This is a core module for Chemistry degree courses. It introduces the structure and isomerism observed in organic molecules, then describes the preparation and chemical reactions (including the mechanisms involved) of the hydrocarbons and monofunctional organic molecules. The main principles of molecular systems, chemical reactivity and kinetics, including those of gas-phase reactions, are described before presenting the essential principles of chemical thermodynamics and molecular quantum mechanics.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Two concurrent series of lectures (24 each, focusing respectively on aspects of organic chemistry and aspects of physical chemistry) will be used to deliver the core material and to guide students in further study. 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 complement the material presented in lectures (and developed in workshops). It will provide guidance and experience of following written experimental procedures and help students to consolidate their practical skills and the subsequent reporting and analysis of practical results.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 48 one-hour lectures 24 one-hour workshops 16 two-hour of practical sessions | 104 |
| Guided independent study | Recommended reading Formative assessment Summative assessment tasks Exam revision | 196 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Practical performance and reporting skills will be partially assessed by evaluation of the quality of samples and data obtained in the laboratory using short report forms completed in the laboratory (both formative and a portfolio of four summative assessments). In addition, students will write a full laboratory report which will be summatively assessed. Further formative assessment in the form of workshop problems and MCQ tests will be used to allow students to gauge their comprehension of the taught material and the level of their skills development. These will provide the students with regular feedback during the year. The summatively assessed assignments (one in each Teaching Block) will be designed to prepare students for exam-type questions. These and the long practical report will make up the portfolio of assignments. The 3-hour, end-of-module exam will require students to answer a mixture of both MCQ and longer questions with written answers.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Describe the structures and shapes of simple organic molecules, explaining the origins and effects of the different kinds of isomerism that can arise within them. | Formative assessment opportunities will be provided via problems set in workshops and MCQ tests. Summative assessment will be by a section of the examination paper and part of an assignment in Teaching Block 1. |
| 2) Describe the preparation and properties of hydrocarbons and monofunctional organic molecules, including the mechanisms involved in their reactions. | Formative assessment opportunities will be provided via problems set in workshops and MCQ tests. Summative assessment will be by a section of the examination paper and part of an assignment in Teaching Block 2. |
| 3) Explain the behaviour of gases and the kinetics of gas-phase reactions in molecular terms. | Formative assessment opportunities will be provided via problems set in workshops. Summative assessment will be by a section of the examination paper and part of an assignment in Teaching Block 2. |
| 4) Apply thermodynamic and quantum mechanical principles to aspects of the energetics and structures of molecules, and to chemical reactions. | Formative assessment opportunities will be provided via problems set in workshops and MCQ tests. Summative assessment will be by a section of the examination paper and part of an assignment in Teaching Block 1. |
| 1) Carry out and report laboratory procedures according to given protocols. | Practical work will be assessed using short laboratory forms and by the quality of data and samples produced. Two practical classes in each Teaching Block will be summatively assessed in this way (others will be formatively assessed). Students will also be asked to write a full laboratory report in Teaching Block 2 which will be summatively assessed. |
| 6) Demonstrate appropriate level 4 key skills in written communication, numeracy, data collection and analysis, including graphical analysis. | Formative assessment opportunities will be provided via problems set in workshops, MCQ tests and practical reports. Summative assessment will be by a section of an assignment and the second of the practical reports. |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Written exam | Written exam | 60% |
| Portfolio of short laboratory sheets | Coursework | 10% |
| Portfolio of assignments 3 x 10% | Coursework | 30% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Chemistry: C. E. Housecroft & E. C. Constable, 4th edition, Prentice Hall, 2010.
Elements of Physical Chemistry, 5th edition, P Atkins and J de Paula, Freeman / OUP, (2009)
Quantum Mechanics for Chemists, D. Hayward, Wiley/RSC (2002)
Organic Chemistry, 6th edition, R Fessenden & J Fessenden, Brooks Cole, (1997)
Chemistry3: Introducing Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry, 1st edition, J Holman, A Burrows, G Price & G M Pilling, OUP, (2009)