Foundations of Chemistry for Natural Sciences 2 - CHE00030C

«Back to module search

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

This module builds on Foundations of Chemistry for Natural Sciences 1 by developing key areas of inorganic and physical chemistry. The study of the rates of reactions and interpretation in terms of integrated rate laws is explored. This topic links to fundamental spectroscopy, often used to follow rates of reaction. Further physical chemistry is underpinned by thermodynamic concepts for biomolecules and biological systems founded by the statistical distribution of molecules. The diverse chemistry of transition elements is introduced.

Module learning outcomes

• Students will learn about fundamental concepts of chemical kinetics - including an in-depth view of the rate law and how to understand chemical reactivity from a mathematical point of view. This will require use of students mathematical skills developed in other modules, including differentiation and integration. This lecture course is directly supported within the practical module.
• Students will be introduced to the interplay between energy levels and electromagnetic radiation through the range of rotational, vibrational and electronic spectroscopy spanning microwave to ultraviolet with an introduction to selection rules.
• Students will study in detail the transition metals, and in particular the crystal field model of bonding involving 3d orbitals. By understanding the bonding in such compounds, and the role played by the d electrons, students will be able to both rationalise and predict the reactivity and spectroscopic behaviour of this type of compound.
• Students will meet and apply Boltzmann distribution and Boltzmann's law of entropy to biomolecular and biochemical systems.

Module content

Module Structure

Kinetics	TJD	10 lectures	Tutorial
Transition Metal Chemistry	AKDK	10 lectures	Tutorial
Electronic, Vibrational and Rotational Spectra	JNM	8 lectures	Tutorial
Thermodynamics for Biophysical Chemistry	SS	4h online content + 2 x 1h lectures + 2h workshop	College workshop

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)	100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)	100

Module feedback

Written feedback will be given for tutorial work within a week. Written and/or oral feedback for workshops will be given either during the sessions or within a week. Closed exam results with per-question breakdown are returned to the students via supervisors within 5 weeks. Outline answers are made available via the Chemistry web pages when the students receive their marks, so that they can assess their own detailed progress/achievement. The examiners’ reports for each question are made available to the students via the Chemistry web pages.

Indicative reading

"Chemistry³: Introducing Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry, 2nd edition" by Burrows, Parsons, Price, Holman and Pilling (published by Oxford University Press, 978-0-19-969185-2)