Module title
Foundation Chemistry
Module code
INT0015
Academic year(s)
2015/6
Credits
20
Basic module details
Module staff
Julia De Ste Croix - Lecturer
Duration (weeks) - term 1
12
Duration (weeks) - term 2
Duration (weeks) - term 3
Number students taking module (anticipated)
30
Description - summary of the module content
Module description
This module provides a basic introduction to the chemical concepts required to underpin a first year of undergraduate study in
biochemical and medically related sciences. Topics covered are: atomic structure, molecular and intermolecular bonding,
redox, enthalpy, equilibrium, basic organic chemistry, instrumental methods of analysis and calculations based on chemical
equations. Practical laboratory work is an integral part of the course providing basic skills in practical technique, presenting and
analysing data and report writing.
Although recent study of Chemistry is desirable, students who have not studied the subject past GCSE equivalent are able to
progress with this course.
Module aims - intentions of the module
Module aims
1. To provide a foundation in chemical science which gives the underpinning knowledge needed to progress to the first year of
an undergraduate programme in a biochemical or medically related science.
2. To provide a practical based course that will enable full participate in laboratory work in the first year at undergraduate level.
Intended learning outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
1. Write balanced equations and use these in calculations associated with reacting amounts and percentage yields.
2. Understand the structure of the atom and how this relates to the bonding within and between molecules and to their basic
chemical reactivity.
3. Appreciate that molecules have definite shape, and how this dictates the types of reactions they undergo.
4. Define enthalpy and standard enthalpy changes. Construct enthalpy cycles and perform associated calculations
5. Understand the factors that affect the kinetics of a chemical reaction, write and use rate expressions. Determine order of
reaction from experimental data.
6. Understand the concept of dynamic equilibrium. Use Le Chateliers Principle to predict the effect of a constraint applied to an
equilibrium. Carry out calculations involving equilibrium constants and experimental data.
7. Apply concepts of equilibrium to acid-base systems, pH, choice of indicators and buffer action.
8. Classify organic compounds by functional group and the physical and chemical properties of some of the main functional
groups.
9. Appreciate the concepts behind major instrumental methods available in analysis and be able to interpret simple spectra and
chromatographic results.
10. Use mathematics confidently to solve calculations associated with the physical chemistry content of the module.
11. Follow written instructions in practical work, produce usable results, draw logical conclusions and appreciate the accuracy
and limitations of the methods used.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
12. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key aspects of basic chemistry at theoretical and experimental level.
13. Describe and begin to evaluate aspects of knowledge in the biochemical and chemical sciences with reference to data
sources outside of lectures.
14. With guidance, follow established methods in practical investigation within the chemical sciences developing a respect for
Health and Safety within a laboratory environment.
ILO: Personal and key skills
15. take responsibility for your own learning and work independently;
16. work cooperatively in groups;
17. communicate effectively in the written or spoken form
Syllabus plan
Syllabus plan
Formulae and equations – writing formulae and balanced equations, including ionic.
Chemical calculations based on reacting masses.
Atomic structure – energy levels, electron configurations, ionisation energies, isotopes.
Structure and Bonding – chemical bonds, molecular shape, macromolecules, intermolecular
bonding
Redox – definitions, oxidation numbers, redox equations.
Enthalpy – exothermic and endothermic reactions, bond energies, Hess’ Law, Born-Haber cycles
and associated calculations.
Kinetics – collision theory, Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, calculation of rates of reaction and
activation energy from experimental data.
Equilibrium – factors affecting an equilibrium, calculation of equilibrium constants from
experimental results.
Acid-base equilibrium – pH and buffer systems
Organic chemistry – classification of organic compounds, functional groups and their properties,
types of reaction mechanism.
Instrumental methods of analysis – mass spectroscopy, Infra-Red spectroscopy, Visible and UV
spectroscopy, Nuclear Magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Learning and teaching
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching
Activities
Guided independent study
Placement / study abroad
84
116
0
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
Category
Hours of study time
Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching
activities
60
Lectures (including solving tutorial
problems)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching
activities
24
Laboratory based activities supervised
by lecturer and laboratory assistant
116
Writing reports on laboratory sessions.
Preparation of course work presentation
and written assignment Preparation for
lectures. Tutorial problem solving.
Reading and research
Guided independent study
Assessment
Formative assessment
Form of assessment
Size of the assessment (eg
length / duration)
ILOs assessed
Feedback method
Laboratory practical activities
4 x 3 hours
1,10,11,12,13,14,16
Verbal feedback as class
review
multiple choice questions per
topic
varies with student
1-10,12,15
results posted on ELE
class exercises
varies with topic
1-10,12,16
verbal feedback in class time
1-10,12, 15
Written feedback on formal
submission and peer review
Summative assessment (% of credit)
Coursework
Written exams
Practical exams
15
70
15
Details of summative assessment
Form of assessment
% of credit
Size of the
assessment (eg
length / duration)
ILOs assessed
Feedback method
Laboratory reports
15
varies with student
1,10,11,12,13,14, 16
Written feedback on
formal submission
Coursework - exam
style structured
questions and essay
15
varies with student
1-10, 12,15
Written feedback on
formal submission
70
1 hour multiple choice
2 hour structured
questions with problem
solving
1-10,12,13,15,
Formal grade only.
Final exam
Re-assessment
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
Original form of assessment Form of re-assessment
ILOs re-assessed
Timescale for reassessment
Final exam (referral)
Exam
Usually taken in next exam
period
Final exam (referral)
Exam
Usually taken in next exam
period
Re-assessment notes
Referral will constitute a second formal examination – coursework will not be included in the re-assessment. All summative
coursework must be completed before entitlement to a referral. The grade for the referred exam, and therefore the module
grade, will be capped at 40%. Deferred exams will not be capped and will include summative coursework marks in the final
module grade.
Resources
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Ryan, L. (2000). Advanced Chemistry for You. Cheltenham: Nelson Thorne
Module has an active ELE page?
Yes
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=1919
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
Other details
Module ECTS
10
Module pre-requisites
Module co-requisites
NQF level (module)
3
Available as distance learning?
No
Origin date
September 2007
Last revision date
22/07/2015
Key words search
Chemistry; atom; molecule