Module Code - Title:
CH4001
-
CHEMISTRY FOR ENGINEERS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
Many students that enter the University of Limerick to study engineering courses do not have chemistry as a leaving certificate subject. The rational of this module is to introduce all students to some basic concepts in Chemistry. More specifically:
To give students an understanding of the fundamental concepts of modern chemistry.
To familiarise students wit the various applications of chemistry in everyday life.
Syllabus:
Simple characterisation of atoms and molecules: basic atomic structure, ions and isotopes, atomic and molecular weights, the mole concept.
Early chemical concepts and their present day uses: e.g. Dalton Atomic Theory, Avogadro's Law, Oxidation and reduction.
Chemical nomenclature. Modern theories of atomic and molecular structure. Quantum mechanical description of the atom: Schroedinger Wave Equation, atomic orbitals and quantum numbers.
Introduction to chemical bonding. Bond representation by Lewis dot, valence bond and molecular orbital structures. Hybridisation.
Periodic classification of the elements.
The Gas Laws, Stoichiometry.
Classification of chemical reactions. The Electrochemical Series.
Chemical equilibrium. Liquid solution chemistry. Acids and bases.
Selected applications of chemistry in domestic, medical and industrial environments.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Given the periodic table, calculate for elements, isotopes, ions and/or compounds: atomic masses, molecular masses, moles, number of electrons/protons/neutrons, electronic configuration, oxidation state and molarity (in solution).
Describe the development of the quantum theory and how it led to a consistent description of the electronic structures of the elements
Describe and compare various basic bonding types (ionic, covalent and dative) and different bond models (Lewis structures, Molecular orbital, Valence Bond and hybridisation)
Classify and balance chemical equations and based on this information will be able to quantify reactants and products using molecular weights of components (for gasses, liquids and solids) and the ideal gas laws (for gasses)
Discuss how and why a chemical system comes to equilibrium and apply the fundamentals of chemical equilibrium to calculate for a system at equilibrium the value of Kc, Kp, Ksp, pKa, pKb, or pH, where appropriate
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
N/A
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
There will be 3 x 1 hour lectures per week in addition to 1h per week tutorial over a 12 week period. In conjunction with the tutorials will be tests and quizzes and example questions during the lectures and on Sulis.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Brown, LeMay, Bursten (2012)
Chemistry: The central science
, Pearson
Other Relevant Texts:
SS Zumdahl and SA Zumdahl (2000)
Chemistry
, Houghton Mifflin
Loretta Jones and Peter Atkins (1999)
Chemistry: Matter and change
, Freeman
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
Teresa.Curtin@ul.ie