Fundamentals of Chemistry for Biochemists 2 - CHE00032C
Module summary
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2025-26 |
Module aims
Together with the semester 1 module Foundation Chemistry for Biochemists I, this semester 2 module aims to provide the Biochemistry student with a firm foundation in chemistry. The emphasis in this course is on the principles of physical chemistry (kinetics) and inorganic chemistry (transition metals). Practical work in chemistry is introduced.
Module learning outcomes
Appreciation of basic chemical concepts in:
- transition metal chemistry including aspects of structure, bonding, spectroscopy and reactivity
- laws of kinetics with applications to atmospheric, environmental, chemical and biological systems including approaches to monitoring reaction rates and using integrated rate laws to process experimental data
Practical chemistry skills:
- Development of practical skills around safe handling of chemicals and glassware, using instrumentation, following simple procedures and maintaining a lab book
Module content
|
Transition Metals |
AKDK |
10 lectures + 1h tutorial |
|
The first transition series Sc to Cu. The origin of colour and magnetic properties in terms of the filling of d orbitals The role of transition metals on catalysis. |
||
|
Kinetics |
TJD |
10 lectures + 1h tutorial |
|
The methods of determining rates of reaction, effects of concentration and temperature on the rates of reaction. Application to the understanding of reaction mechanisms. |
||
|
Practical Chemistry |
JD |
Semester 2 lab sessions |
|
Students will undertake a number of lab sessions |
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 60 |
| Essay/coursework | 40 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 60 |
| Essay/coursework | 40 |
Module feedback
-
Tutorials/workshops: 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.
-
Practicals: feedback will be provided in the laboratory by GTA demonstrators and academic staff.
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Exams: 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
Burrows, Holman, Parsons, Pilling and Price: Chemistry3 (Oxford University Press)