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Foundations of Chemistry for Natural Sciences 1 - CHE00029C

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  • Department: Chemistry
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Seishi Shimizu
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24

Module aims

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to key concepts of chemical structure, reactivity and mechanism through a blend of lectures, tutorials and workshops. In particular, the module will help students make the transition from their pre-university studies to university-level study, and will ensure that they have a firm foundation in these fundamental topics, which will underpin much of the future Chemistry modules.

Module learning outcomes

Students will develop knowledge and understanding of

  • the different definitions and behaviour of acids and bases, including an ability to rationalise and predict the behaviour of new compounds. Students should also be able to carry out calculations of acidity/basicity.
  • bonding developing A-level by considering key concepts of structure/bonding of relevance to molecular compounds. In particular, they will use electronic structure and concepts such as resonance to predict the shapes and stabilities of different molecules.
  • introductory-level understanding of quantum theory in chemistry and its impacts on atomic and molecular structure. They will use this theory to gain an understanding of the behaviour of the elements.
  • organic functional groups and apply principles of organic reactivity and mechanism, and use simple curly arrow mechanisms in order to predict and rationalise how simple organic compounds react with one another.
  • the specific structure and reactivity of aromatic and carbonyl molecules.
  • the 3D structures of organic molecules and typical reaction pathways and mechanism types.

Module content

Organic Structures and Mechanisms

GAH/DKS

10 lectures

1 Tutorial

+ 1x 2h Central Workshop

Atomic & Molecular Orbitals

CED

8 lectures + 2h Central W

1 Tutorial

Structure, Bonding & Equilibria

JML

10 lectures

1x 2h Central Workshop

Aromatic Chemistry & Organic Carbonyls

AFP

 8 lectures 1 Tutorial

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Closed exam : FCNS1 exam		 2 hours 100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Closed examination where all questions must be answered covering all four lecture courses.

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Closed exam : FCNS1 exam		 2 hours 100

Module feedback

Written feedback will be given for tutorial work within a week. Written and/or oral feedback for workshops will be given either during the sessions or within a week. Closed exam results with per-question breakdown are returned to the students via supervisors within 5 weeks. Outline answers are made available via the Chemistry web pages when the students receive their marks, so that they can assess their own detailed progress/achievement. The examiners’ reports for each question are made available to the students via the Chemistry web pages.

Indicative reading

"Chemistry3: Introducing Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry, 2nd edition" by Burrows, Parsons, Price, Holman and Pilling (published by Oxford University Press, 978-0-19-969185-2)


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.