FP1S84 - Chemical Concepts 01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: FP1S84
Module Title: Chemical Concepts
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Biological and Forensic Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Biological Science
Module Leader: Ryszard Babecki, Suzanna Kean
Module Team: Alexandra Maneta
First Intended Intake: SEP 2022 Final Year of Intake: 2027
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100417 - chemistry
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Jul 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

  1. To provide students with an understanding of the fundamental concepts in physical and inorganic chemistry, providing the basis for further study of analytical methods, problem-solving, critical thinking and observational skills.
  2. To enable students to use and compare selected classical analytical and instrumental techniques and to understand their chemical basis.

In engaging with the module, students will fully achieve the following level-appropriate Behaviour Domains of the USW Graduate Attributes:

Communication: Behaviour 1, 2

Innovation and Enterprise: Behaviour 1, 2

Digital Literacy: Behaviour 1, 2

Commercial Awareness: Behaviour 1, 2, 3

The Capabilities associated with these behaviours are found in the Graduate Attributes table at the end of the descriptor.

Content Summary

Physical chemistry

Aspects of the physical principles and laws governing reactions and processes:

Concentrations and dilutions; equilibrium constants, homogenous and heterogenous equilibria; pH and acid/base dissociation.

Kinetics, rates of reactions, orders of reaction, rate equations.

Thermodynamics, types of enthalpy change; changes in entropy and Gibb’s Free Energy.

Inorganic chemistry

Factors influencing the reactivity and physical properties of inorganic compounds:

Atomic models and structure; wave-particle duality of matter; orbital types and properties; molecular bonding types and properties, molecular shapes, hybridisation and VSEPR.

Transition metals, ions and complexes; ligands, symmetry, oxidation states; colour, geometry, magnetism.

Practical work

Laboratory work provides an analytical and investigative theme at a fundamental level and provides training in a variety of laboratory procedures:

Determination of acid content of vinegar and assessment of acid strength

Comparison of classical (volumetric) and instrumental (spectrophotometric) techniques for

determination of permanganate

Gravimetric analysis of nickel in a compound

Investigation of characteristic reactions of selected inorganic ions and identification of an unknown substance

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 19
Practical classes and workshops 29
Independent Study 70
Directed Study 82
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 To understand the relevant principles, laws and concepts of physical and inorganic chemistry and apply them to solving theoretical and laboratory-based problems.
LO2 To develop laboratory skills and to understand the significance and usefulness of the procedures involved.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Written Work 2 Assessment to be completed in a specified timescale testing knowledge and application 0 N/A 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Written Work 1 Laboratory-based exercises requiring submission of material for assessment testing application and evaluation skills 0 N/A 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Practical Written Work 2
Practical Written Work 1

Reading List

J. Burrows,? A. Holman, G. Parsons, G. Price, Chemistry, 4th Ed. Oxford University Press, 2021

P. Atkins, J. de Paula, Elements of Physical Chemistry, 7th Ed. Oxford University Press, 2016

M. Weller, T. Overton, J. Rourke, F. Armstrong,??? Inorganic Chemistry, 7th Ed. Oxford University Press, 2018.

R. Lewis, W. Evans,? Chemistry? (Macmillan Foundations Series)? 5th Ed, 2018