Run by School of Natural Sciences

20 Credits or 10 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Dr Paul Hill

The Foundation Year Chemistry module aims to provide students with the essential chemistry knowledge and skills that are required for a successful progression to degree-level study. The module will cover inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, but with a strong emphasis on the application of knowledge and skills to a range of subject areas.

Topics covered by this module could include the following: Atomic structure and bonding: appreciation and understanding of atomic structure; electron configurations of atoms and ions (s,p,d,f notation); mass numbers and isotopes, introduction to mass spectrometry and its use as an analytical tool. Bonding, intermolecular and intramolecular interactions and the link to physical properties. Periodicity – oxidation number, explaining properties based on electronic structure.

Introduction to Organic chemistry: IUPAC nomenclature of organic compounds; representing compounds, molecular formula, displayed formula, skeletal formula; isomerism – structural and stereoisomers, functional groups and exemplar reactions involving functional groups.

Amount of substance: relative atomic mass and molecular mass; Avogadro constant and the mole; chemical calculations involving concentration and number of moles; simple acid- base equilibria, pH calculation, indicators and titrations; Le-Chatelier’s principle and chemical equilibria, Kc for homogeneous systems only.

threshold

Grades D- to D+ Demonstrates a basic understanding of the subject but some errors present. Some inaccuracies and misconceptions evident. Limited ability to apply subject knowledge to new or different scenarios. The clarity of information presentation is weak and use of appropriate, subject-specific terminology is limited.

C- to C+

Grades C- to C+ A clearer understanding of the subject matter. Demonstrates ability to apply subject knowledge to new or different scenarios, but with some errors. The clarity of information presentation is acceptable and use of appropriate, subject-specific terminology is developing. There is evidence of some limited engagement with the wider literature and published information sources.

good

Grades B- to B+ A good understanding of the subject matter. Very few inaccuracies and misconceptions evident. Demonstrates ability to apply subject knowledge to new or different scenarios, with few errors. The clarity of information presentation is good and use of appropriate, subject-specific terminology is well-developed. There is evidence of engagement with the wider literature and published information sources.

excellent

Grades A- and above An excellent understanding of the subject matter with virtually no inaccuracies and misconceptions evident. Demonstrates a very good ability to apply subject knowledge to new or different scenarios, with very few errors. The clarity of information presentation is excellent and use of appropriate, subject-specific terminology is very well developed. Evidence of reflectivity in the work produced.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate methods in chemistry.

2. Demonstrate an accurate understanding of chemical principles and concepts.

3. Apply chemical principles to different subject areas.

4. Present information clearly and logically using specialist vocabulary.

Type	Name	Description	Weight
CLASS TEST	Test 2: organic chemistry	A mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions.	20
LOGBOOK OR PORTFOLIO	Practical Portfolio	The portfolio will contain reports from practical experiments undertaken during the module.	40
CLASS TEST	Test 1: atomic structure and bonding	A mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions.	20
CLASS TEST	Test 3: amount of substance	A mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions.	20

		Hours
Lecture	19*2 hour lectures	38
Laboratory	4*2.5 hour practicals	10
Tutorial	12*1 hour tutorials	12
Private study	Time spent working on guided and independent study and on the preparation of assignments.	140

• Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
• Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
• Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
• Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
• Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
• Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
• Safety-Consciousness - Having an awareness of your immediate environment, and confidence in adhering to health and safety regulations

• SK2 Demonstrate a systematic understanding of fundamental physicochemical principles with the ability to apply that knowledge to the solution of theoretical and practical problems
• SK3 Gain knowledge of a range of inorganic and organic materials
• SK6 Develop an awareness of issues within chemistry that overlap with other related subjects
• SK15. Implementation of planned experiments.
• Demonstrate awareness of the importance of risk assessment and relevant legislation

Resource implications for students

Students will be required to access online resources. Use of personal computers or University facilities will enable this.

Talis Reading list

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/sns-0002.html

Compulsory in courses:

• C10F: BSc Biology year 0 (BSC/BF)
• F90F: BSc Environmental Science year 0 (BSC/ESF)
• C16F: BSc Marine Biology year 0 (BSC/MBF)
• C30F: BSc Zoology year 0 (BSC/ZF)