CHE-10063 - Chemical Structure and Reactivity
Coordinator: David Mcgarvey Room: LJ1.05 Tel: +44 1782 7 34142
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module introduces the key chemical principles, models and vocabulary that underpin our understanding of atomic and molecular properties, structure, chemical bonding and reactions and develops the key chemical principles, models and vocabulary that underpin our understanding of chemical reactions and compounds. The range of learning activities is designed to initiate progress towards the development of Keele's Graduate Attributes with an emphasis on development of information literacy and independent study skills.

Aims
This module aims to introduce students to the fundamental principles of analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, and to build understanding and insight into the structure, reactivity and physicochemical properties of molecular species. It does so by building upon the fundamental principles and vocabulary used to describe and rationalise atomic and molecular structure and bonding, and the analytical tools used to identify and characterise chemical compounds and processes. These fundamental principles are applied: to explain trends in chemical reactivity; to rationalise chemical reactions based on mechanism and molecular structure; and to explore the rates, energetics and feasibilities of chemical processes. The module emphasises the development of students' information and communication skills as well as mathematical skills. A feature of the module is its focus on students' reflection on their work and acting on feedback to enhance the quality of their work.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/che-10063/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

Describe, illustrate, analyse and interpret representations of molecular species using common conventions in chemistry: 2
Explain and employ standard chemical terminology, symbols and concepts accurately and precisely: 2
Deduce, predict and explain aspects of structure, bonding and interactions for small molecules, solid-state structures and first row transition metal complexes: 2
Apply basic principles of chemical spectroscopy to solve standard problems in atomic, infrared, 1H-NMR and UV-VIS spectroscopy: 2
Identify, draw and explain the principal features of fundamental organic addition, substitution and elimination reactions, the functional groups involved and the factors that influence their rates and mechanisms: 2
Use the periodic table, in combination with quantitative information, to rationalise changes and trends in the chemical and physical properties of selected elements and their compounds: 2
Apply physicochemical principles to analyse and interpret data, solve standard problems and make predictions concerning the behaviour of selected chemical systems: 2
Retrieve and evaluate selected chemical information from a variety of sources and communicate it via digital formats using chemical structure drawing software, spreadsheet and word-processing packages: 1
Apply scientific numeracy and mathematical skills to rearrange and combine equations, perform calculations with systematic attention to units and manipulate, interpret and analyse graphical and tabulated data: 1,2
Reflect and act on feedback from a variety of sources to enhance the quality of their work: 1

Study hours

Active learning (comprising interactive lectures, tutorials, TBL workshops, Problem classes; IT classes; assessment briefings, structured asynchronous online activities and exams): 140 hrs
Independent study (ePortfolio maintenance; tutorial and workshop preparation; study and preparation for exams): 160 hrs

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Portfolio weighted 40%
Reflective ePortfolio
Students will maintain an e-portfolio, shared with members of the teaching team, and comprising their ongoing work on information skills tasks, tutorial and workshop problems. Students will be set regular short tasks with actionable feedback comments and templates for reflection and actions. Regular checkpoints will be used to support students with their ongoing work, use of feedback and progress. Information skills tasks will support development of students¿ numeracy, mathematical and IT skills (in the context of chemistry) and their information literacy skills in accessing, evaluating and communicating information in written and graphical forms. Equivalent to approximately 3000 words.

2: Exam weighted 60%
In-person closed-book examination-based assessments (2 x 3hr).
Two equally-weighted 3 hour in-person closed book exams at the end of each semester. The overall grade for the Exam-based assessment being the average mark for the two end of semester exams. Each exam has questions (typically 10 marks each) totaling 150 marks, of which students are required to answer 100 marks. The threshold mark applies to the average of the two exams. The type of exam and the use of a qualifying mark reflects the need to meet RSC accreditation requirements related to threshold concepts in chemistry.