PH0S049 - Foundations in Physical Chemistry 01 Aug 2023 - 31 Aug 2029 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: PH0S049
Module Title: Foundations in Physical Chemistry
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Applied Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science
Module Leader: James Cruwys
Module Team: Rhian Newman, Hannah Seale, Anthony Caravaggi, Peter Miedziak
First Intended Intake: SEP 2028 Final Year of Intake: 2028
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 3
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100417 - chemistry 100424 - physical sciences 101050 - physical chemistry
HECOS Code Weighting: 20 20 60

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Aug 2023
Valid To 31 Aug 2029

Module Aims

  1. To provide an introduction to the factors that influence the structure, reactions and physical properties of the states of matter.
  2. To investigate and apply the aspects of chemistry and physics that provide a further understanding of phenomena and processes such as solubility, diffusion, the interaction of light with matter and radioactivity.
  3. To introduce students to a range of laboratory techniques and procedures, including solubility measurement, spectrophotometry, thermochemistry and kinetics.

Content Summary

Introduction to units and conversions; scientific and standard notation; significant figures.

Atomic models and atomic structure; atomic number and mass, atomic mass scale; electronic configurations; wave-particle duality of the electron; orbitals

Radioactivity, radioactive decay, half-life, radioisotopic dating; E=mc2 ; nuclear energy.

Light and spectroscopy; the electromagnetic spectrum; frequency, wavelength and energy; absorbance, colour and spectrophotometry.

States of matter-gases, liquids, solids; the gas laws, kinetic theory; partial pressures; ideal gases; vapour pressure, distillation.

Thermodynamics; exothermic/endothermic reactions; enthalpy changes, Hess’s Law.

Kinetics; rates of reaction; reaction orders; experimental methods.

Equilibria; equilibrium constants; reversible reactions

Acids and bases, hydrogen ion concentration, pH scale

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 26
Tutorial 10
Practical classes and workshops 10
Independent Study 100
Directed Study 54
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 To comprehend the use of units and conversions and demonstrate the appropriate use of significant figures, decimal places and scientific and standard mathematical notation. To understand the principles and laws of physical science and their component causes and to apply these to evaluation and understanding of physical properties and reactions; to be aware of the influence of these in a global or cosmological context.
LO2 To work safely in a laboratory environment, enhancing theoretical knowledge and be able to critically evaluate experimental results.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Assessment Time-constrained assessment (Onsite) 1 Class Test 60 N/A 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch) Single guided written assessment demonstrating the application of practical skills, taught knowledge and problem solving. 0 2000 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Time-constrained assessment (Onsite) 1
Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch)

Reading List

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