2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

CHEM1302 Introduction to Modern Chemistry

20 creditsClass Size: 220

Module manager: Dr Jenny Eyley
Email: j.eyley@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

A' level Chemistry or equivalent qualification, or registration on appropriate programme

This module is mutually exclusive with

CHEM1151

Chemistry for Biochemists

Module replaces

CHEM1101 Chemistry 1: Bonding and Behaviour (In part)

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module will provide a concise introduction to modern chemistry with an initial focus on a qualitative appreciation of electronic structure and how it determines the chemical and structural properties of matter. The module will then provide an introduction to chemical kinetics and thermodynamics, organic structures and mechanisms, and the chemistry of transition metal-ligand complexes.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students will have an understanding of the way in which fundamental concepts in chemistry can be integrated together in a complementary manner. They will have a basic knowledge of:

- the shapes of simple chemical molecules and their electronic structure;
- the nature of chemical bonding and models to describe it;
- periodicity and its relationship to electronic structure;
- the relationship between the electronic structure of molecules and their physical properties;

- Analysis and understanding of the kinetics and thermodynamics of chemical reactions

- molecular energy levels and their origin

- chemistry of transition-metals complexes including structure, crystal field theory and ligand exchange reactions.
- organic molecular structure and organic reactions including but not limited to nucleophilic substitution

The student will also be able to appreciate how these ideas have relevance to modern society through the medium of selected illustrative examples, and will be able to apply these concepts to a range of problems in a linked programme of workshops and tutorials.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:

1. Describe the basic principles of atomic and molecular orbitals and how these account for molecular structure (A1).
2. Use knowledge of organic chemistry to predict outcomes of bond-forming reactions, and explain reaction mechanisms (B1)
3. Use data from basic characterisation techniques to suggest the structure of simple organic compounds (B1)
4. Use knowledge of trends in inorganic chemistry to describe structure, properties and reactivities of inorganic compounds and apply this to make predictions about simple inorganic compounds (C1)
5. Describe the basic principles of thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, and energy levels, and apply these principles to the solution of well-defined problems (D1)


Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

6. Organize independent study time and meet deadlines (R1, Work-Ready: Time management, Academic: Time management)
7. Implement strategies to solve unseen problems (S1, Work-ready: problem-solving)

Syllabus

- The structure of the atom.
- How do atoms come together to make molecules?
- How do the interactions between molecules affect the properties of a material?
- Why do reactions occur? To what extent do they occur?
- How does structure affect the reactivity of organic molecules?
- What controls the rate of reaction?
- What happens in solution?

Methods of Assessment

We are currently refreshing our modules to make sure students have the best possible experience. Full assessment details for this module are not available before the start of the academic year, at which time details of the assessment(s) will be provided.

Assessment for this module will consist of;

2 x Open notes exam

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	10	1.00	10.00
seminars	8	1.00	8.00
Lecture	44	1.00	44.00
Independent online learning hours			20.00
Private study hours			118.00
Total Contact hours			62.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Online quizzes, in-class polling and examples classes should provide opportunities for formative assessment where model answers should be provided against which students can check their work. Personalised written feedback should be available if students submit written work for the tutorials.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 30/04/2024

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