Module description
Our Chemistry Foundation module will give you an in-depth introduction to the chemistry skills and knowledge required for successful undergraduate study.
You’ll develop an essential knowledge and understanding of concepts of chemistry and the skills needed to use them in new and changing situations.
This Chemistry Foundation module will teach you about:
- atomic structure, including bonding
- empirical and molecular formulae, including balanced equations and associated calculations
- periodicity, including nomenclature, isomerism and group properties of organic chemistry and alkanes, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, carboxylic acids and amines
- energy, including enthalpy change (_H), calorimetry, simple applications of Hess’s Law and bond enthalpies
- kinetics, including collision theory, reaction rates and catalysts
- equilibria and Le Chatelier’s principle
- redox reactions and transfer of electrons, hydrogen or oxygen
- analytical techniques, including mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, HPLC and X-ray crystallography
- properties of solutions, including concentrations, ionic strength, osmolarity, osmotic pressure and freezing points
- acids and bases and pH buffers.
You’ll learn through a combination of theoretical lectures, problem-solving tutorials and laboratory-based practicals.
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 for this Chemistry Foundation module through a combination of coursework (50%) and final exam (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 within the field of chemistry
- 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