CH0CHE-Chemistry

Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:F
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: A strong pass in GCSE Chemistry or equivalent
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Silvia Baldanza
Email: s.baldanza@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Study the chemical principles that provide the foundations for many scientific disciplines. Learn how to predict the properties of molecules from their structures and gain an understanding of how and why reactions happen. After studying material in lectures, you will apply your knowledge in the laboratory, developing practical skills in the process.

Aims:

The module aims to provide the students with an understanding of the basic principles of general chemistry to allow them to proceed to undergraduate studies in related subjects.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students should be able to:

• Describe the fundamentals of chemical bonding, properties and reactions and apply this knowledge to explain unfamiliar scenarios.


• Draw conclusions from experimental results and critically evaluate errors in experimental work.


• Work safely and effectively in the laboratory.

Additional outcomes:

Students will show an improvement in communication skills through small-group work.

Students will gain competence in the manipulation and interpretation of numerical data. They will be able to record results accurately and draw logical conclusions from them.

Outline content:

Topics include: chemical calculations; organic molecules; atomic structure; bonding and intermolecular forces; the periodic table and its elements; redox reactions; organic mechanisms; thermodynamics; equilibria; kinetics; biological chemistry; chemical analysis and spectroscopy.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Theory classes involve teaching, class discussion and in-class exercises. Students will also complete practical experiments in the laboratory. Support sessions are available throughout the year.