Module description
Students will gain a general introduction to Chemistry, providing a discussion on the interface between chemistry, biology and physics as well as looking at symmetry and structure, states of matter and electrochemistry. Students will also look at the nature of atoms, acids and bases.
Assessment details
Written examinations and coursework.
Exam 85%
In-class test 15%
As the final exam for this module takes place in-person in the January exam session , this module is only open to full-year students (SEM1 could take it if they are prepared to still be in the UK then)
Educational aims & objectives
This module builds upon the entry-level knowledge of students covered in A-Level Chemistry. It introduces fundamental concepts in inorganic and physical chemistry which will be essential for later modules.
The module will include:
General concepts in structure and bonding; predicting the shapes of molecules and understanding the nature of covalent interactions
States of matter; gases, liquids and solids, ideal and non-ideal systems
Learning outcomes
At the end of the module, you should be able to:
- Predict the structure of covalent molecules based on their valence electrons and understand the limitations of this approach.
- Understand atomic structure and the electronic structure of simple diatomic molecules.
- Understand the gas laws and situations where ideal and non-ideal behaviour apply.
- Understand the main intermolecular forces between atoms, ions and molecules.
- Understand the nature of regular solids and how their structure can be probed using X-ray diffraction
Indicative Syllabus
- Shapes of molecules
- Atomic and molecular orbitals
- States of matter 1: Gases
- States of matter 2: Liquids and intermolecular forces
- States of matter 3: Solids
Teaching pattern
This module takes place in the first 6 weeks of semester 1.
20 hours lectures, 5 hours skills session, 5 hours workshops