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Foundations of Chemistry for Natural Sciences 2 - CHE00030C

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  • Department: Chemistry
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Seishi Shimizu
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

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

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Closed exam : Foundations of Chemistry for Natural Sciences 2 exam		 2 hours 100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Closed exam : Foundations of Chemistry for Natural Sciences 2 exam		 2 hours 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)


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.