CHE-10063 - Chemical Structure and Reactivity
Coordinator: David J 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 2021/22

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2021/22

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 key fundamental principles of analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, and to build understanding and insight into the structure, reactivity and physicochemical properties of molecules. 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. A key element of the module is the embedding and teaching of mathematical skills through their application to chemical processes and the development of communication skills through chemical literacy.

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, name, analyse and interpret representations of molecular species using common conventions in chemistry: 1,2,3
explain and employ standard chemical terminology, symbols and concepts accurately and precisely: 1,2,3
describe and explain the principal features of the chemistry of the first row transition metals, and their complexes: 2,3
apply basic principles of chemical spectroscopy to solve standard problems in atomic, infrared, 1H/13C-NMR and UV-VIS spectroscopy: 2,3
identify, draw and explain in detail the principal features of fundamental organic addition, substitution and elimination reactions, the functional groups involved, the factors that influence their rates and mechanisms, and to apply these concepts to unseen examples: 2,3
use the periodic table, in combination with quantitative information, to rationalise changes in the chemical and physical properties of s-block, p-block and first row d-block elements and their compounds and complexes: 2,3
apply principles of chemical thermodynamics and reaction kinetics to analyse and interpret data, solve standard problems and make predictions concerning the behaviour of selected chemical systems: 1,2,3
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, combine and develop equations, perform calculations with systematic attention to units and manipulate, interpret and analyse graphical and tabulated data: 1,2,3

Study hours

Scheduled teaching hours: 140 hrs
Independent study: (including preparation for and completion of coursework and portfolio assessments): 160 hrs

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Portfolio weighted 20%
Information and communication skills portfolio
Two information skills assignments designed to 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 1000-1500 words in total.

2: Tutorial weighted 20%
Tutorial Questions
Approximately two tutorial questions every two weeks throughout semesters 1 and 2. Equivalent to approximately 1500 words in total.

3: Open Book Examination weighted 60%
Open book examination-based assessments.
Two timed examination-based assessments employing a range of question styles and answer formats. The weighting of the semester 2 assessment is double the weighting of the semester 1 assessment. The threshold mark applies to the combined mark from both assessments. The student effort required for each is equivalent to that required to prepare for and complete a 3 hour examination.