Many students entering the University of Limerick to study science courses do not have chemistry as a leaving certificate subject. Given that by its nature chemistry is a very conceptual subject, the rationale for this module is to introduce all students to some of the more basic concepts in fundamental chemistry and appropriate calculations associated with common laboratory practice.

Valency- the periodic table, valency as applied to the periodic table grouping, combining atoms to form molecules. Common Ions & Molecules- sulphates, chlorides, nitrates, phosphates, hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium chloride. Moles-The Moles triangle, grams, moles, gas volume, molecules, interchangeability of grams, volume and number of molecules through moles. Concentrations- moles, molarity, percentage solutions, volume over volume, weight over volume, parts per million, parts per billion, conversion of one form of unit to another. Serial Dilutions- moving between concentrations, dilutions. Acids/Bases- balancing equations-titrations and titration calculations. Redox Reactions- balancing equations-titrations and titration calculations. pH -strong acids, strong bases, weak acids and weak bases, dissociation of acids and bases, solution pH, pOH.

Develop a knowledge of the periodic table of elements and groups of elements. Understand the concept of valency based on the group in the periodic table. Apply valency rules to determine how atoms combine to form molecules and ions. Develop a knowledge of common laboratory chemicals (molecules and ions). Understand the concept of the mole and the moles triangle in laboratory chemistry. Understand the interchangeability of mass of a solid, volume of a gas or number of atoms or molecules present through the medium of moles. Calculate the mass of solid, volume of gas or number of molecules present using the moles triangle. Calculate chemical concentrations based on molarity and percentage solutions. Understand the concept of serial dilutions of a stock chemical solution. Calculate serially diluted concentrations given the appropriate information. Develop a knowledge of common acid/base and redox type laboratory reactions. Understand how to balance an acid/base or a redox type reaction equation. Using these balanced equations determine quantitatively, the number of moles, grams, volume of gas reacting or forming in these reactions. Develop a knowledge of how these reactions are carried out in practice by titration. Understand the concept of pH as it applies to common laboratory concentrations of acids and bases. Understand the difference between strong and weak acids and bases. Calculate the pH of a solution of a strong or weak acid or base.

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This module will be delivered as 2 x 1 hour lectures per week plus a 1 hour tutorial. Within this time frame, this module is designed to ensure a significant 'hands on' opportunity for the students during the lectures and tutorials to develop their skills in the area of working with chemical reactions and computing relevant quantitative parameters. In the context of graduate attributes, it is envisaged that this module will aid the student in becoming more knowledgeable in both the core and more applied laboratory chemistry areas whilst also developing their creative abilities in the context of problem solving. The nature of the problem solving opportunities in the module will also lead to a development of the individual students collaborative skillset. Recent research has shown that many students struggle with chemistry when they enter the University. This module is designed to enhance the students opportunity to progress confidently in the chemistry subject.