Chemical Foundations (CHEM0005)

Key Information

• Faculty: Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
• Teaching department: Chemistry
• Credit value: 15
• Restrictions: Available to chemistry, natural science, BASc and suitably qualified affiliate students only.

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

Module Outline

The aims of this module are to lay the foundations in the three main branches of chemistry for all of the subsequent courses in the Department. The course material is linked to, but extends considerably, A-level chemistry and related courses.

Module Aims

At the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Explain the appearance of the atomic spectrum of hydrogen and use this understanding to explain the spectra of sodium and helium
2. Understand the Bohr model, quantum numbers, spin-orbit coupling, properties of electromagnetic radiation, experimental principles and the Zeeman effect.
3. Understand elementary concepts of atomic structure and bonding, and how these explain the concepts of periodicity
4. Understand the basic principles of molecular orbital theory and its application to bonding.
5. Understand how to rationalise and represent a mechanism for a chemical reaction using the curly arrow notation, incorporating stereochemical and reactivity considerations.
6. Understand the fundamental principles of organic reactivity in the context of acids and bases.
7. Understand the importance of risk assessment for laboratory practicals and maintain an accurate record in your laboratory notebook.
8. Collect experimental data in the laboratory and perform calculations and analysis of this data; follow synthetic procedures and characterise and product; present the data clearly and interpret what it means.

Teaching and Learning Methods

• Lectures: The above topics will be introduced via face-to-face lectures, supported by extensive asynchronous on-line activities and learning-tools.
• Workshops: Your learning is supported by nine face-to-face, small-group workshops (three per topic). Qualifying work will be made available a week prior to the workshop; this must be attempted and submitted via Moodle before the workshop. During the workshop you will attempt further questions with the support of academic staff members. After the workshop you will provide on-line feedback to other students on their work via an assessed 'peer marking' assignment. Workshops are an opportunity to receive feedback on your understanding of the module material, hence preparation and active participation is essential if you wish to derive the most benefit. Workshop attendance is monitored and compulsory.
• Self-study: In addition to timetabled hours it is expected that you engage in self-study in order to master the material. This self-study can take many forms: practicing example questions (workshop questions, additional questions available on Moodle and past exam questions), working through learning exercises on Moodle, participating in peer marking, preparing for laboratory sessions, writing up lab reports and further reading from textbooks and/or online.
• Laboratories: The practical component of this course involves students carrying out three experiments in the Department's teaching laboratories. The experiments are closely associated with the topics presented in lectures. The laboratory work will develop both students' practical skills and also their understanding of the associated chemical concepts. As practical skills are an essential aspect of this programme, engagement is monitored and compulsory.

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

Intended Teaching Term

Academic year (terms 1, 2, and 3) Undergraduate (FHEQ Level 4)

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of study: In person
• Methods of assessment:
  • 60% Fixed-time remote activity
  • 20% Clinical, laboratory or practical activity
  • 20% Coursework
• Mark scheme: Numeric Marks

Other Information

• Number of students on module in previous year: 370
• Module leader: Dr Sam Cassidy

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