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• Undergraduate study:
• Courses
• Order a prospectus
• How to apply
• Information for applicants
• Why choose Kingston University
• Disability and mental health support
• Accommodation
• Undergraduate fees
• Fees, funding and payments
• Access, participation and inclusion

Foundation Chemistry

• Module code: CH4005
• Year: 2018/9
• Level: 4
• Credits: 30
• Pre-requisites: None
• Co-requisites: None

Summary

This is a core module for Pharmaceutical Science degree courses. The module revises some content taught at A-Level before expanding on this content to give foundation knowledge of the core chemistry concepts required for progress within the field of pharmaceutical science.

Aims

• To refresh previous knowledge of atomic and molecular structure within various bonding models.
• To introduce the nomenclature and chemistry of organic functional groups, and the principles of functional group interconversions and synthesis.
• To introduce the laws of kinetics and thermodynamics and apply them to simple chemical and pharmaceutical systems.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

• Determine the nuclear and electronic structure of atoms and use this knowledge to predict the properties of the elements. Predict the bonding and structure of simple organic and inorganic molecules.
• Name mono- and multi-functional organic molecules, and distinguish and identify stereoisomers using cis/trans, E/Z and R/S notation.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the reactions and associated mechanisms of alkenes, alkynes, benzene and alkyl halides. Describe synthetic routes towards, and typical reactions of alcohols, amines, ethers, epoxides, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, acid chlorides, anhydrides, esters and amides
• Perform simple synthesis experiments in a safe manner. These include refluxing, liquid/liquid separations, recrystalising and melting point determination; Write a structured scientific practical report.
• Explain the significance and perform calculations using the laws of thermodynamics, and correctly use the term entropy and enthalpy.
• Evaluate and explain the kinetics and rate constant for an unknown reaction, classifying it as zero, first, second or 'other' order; Perform Born-Haber cycle calculation on simple chemical examples; Identify heat and work terms and apply them to simple first-law calculations.

Curriculum content

• The structure of the atom in terms of protons, neutrons and electrons - quantum numbers and rules; Bohr's model
• Definitions of orbitals, pictorial representation of "s" and "p" orbitals, the hybrid orbitals of carbon and their role in the formation of single, double and triple bonds
• Electronic configurations for multi electron atoms - Pauli, Hund and aufbau principle; ionic and covalent bonding
• Lewis representations of molecules and how to construct them
• Valence shell electron pair repulsion theory
• Hydrogen bonding and van der Waal's interactions.
• Nomenclature in organic chemistry
• Organic stereochemistry involving both geometric (E/Z, Cis/trans, Cycloalkanes) and optical isomers; chiral molecules and their importance
• The chemistry of unsaturated hydrocarbons - alkenes, alkynes and electrophilic addition; benzene - structure, bonding, aromaticity and electrophilic substitution
• Alkyl halides - nucleophilic substitution (both Sn1 & Sn2), elimination (both E1 & E2) and Grignard reagents
• Energetics: enthalpy and Hess's law
• Thermodynamics: enthalpy of reactions, thermochemistry, thermodynamics, entropy, direction of change, spontaneous reactions, Gibbs free energy and equilibrium.
• Reaction mechanisms; introduction to alcohols; synthesis of alcohols. Elimination and substitution reactions of alcohols; oxidation of alcohols. Formation and reactions of ethers and epoxides.
• Introduction to carbonyl compounds; Synthesis of aldehydes and ketones; Nucleophilic addition reactions of aldehydes and ketones; Reactions with ammonia and its derivatives; Redox reactions of aldehydes.
• Introduction to amines; synthesis of amines. Basicity of amines; chemical reactions of amines.
• Introduction to carboxylic acids; Synthesis of carboxylic acids; Strength of carboxylic acids; Chemical reactions of carboxylic acids.
• Conversion of carboxylic acids to acyl derivatives; introduction to acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, esters and amides.
• Interconversion of acyl derivatives; structural degradation of polypeptides.

Teaching and learning strategy

Two concurrent series of lectures (23 each) will be used to deliver the core material.  These will be supported by workshops.  The workshops will supplement and illustrate the current lecture material in addition to providing the students with an opportunity to clarify any aspects of the topics being taught. The workshops will also be used to develop the students' skills in solving relevant numerical problems and tackling exam style problems. The workshops will also provide opportunities for student to get feedback from staff on their progress. The practical sessions will provide guidance and experience of following written experimental procedures and help students consolidate their practical skills.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Assessment strategy

Practical performance and reporting skills will be partially assessed by evaluation of the quality of samples and data obtained using short report forms.  In addition the students will write two full laboratory reports; the first one will only be formatively assessed so that students get relevant feedback on their report writing to act as feed forward for their summatively assessed full laboratory report.  Further formative assessment in the form of peer marked interactive workshops, on-line MCQ tests and the use of open-learning resources will be employed to allow students to gauge their comprehension of the material and the level of their skills development, and engage in academic feedback. These will provide the students with regular feedback during the year. The assignment will be designed to prepare students for exam-type questions. The 3-hour exam will require students to do four long answer questions and 20 multiple choice questions.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Elements of Assessment

Achieving a pass

It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

Chemistry3: Burrows, Holman, Parsons, Pilling and Price, 2nd edition, Oxford, 2013.

Bibliography recommended reading

Inorganic Chemistry: Atkins, Overton, Rourke, Weller and Armstrong, 5^th edition, Oxford, 2010.

Chemistry: C. E. Housecroft & E. C. Constable, 4^th edition, Prentice Hall, 2010.