PH0S43 - FOUNDATION CHEMISTRY 01 Jul 2017 - 31 Aug 2023 | Version 4

Associated Module Information

Module Code: PH0S43
Module Title: FOUNDATION CHEMISTRY
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Chemical and Environmental Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Chemical and Environmental Sciences
Module Leader: James Cruwys
Module Team: Christian Laycock, Angela Sims, Rehana Karim, Suzanna Kean, Mia Lambert, Hannah Minton, Elke Scheibler, Natasha Galea, Tracie McKinney
First Intended Intake: SEP 2015 Final Year of Intake: 2013
Date Closed: 30 Aug 2023
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 3
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100417 - chemistry
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 4
Valid From 01 Jul 2017
Valid To 31 Aug 2023

Module Aims

1. To introduce the student to the fundamental concepts of inorganic and organic chemistry.

2. To enable the student to use the symbolism and calculations involved in qualitative and quantitative descriptions of chemical reactions.

3. To enable students to understand basic functional group chemistry.

4. To provide an environment that encourages an inquiring, investigative approach.

Content Summary

1. Chemical Symbols, Formulae & Equations
? Classifying Matter: Elements and Compounds
? Symbols for the Elements
? Valencies for Common Atoms and Atom Groups
? Exploring Chemical Formulae
? Writing Chemical Equations


2. Introducing and Using the Mole
? Atomic Masses in Chemistry
? Introducing the Mole in Chemistry
? Molar Masses of Elements and Compounds
? The Mole Equation
? The Mole Equation for Solutions
? Titrations and Volumetric Analysis


3. Bonding and Intermolecular Forces
? Why Atoms Combine with One Another
? Writing and Using Lewis Structures
? Types of Bonding
? Ionic Bonding
? Covalent Bonding
? Electronegativity of Atoms
? Intermolecular Forces of Attraction


4. Organic Chemistry and Functional Groups
? What is Organic Chemistry?
? The Alkane Family
? An Introduction to Functional Groups
? The Alkene Family
? The Alcohol Family
? The Aldehyde Family
? The Ketone Family
? The Carboxylic Acid Family
? The Amine Family


5. The Periodic Table
? What is the Periodic Table?
? Group 1 Elements: The Alkali Metals
? Group 17 Elements: The Halogens
? Group 18 Elements: The Noble Gases
? The Transition Elements


6. Reduction and Oxidation Processes
? Definitions of Reduction and Oxidation Processes
? Oxidation Numbers
? Reduction and Oxidation in Chemical Reactions
? Standard Electrode Potentials
? Predicting the Feasibility of Reactions

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 24
Tutorial 12
Practical classes and workshops 10
Directed Study 56
Independent Study 96
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 2
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Carry out directed activities under close supervision during the laboratory sessions; experience working safely in a laboratory environment and show knowledge of laboratory procedures.
LO2 Use knowledge or understanding of foundation inorganic and organic chemistry to be able to write chemical equations and perform basic calculations involving moles and molar concentration. 
LO3 Employ, recall and demonstrate the key concepts involved in foundation inorganic and organic chemistry. 

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Practical Assessment (CW) Practical Coursework 1 Template-based reports reflecting the laboratory experiments conducted and results and calculations of the activity therein. Students are expected to spend 1hr for every 1hr spent in the lab. 80 N/A 35 No 40
Set Exercise - Not Time Constrained (CW) Classroom Test Not Time Constrained (CW) 1 Two in-class tests administered at key points of the year within formally timetabled sessions 0 N/A 65 Yes 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3
Practical Coursework 1
Classroom Test Not Time Constrained (CW) 1

Reading List

Rob Lewis and Wynne Evans, ' Chemistry'- 4th Edition, Palgrave Foundation Series, 2011.