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CM1021: CHEMISTRY FOR THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES 1 (2018-2019)

Last modified: 22 May 2019 17:07


Course Overview

The fundamentals of chemistry are important across the physical sciences and engineering. Starting with atomic structure and the Periodic Table, this course moves on to chemical bonding theory, building to the structure of organic molecules. Moving from the molecular level, acid-base theories, phase equilibria and solution chemistry are covered. The properties of ideal and non-ideal gases are then discussed. The energetics of chemical processes completes the course.

Teaching includes lectures and class workshops that put chemical concepts into a real-world context. Laboratory classes introduce important practical techniques, with experiments that support and complement the taught material.


Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 1
Term First Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Mark Law

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

  • Either Programme Level 1 or Programme Level 2
  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course covers the foundations of chemistry in the physical sciences and engineering. Topics covered:

  • Atomic structure and its description by quantum mechanics. Basic principles of chemical bonding.
  • Introduction to organic chemistry: nomenclature, functional groups and stereochemistry.
  • Acids and bases, solutions and phase equilibria.
  • The Gas Laws (ideal and non-ideal gases) and thermochemistry

Further Information & Notes

Students who intend to continue with Chemistry beyond level 1 and who do not have a mathematics pass at Higher or A-level may like to considering taking MA1515 Mathematics for Sciences.


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 (50%), continuous assessment (30%) and lab work (20%).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (100%).

Formative Assessment

Regular workshops and questions in lectures allow students to monitor their learning. Multiple choice tests from the course textbook publisher are available online for each chapter.

Feedback

Marks for lab experiment follow-up tests and continuous assessments are available online as soon as the assessment is submitted. Full feedback, including grade, correct answers and reference to course textbook (where available) are available after the assessment deadline. Students can also see the assessment class average mark, to compare their performance with the class as a whole. Informal discussion with students in lab sessions.  All of the course team have "open door" policies for meeting students.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.

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