Introduction to Chemistry

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Explain how the pH of aqueous solutions may change and explain the importance of pH in determining the outcomes of chemical reactions in biological systems.
• Relate the reactivity of organic molecules to their electronic properties and give examples of reactions which proceed by different mechanisms.
• Explain chemical reactions in terms of electron transfers, changes in bonding and energetics.
• Relate the properties of substances and materials to the nature of the bonding between particles (atoms, ions, molecules).
• Demonstrate an understanding of the role of chemistry in underpinning many fundamental processes in biology.

Cognitive Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Relate biological phenomena to their underlying chemical processes.
• Use appropriate mathematical methods to solve problems in chemistry.

Atomic and Molecular Structure

• Atoms, isotopes, ions
• Equations, mole-calculations, solutions and gases.
• Electrons in atoms
• Ionic bonding
• Covalent bonding

Physical Chemistry

• Enthalpy changes during chemical reactions
• Acids, bases and buffers
• Water and the pH scale
• Reaction rates and chemical kinetics

Organic Chemistry

• Nomenclature and representations in organic chemistry
• Functional groups and reactivity
• The properties of organic compounds
• Isomerism in organic chemistry
• Reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry

Lectures, problem-solving Seminars with group working and tutor support

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.