| CODE | CHE0305 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Introduction to Chemistry | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 00 - Mod Pre-Tert, Foundation, Proficiency & DegreePlus | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 4 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Chemistry | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | 1. Atoms, molecules and ions The sub-atomic particles (protons, neutrons, electrons) Atomic number and mass number Isotopes, relative atomic mass Electrons in shells and sub-shells, electronic configuration 2. Bonding Covalent, dative covalent and ionic bonding Valency Elements and compounds Empirical and molecular formulae Relative molecular mass The mole 3. Representing chemical reactions Writing chemical equations State symbols Balancing equations Ionic equations Exothermic and endothermic reactions 4. States of matter Solids, liquids and gases Polar and non-polar molecules Inter-molecular bonds: hydrogen bonding, permanent dipole-permanent dipole attractions, Van der Waals forces Physical and chemical changes Solubility 5. Reversible reactions Dynamic equilibrium, the equilibrium constant Ionization of water, KW Strong and weak electrolytes Le Chatelier's principle 6. Redox reactions Definitions Oxidation and reduction half reactions Oxidising and reducing agents Oxidation numbers 7. Acids and bases Definitions pH 8. Rates of reaction The energy profile of a reaction, activation energy The factors that affect rates of reaction Catalysts Rate laws 9. The Periodic Table Groups and periods The s, p, d and f blocks Trends across periods and down a group: metallic/non-metallic character, electronegativity, etc. Periodicity in physical and chemical properties Anomalies presented by the period 2 elements Study-Unit Aims: The aim of this study-unit is to present the fundamentals of chemistry to students of areas where chemistry may have an indirect importance. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Define the fundamental properties of matter. - Classify matter, compounds, and chemical reactions. - Determine the basic nuclear and electronic structure of atoms. - Identify trends in chemical and physical properties of the elements using the Periodic Table. - Describe the bonding in and the shape of simple molecules. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to apply basic knowledge in diverse branches of chemistry including inorganic and physical to address chemical problems related to their area of study. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Ramsden, E. N., A Level Chemistry, Nelson Thornes, 2000. Hill, G. C. and Holman, J. S., Chemistry in Context, Nelson Thornes, 2000. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Tutorial | ||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Noel Aquilina |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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