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CM2010: ENERGETICS OF CHANGE IN CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES (2016-2017)

Last modified: 28 Jun 2018 10:27


Course Overview

This course covers key concepts in physical chemistry which underpin our understanding and ability to control chemical and biological processes. The principal points include thermodynamics (enthalpy, entropy and free energies), chemical kinetics (zero, 1st and 2nd order reactions, rate laws and half-lives and the relationship of rate laws to reaction mechanisms), and basic principles of electrochemistry (redox chemistry and the Nernst equation). A strong emphasis on calculations helps students get to grips with the course material and develops numeracy skills. Laboratory experiments support and complement the taught material.


Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 2
Term First Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Hai Deng

Qualification Prerequisites

None.

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • One of CM1020 Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1 (Passed) or CM1021 Chemistry for the Physical Sciences 1 (Passed) or Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering (Studied) or Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering (Studied)
  • One of CM1510 Chemistry 1b: Applications (Passed) or CM1511 Chemistry 1b: Applications (Passed) or CM1512 Chemistry for the Life Sciences 2 (Passed) or CM1513 Chemistry for the Physical Sciences 2 (Passed)
  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

  • CM2008 Energetics of Change in Chemical & Biological Systems (Studied)
  • CM2013 Energetics of Change in Chemical & Biological Systems (Distance) (Studied)

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course provides a grounding in basic physical chemistry. The principal points include:
  • Thermodynamic parameters: enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs energies.
  • Chemical kinetics: Zero, 1st and 2nd order reactions, partial and reaction orders and relationship of rate laws to mechanism.
  • Basic principles of electrochemistry including redox chemistry and Nernst equations.

  • Contact Teaching Time

    Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

    Teaching Breakdown

    More Information about Week Numbers


    Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

    Summative Assessments

    1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (60%), laboratory assessment (25%), continuous assessment (15%).
    Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (100%).

    Formative Assessment

    Formative assessment given during tutorial classes and laboratory classes.

    Feedback

    Marks for lab experiments and My Aberdeen assignments available as soon as possible after the assessments; feedback on wrong answers provided. Informal discussion with students in lab sessions.

    Course Learning Outcomes

    None.

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