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2021/22 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

CHEM1181 Mathematics for Chemists

10 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Dr Marcelo Miranda
Email: m.miranda@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2021/22

Pre-requisite qualifications

GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent)

This module is mutually exclusive with

CHEM1281Mathematical Tools for Chemists

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module is intended for Chemistry students who did not develop their mathematical skills significantly beyond GCSE level; its goal is to equip students with the basic mathematical skills necessary to gain a full understanding of Chemistry. It will progress from arithmetic to algebra and calculus, with emphasis on problem solving and with extensive use of chemical examples. The teaching methods will include lectures and problem-solving workshops.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should have gained confidence and proficiency in a set of mathematical manipulations appropriate to the study of chemistry and be able to apply these to chemical problems.

Learning outcomes
1. The students will gain knowledge in the application of mathematics to solve chemical problems.
2. The students will acquire the mathematical background necessary for further study of uses of mathematics in chemistry.
3. The students will develop an understanding of mathematical principles and an appreciation of mathematics as a logical and coherent subject.
4. The students acquire a range of mathematical skills, and become able to apply mathematics also in the context of everyday situations.
5. The students will develop the ability to analyse problems logically and, when appropriate, to tackle problems mathematically.


Syllabus

Aspects of arithmetic, algebra, linear algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus with wide application in chemistry. Specific applications of mathematics in Chemistry.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Workshop81.008.00
e-Lecture81.008.00
Private study hours84.00
Total Contact hours16.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

Much of the private study time will consist of problem solving. Students will be provided with lists of practice problems in the classroom and will be advised to attempt problems from the books in the reading list. Some but not all of the exercises in the lists of practice problems will be attempted in the problem-solving workshops. As usual, private study will also involve revision of class materials, lecture notes, and textbook reading. Some of the assessment will take the form of online tests, which can be taken multiple times, and therefore will double as practice exercises.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

In problem-solving workshops students will have the opportunity to discuss their work, along with technical issues and problem-solving approaches, directly with staff. As online tests will be available for multiple attempts, with problems being indicated as correctly or wrongly answered each time, this will also help students assess their own development, strengths, and weaknesses.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Computer Exercise4 online tests (week 3, 5, 7 and 9). Each can be attempted multiple times, with varying questions for each attempt.25.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)25.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Open Book exam2 hr 00 mins75.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)75.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 02/07/2021 10:55:13

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