Module description
This module will provideyou with an in-depth introduction to the major topics found in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry and analytical chemistry, building on your prior study by looking at key areas in more detail.
You’ll develop an essential knowledge and understanding of these core concepts as well as the skills needed to use them in new and changing situations.
This module will allow you to learn about core chemical concepts including:
- Periodicity and group trends
- Intramolecular and intermolecular bonding
- Organic frameworks and isomerism
- Alcohols, carbonyls and aromatic compounds
- Acids and bases
- Enthalpy and entropy
- Kinetics and reaction rates
- Redox and electrochemistry
- Transition metals
- Key analytical techniques (including IR and NMR)
You’ll learn through a combination of interactive lectures, problem-solving workshops and laboratory-based practicals. Together, these will develop your understanding of key concepts in chemistry, and the skills used by chemists in the laboratory.
This module will prepare you for the successful study of chemistry and allied subjects at undergraduate level.,
This Chemistry Foundation module will prepare you for the successful study of chemistry at an undergraduate level, including a range of degrees at the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences. It provides a strong foundation for further study in several degrees, including Chemistry MSci or Chemistry BSc, Chemistry with Biomedicine MSci, and Psychology BSc.
If you combine this with the Biology Foundation module, you will have a good foundation for studying a range of other degrees at the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, such as Anatomy, Developmental & Human Biology BSc, Biochemistry BSc, Medical Physiology BSc, Molecular Genetics BSc, Neuroscience BSc, and Pharmacology BSc. You may also be eligible to progress to the Medicine MBBS or Dentistry BDS if you meet the additional entry requirements.
Assessment details
You’ll be assessed fthrough a combination of coursework (50%) and final examination (50%).
Educational aims & objectives
This Chemistry Foundation module will:
- develop essential knowledge and understanding of concepts of chemistry
- equip you with skills used by chemists in the laboratory.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this Chemistry Foundation module, you will:
- recognise, recall and show understanding of specific chemical facts, terminology, principles, concepts and practical techniques
- select, organise and communicate relevant information clearly and logically in a variety of forms
- apply scientific knowledge and processes to unfamiliar situations, including those related to public issues
- assess the validity, reliability and credibility of scientific information
- make, record and communicate reliable and valid observations and measurements with appropriate precision and accuracy
- analyse, interpret, explain and evaluate the methodology and results
- organise information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary where appropriate.
Suggested reading list
During your course, you will be required to do a lot of reading. It is not necessary to purchase all books, but you should try and ensure you have access to some of the following:
| Required textbook |
Recommended textbooks |
| Atkins P. & Jones L. Chemical Principles 3rd Edn. (2005) Library: FWB QD33.2 ATK (10 copies) |
Hill J.W., Petrucci R.H., McGreary T.W. & Perry S.S. General Chemistry 4th Edn. (2005)
Library: FWB QD31.2 HIL ISBN: 0131271806 (10 copies) |
| |
Houscroft C. & Constable E. Chemistry (2002)
Library: FWB QD31.2 HOU ISBN: 0130869244 (6 copies) |
Useful websites