FP1S38 - Physical and Inorganic Chemistry 01 Aug 2016 - 31 Aug 2021 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: FP1S38
Module Title: Physical and Inorganic Chemistry
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Applied Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Analytical and Forensic Science
Module Leader: Ewen McLaughlin, James Nutt
Module Team: Paul Jones, Samantha O'Connell
First Intended Intake: MAR 2016 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed: 15 Oct 2019
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100388 - forensic science
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Aug 2016
Valid To 31 Aug 2021

Module Aims

1. To allow the student to develop an understanding of basic branches of physical and inorganic chemistry, including chemical and molecular structure, the properties of selected atoms, ions and molecules, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibria, pH and catalysis.

Content Summary

1. Fundamental Inorganic Chemistry:  The spectrum of atomic hydrogen: the Bohr model, spectral series (Lyman, Balmer etc), quantum numbers, atomic orbitals, shapes and orientation of s and p orbitals electronic configurations of elements with atomic number 1 to 36, explanation for trends observed in first ionisation energies.


2. Quantization of Energy: absorption and emission spectra of elements, applications, measurements of wavelengths and energies, explanation in terms of energy levels in atoms , use of the diffraction grating equation for emission spectra.
Properties of atoms and ions: atomic and ionic radii, Van der Waals, covalent and metallic radii, ionisation energies, electron affinities, electronegativities and their measurement.

 

3. Thermodynamics and feasibility of a reaction: enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs energy. Enthalpy changes (may include) enthalpy of combustion, enthalpy of formation, enthalpy of dissociation, mean bond enthalpy, ionisation enthalpy, electron affinity, enthalpy of fusion, enthalpy of vaporisation, enthalpy of sublimation. Calculations of Changes in the Enthalpy and Gibbs free energy of reaction (at standard conditions), and the significance of these quantities.


4. Kinetics and Catalysis: Rate of reactions, various methods for finding reaction order: for example, plotting graphs of functions of concentration versus time in accordance with the integrated rate expressions. Effect of temperature on reaction rate: Arrhenius equation.  Catalysis: effects of catalysis on activation energy and energy profile diagrams.


5. pH and equilibrium: Equilibrium including acid dissociation and the concept of pH. Acid/base titrations and indicators.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 24
Tutorial 4
Practical classes and workshops 20
Independent Study 104
Directed Study 48
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate an understanding of the processes which govern chemical reactions, and the chemical properties of atoms, ions and molecules. 
LO2 Demonstrate an ability to undertake practical work and interpret results and observations in the fields of physical and inorganic chemistry at a fundamental level.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Written Examination Written Examination - Closed Book (Unseen) 1 Formal Examination 120 N/A 50 No 40
Practical _Lab Practical 1 Practical Work 720 2000 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Written Examination - Closed Book (Unseen) 1
_Lab Practical 1

Reading List

Monk and Monro, Maths for Chemistry.

Suzanne Bell, Forensic Chemistry

R. Mortimer, Physical chemistry

R. Lewis and W. Evans, Chemistry