Form 20
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
Module Title
Principles of Chemistry
School
Engineering and Physical Sciences
Module
Co-ordinator
Dr J.H. Cameron
SCQF
Level
7
Module
Code
1. Pre-requisites
SQA Higher Chemistry, minimum grade C, or the equivalent
2. Linked Modules
(specify if synoptic)
3. Excluded Modules
Chemical Reactivity (synoptic)
4. Replacement Module
Code:
6. Degrees for which this
is a core module
7. Aims
Date Of Replacement:
All Chemistry degrees
5.
B17CA
Availability as an
Elective
Semester
Yes

1
On or OffCampus
Credits
On
15
No
The module aims to :
 provide an introduction to the fundamental concepts of atomic theory
 introduce the basic concepts of chemical bonding theory and the structure of molecules
 describe elementary ideas of stoichiometry in chemical reactions
 provide an introduction to basic organic chemistry
 introduce the molecular structures of simple organic compounds
 describe a variety of organic compounds containing different functional groups
 give a broad overview of the kinds of structure, stoichiometry and reactivity of compounds of Main Group elements
8. Syllabus







Atomic Structure – Electromagnetic radiation ; quantization of energy ; the photon ; atomic line spectra ; the hydrogen atom ; wave properties of the electron ; wave
mechanical view of the atom ; quantum numbers and atomic orbitals ; orbital shapes.
Electron Configurations and Periodicity – electron spin ; Pauli exclusion principle ; orbital energies and electron assignments ; electron configurations ; atomic
properties and periodic trends ; atomic size ; ionization energy ; electron affinity.
Basic Concepts of Chemical Bonding – chemical formulae ; ionic bonding ; covalent bonding – octet rule, valency, bond polarity, Lewis structures, resonance,
hypervalency, bond order, length and dissociation energy ; molecular geometry – VSEPR Theory ; dipole moments ; valence bond theory – hybrid orbitals ;
molecular orbital theory.
Stoichiometry – balancing chemical equations ; chemical reactions - in aqueous solution, acid base reactions, redox reactions and oxidation numbers, balancing
redox equations using half reactions in acidic and basic solutions ; the mole and determination of molecular formula
Main group chemistry – Elemental abundance and physical form ; definition of main group elements ; valence orbital availability ; properties of main group
compounds.
Descriptive chemistry of hydrogen, the halogens, oxygen and sulfur.
Organic Chemistry - structure and bonding of simple organic compounds and an introduction to the common functional groups found in organic chemistry including
alkyl halides, alkanols and alkenes
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Form 20
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
Module Title
Principles of Chemistry
School
Engineering and Physical Sciences
Module
Co-ordinator
Dr J.H. Cameron
SCQF
Level
7
Module
Code
B17CA
Semester
1
On or OffCampus
Credits
On
15
9. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness)
Subject Mastery
Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive Skills
Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research-Informed Learning)
On completion of this module, the learner will be able to:
 Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the basic principles of atomic theory
 Analyse, evaluate and interpret experimental evidence relating to atomic structure
 Use fundamental principles to solve both qualitative and numerical problems
 Describe the main types of chemical bonding as they relate to the structure of matter
 Predict the structure and geometry of covalent compounds
 Balance chemical equations by applying the basic rules of reaction stoichiometry
 Discuss the range of compounds formed by the Main Group elements in the Periodic Table
 Describe the bonding of simple organic compounds and discuss the nature of the common functional groups in organic chemistry
 Appreciate the evolving nature of knowledge and understanding, informed by research work, in a chemical context
Personal Abilities Industrial, Commercial & Professional Practice
Autonomy, Accountability & Working with Others Communication, Numeracy & ICT
Personal abilities are embedded in the module. The module provides the opportunity to :
 Demonstrate numerical, graphical and problem-solving skills in a range of areas
 Manage time effectively, work to deadlines and prioritise workloads
 Communicate complex ideas and information effectively to a group of peers
 Use ICT skills with on-line materials, assessments (formative and summative) and web links to support the learning process
 Apply strategies for appropriate selection of relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge
 Practise the use of standard methods in the solution of routine chemical problems within familiar contexts
 Exercise some initiative and independence in carrying out defined activities at a professional level
 Work with groups of peers to discuss chemical problems and identify solutions
10. Assessment Methods
11. Re-assessment Methods
Method
Duration of Exam
Weighting (%)
Synoptic modules?
Method
Duration of Exam
(if applicable)
Synoptic Examination
Class test
Continuous Assessment
3h
2h
(if applicable)
50%
20%
30%
B17CB
Synoptic Examination (100%)
3h
12. Date and Version
Date of Proposal
24 August, 2007
Date of Approval by
School Committee
Date of
Implementation
15 September, 2008
Version
Number
1.0
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