Unit name | Introductory Chemistry |
---|---|
Unit code | CHEM10003 |
Credit points | 40 |
Level of study | C/4 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
Unit director | Dr. Chris Russell |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
A-Level Chemistry or its equivalent; A-Level Mathematics or its equivalent |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Chemistry |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This unit introduces and explores key fundamental themes used throughout chemistry. It aims to do so in a qualitative way to focus on the broad ideas and implications. Key ideas include orbitals, energy, quantisation and bonding, why reactions happen, shapes of molecules, mechanisms, rates of reaction and measurements. It then develops in the area of synthesis and reactivity - key themes include reactions and synthesis using carbonyl compounds, the chemistry of carbon-carbon double bonds, basic reactions and functional groups, reactivity in transition metal chemistry and stereochemistry. It will also develop themes in the areas of main group chemistry, spectroscopy and thermodynamics where key topics include periodicity, solid-state chemistry, quantum mechanics, vibrational and rotational spectroscopy, forces and supramolecular interactions.
This unit aims to introduce students to fundamental ideas in chemistry which will be developed throughout their studies. The implications of these fundamental ideas are illustrated with real world examples to set them in context and highlight their relevance in the modern scientific world. The content provides a foundation for students going on to take chemistry in the second year.
Units aims:
To provide students with a broad and balanced appreciation of key chemical concepts
To provide students with an appreciation of key reactions and key concepts in physical, organic and inorganic chemistry
Lectures, small group tutorials, workshops and independent study. A small amount of pre-tutorial online material will be provided to assist students with tutorial work. Self test multiple choice questions.
1-hour test (Multiple choice questions, computer based, 100% formative delivered in TB1) and Two 2-hour written exams in TB2 (100% summative).
Essential reading will be from the following books:
Atkins’ Physical Chemistry, 10th Edition, P W Atkins and J de Paula, Oxford University Press 2014.
Organic Chemistry, 2nd Edition, J Clayden, N Greeves, S Warren, Oxford University Press, 2012.
Inorganic Chemistry 6th Edition, M Weller, T Overton, J Rourke and F Armstrong, Oxford University Press 2014.
Further reading from Periodicity in the s- and p-block Elements, N C Norman, Oxford Primer, 1997.