CH1FC1-Fundamental Concepts in Chemistry 1

Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: This module is not suitable for students with grade B or higher in A Level Chemistry or equivalent. This module is REQUIRED for BSc Microbiology and BSc Biomedical students without AS Level Chemistry or an equivalent qualification. This module is REQUIRED for BSc Zoology, BSc Biological Science and BSc Animal Science students without AS or A Level Chemistry. This module is REQUIRED for BSc Food Science other BSc Food students without A Level Chemistry at grade C or above or an equivalent qualifi
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Silvia Baldanza
Email: s.baldanza@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Starting a degree in the life sciences but don’t have an A level or equivalent in chemistry? Then this is the right module for you. Covering key topics in chemistry that all life science students should know, this module will introduce you to atomic structure, bonding, intermolecular forces, simple organic structure and nomenclature, isomerism, acids and bases and the theory of buffers, basic concepts of energy changes in chemical reactions, reaction rates, moles and concentrations. 

Aims:
To provide students with the background in chemistry necessary for studies in Food Science or Biology

Assessable learning outcomes:
Students should be able to answer questions, summarise information and perform calculations on any of the topics outlined below.

Additional outcomes:
Students will develop a familiarity with the language and terminology of chemistry, will improve their numeracy skills and have opportunity for small group work in the problem solving sessions. Students will become aware of the importance of chemistry to society through the recent literature.

Outline content:

Weeks 1 and 2: Essential Atoms.

The structure of the atom and the main sub-atomic particles. Arrangement of electrons in atoms and the build-up of the Periodic Table. Electropositivity and electronegativity, ionic bonding. Isotopes and uses. Nuclear power.

Weeks 3 and 4: Essential Molecules.

Simple bonding models – covalent, ionic, coordinate. Intermolecular forces. Shapes of simple molecules. Properties of water: hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions and solubility.

Weeks 5 and 6: Molecules for Life

Functional groups. Building bigger molecules. Proteins, carbohydrates and fatty acids. Geometric and optical isomerism.

Weeks 7 and 8: Molecules for Health

Aspirin and paracetemol. Dosage – amount and number of moles. Concentrations and dilutions. Acids, bases and buffers. pH . Amino acids.

Weeks 9 and 10: Energy and Kinetics.

What makes reactions go and what makes them go faster?

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
A two-hour lecture together with a related workshop session every week. Each session will be based on a specific chemical topic and related article from the journal £Education in Chemistry£.

In the Summer Term the 2 lecture hours are assigned as revision lectures.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

2 hours.

The examination for this module will require a narrowly defined time window and is likely to be held in a dedicated exam venue.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will attend workshops on the material covered in this module. Each topic will be supported by an accompanying article available on the associated Blackboard site. Students will consolidate each week’s lecture material by reading the related article and answering the questions embedded within. Short multiple choice tests will be carried out during workshops in the second half of the term. Attendance and performance at workshops will be monitored. Relative percentage of coursework: Multiple choice tests: 30%

Formative assessment methods:

Students are given face to face feedback every week during workshop sessions. There are revision classes in the summer term with feedback on performance.

Penalties for late submission:

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment arrangements are in accordance with University policy. Reassessment of the written examination is held during the University-administered re-examination period in August. Failed coursework may be re-assessed by an alternative assignment before or during the August re-examination period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 8 March 2023