CHE-10063 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2022/23

This module introduces the key chemical principles, models and vocabulary that underpin our understanding of atomic and molecular properties, structure, chemical bonding and reactions and develops the key chemical principles, models and vocabulary that underpin our understanding of chemical reactions and compounds. The range of learning activities is designed to initiate progress towards the development of Keele's Graduate Attributes with an emphasis on development of information literacy and independent study skills.

This module aims to introduce students to the key fundamental principles of analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, and to build understanding and insight into the structure, reactivity and physicochemical properties of molecules. It does so by building upon the fundamental principles and vocabulary used to describe and rationalise atomic and molecular structure and bonding, and the analytical tools used to identify and characterise chemical compounds and processes. These fundamental principles are applied: to explain trends in chemical reactivity; to rationalise chemical reactions based on mechanism and molecular structure; and to explore the rates, energetics and feasibilities of chemical processes. A key element of the module is the embedding and teaching of mathematical skills through their application to chemical processes and the development of communication skills through chemical literacy.

Intended Learning Outcomes

describe, illustrate, name, analyse and interpret representations of molecular species using common conventions in chemistry: 1,2,3
explain and employ standard chemical terminology, symbols and concepts accurately and precisely: 1,2,3
describe and explain the principal features of the chemistry of the first row transition metals, and their complexes: 2,3
apply basic principles of chemical spectroscopy to solve standard problems in atomic, infrared, 1H/13C-NMR and UV-VIS spectroscopy: 2,3
identify, draw and explain in detail the principal features of fundamental organic addition, substitution and elimination reactions, the functional groups involved, the factors that influence their rates and mechanisms, and to apply these concepts to unseen examples: 2,3
use the periodic table, in combination with quantitative information, to rationalise changes in the chemical and physical properties of s-block, p-block and first row d-block elements and their compounds and complexes: 2,3
apply principles of chemical thermodynamics and reaction kinetics to analyse and interpret data, solve standard problems and make predictions concerning the behaviour of selected chemical systems: 1,2,3
retrieve and evaluate selected chemical information from a variety of sources and communicate it via digital formats using chemical structure drawing software, spreadsheet and word-processing packages: 1
apply scientific numeracy and mathematical skills to rearrange, combine and develop equations, perform calculations with systematic attention to units and manipulate, interpret and analyse graphical and tabulated data: 1,2,3

Study hours

Scheduled teaching hours: 140 hrs
Independent study: (including preparation for and completion of coursework and portfolio assessments and some asynchronous content): 160 hrs

School Rules

A-level chemistry or equivalent is required for Natural Sciences students.

Description of Module Assessment