organic chemistry aims to provide the groundwork for further learning in later stages including modules in biochemistry, organic chemistry, organic spectroscopy, medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry modules. The module introduces safety and the basic techniques used in the chemistry laboratory. The material covered in the lecture is reinforced in the laboratory practicals.
General chemistry:
SI units, matter and fundamental particles. An overview of Atomic Theory: Atomic theory, electronic configuration (including 1st row transition series), Pauli’s exclusion principle, the Aufbau principle and Hund's rule. Chemical Reactions. The mole, nomenclature of inorganic compounds, chemical reactions, balancing reactions, stoichiometry, limiting reagents, percentage yields and molarity. Periodicity and periodic trends, including atomic size, ionisation potential, electron affinity and electronegativity. Bonding, intermolecular forces and structure of solids, VSEPR. Volumetric analysis of acid/ base and redox reactions calculations. Oxidation and reduction processes, oxidising and reducing agents and balancing redox reactions. Elemental analysis: determination of empirical and molecular formulae. Gas Laws.
Organic chemistry:
Examples of applications of organic chemistry to the contexts of programmes students are studying. Introduction to organic chemistry and classification of organic compounds, definitions for homologous series and functional groups. IUPAC nomenclature. Hybridisation in organic compounds, including methane, ethene, ethyne and benzene. Hybridisation theory applied to bonding of Be, B and C as well as bonding in H2O. Chemical reactions, physical properties and applications of simple organic molecules including the alkanes and alkenes. Structural isomers. Intermolecular forces and their effect on melting and boiling points of organic compounds. Stereochemistry of organic compounds – conformers and geometric isomers.
Laboratory Programme:
The following practicals (or an appropriate alternative) will be carried out.
- Video (General introduction and balance, pipette and burette use), Safety Talk, Introductory Maths Worksheet.
- Pipette Error and Burette Barrelling Effect
- Sand and Salt Separation
- Gravimetric Analysis of Copper
- Coffee Distillation (Incorporating Boiling Point Determination)
- Qualitative Analysis - Inorganic Knowns – Cation Tests
- Qualitative Analysis - Inorganic Unknowns – Cation tests
- Video (Pipette, burette and titration) and Volumetric Analysis Maths Lab
- Standardisation of NaOH Solution
- Standardisation of HCl with NaOH
- Analysis of the sodium hydrogen carbonate in baking powder with standardised HCl
- Analysis of the sodium carbonate in washing soda
- Determination of the number of water molecules of crystallisation in iron (II) sulpfate by volumetric analysis.
- Recrystallisation and melting points
- Chemistry of the alkanes and alkenes
Organic molecular models workshop
Students will learn through lectures, use of computer based learning software (PeerWise), tutorials (in the form of problem solving workshops), and laboratory practicals.
Self directed learning is encouraged using PeerWise assessment and tutorial questions.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 40 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 60 |