2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LLLC0156 Introduction to Chemistry

10 creditsClass Size: 120

Module manager: Linda Forbes
Email: L.J.Forbes@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Module replaces

LLLC0180 Credit change

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module requires no prior knowledge of chemistry and intends to teach the introductory principles of bonding, electronic structure and gives examples of basic reactions as well as unusual chemical properties. During this module you will be expected to apply knowledge gained from sessions to build a reasonable mental model of the atomic world based on direct observation and abstract concepts.

Objectives

To begin to create a mental chemical model of the world, appreciating electronic structure of atoms and their bonding modes and how these atoms might behave in certain chemical environments.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Describe the structure of an atom and the likely consequences of specific electronic configurations on reactivity and bonding of that atom

2. Perform and observe chemical reactions safely and purposefully use reactions to synthesise compounds or make measurements

3. Describe a process by which you can inspect new materials and predict the likely properties of those materials based on their chemical characteristics

4. Relate the interdisciplinary connections between chemistry and other sciences

Skills outcomes
Analytical Skills, Planning and Organisation, Creative Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Independent Working

- Students will be able to apply chemical principles in new situations

- Students will be able to describe, explain and interpret results in terms of chemical principles and concepts and be able to apply mathematical methods to solve problems in chemistry

- Experience of basic chemical techniques using a range of chemical compounds.

Syllabus

The content will be delivered through lectures and seminars and will cover areas such as… 

- Atomic and electronic structure 

- Covalent, ionic and metallic bonding 

- The mole as a central unit; using unit analysis to determine methods of calculating quantities measurable in the real world 

- Polarity and electronic distribution in molecules 

- Intermolecular forces 

- Acidic and basic compounds 

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lectures	10	2.00	20.00
seminars	10	1.00	10.00
Independent online learning hours			15.00
Private study hours			55.00
Total Contact hours			30.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative feedback will be given in seminars, via in-class quizzes, via completion of online quizzes, interaction with online simulations and via submission of independent work such as written problem sets.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Problem Sheet	2 hours	20.00
Lab Notebook	View bench notes from practical and have a learning conversation	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		40.00

If a student fails the module coursework, the resit opportunity will be an equivalent problem-based learning assessment in July. Students who miss any of these learning opportunities can apply for mitigating circumstances and potentially could be given consideration at the exam board.

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Online Time-Limited assessment	2 hr 00 mins	60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		60.00

Resits for the exam component of the module will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt during the July Resit period, in most cases, or during the next available opportunity.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 03/05/2024

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