Module Code - Title:
CH4701
-
GENERAL CHEMISTRY 1
Year Last Offered:
2023/4
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
Many students that enter the University of Limerick to study science and 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.
To develop the basic laboratory skills associated with practical chemistry.
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)
Recognise and operate some basic chemistry laboratory equipment (pipettes, pipette fillers, burettes, bunsen burners, buchner funnels), execute some basic analytical procedures (titration, filtration, evaporation, drying) in an accurate and safe manner and interpret/communicate results.
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.
There will be 2 hour slots weekly assigned to 2hour labs to be run on odd weeks and 2hour slots for tutorials to be scheduled on even weeks.
Laboratory experiments will compliment the lectures and students will be assesses on a laboratory write up including basic calculation.
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:, Molecules, matter and change
, Freeman
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester - Year to be First Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
Teresa.Curtin@ul.ie