CH1M-Chemistry M

Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: This module is COMPULSORY for Part 1 students on the BSc Chemistry programmes who do not have an A-level pass in Mathematics
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: CH1M2 Mathematics M2 CH1M3 Mathematics M for Chemistry
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Prof Ann Chippindale
Email: a.m.chippindale@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to provide students with the mathematical tools needed for the chemistry degree programme. 

You will be provided with the mathematical skills needed to underpin your chemistry degree. Information is initially delivered through lectures and online material and you will have plenty of opportunity to talk to experts in a supportive environment and practise your new skills in weekly workshops.

Aims:
To provide students with the mathematical tools needed for the chemistry degree programme.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students should be able to perform simple calculations on the topics named below both in a mathematical context and when applied in appropriate chemical contexts.

Additional outcomes:
Students will improve their numeracy skills

Outline content:

Basic algebra: multiplication/division of powers; simultaneous equations; solutions of quadratic equations (i.e. ax2 + bx + c = 0) by factorising and by using the general formula. Units, dimensions, significant figures, graphical techniques (including how to draw and interpret a straight line graph (y = mx + c)). Logarithms (including bases e and 10); exponentials, their relationship to logarithms and applications to pH, Beer-Lambert law, Arrhenius equation; plotting of functions e.g. y = log x, y = ex.



Trigonometry: useful relationships, Pythagoras’ theorem, sine rule, cosine rule; properties of important functions, curve sketching, e.g. y = cos x, y = sin x, y = tan x etc; interconversion of radians and degrees, Pi. 



Introduction to complex (imaginary) numbers, the complex conjugate, modulus.



Differentiation: definition, graphical interpretation, first principles; differentiation of simple functions, turning points and inflections, the chain rule, product rule  and other selected methods; partial differentiation.

Integration: definition, graphical interpretation, relation to differentiation, definite and indefinite integrals; integrating simple differential equations, such as kinetic rate laws.



Vectors: calculating magnitude and directions of vectors; vector addition and subtraction; vectors multiplied by scalars; dot product (scalar product) and its use to find the angle between two vectors. Vectors in two- and three- dimensions.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

One-hour lecture together with one 2-hour workshop on related material per week during Autumn and Spring terms. In addition, students will attend three revision workshops at the beginning of the Summer Term.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	9	10	1
Practicals classes and workshops	20	20	6
Guided independent study:	64	70
Total hours by term	93	100	7
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Set exercise	10
Class test administered by School	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

3 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. Attendance is compulsory. 



Relative percentage of coursework: Two class tests (end of Autumn and Spring terms) 20%. Weekly in-class tests 10%

 

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

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:   Scientific Calculator (non-programmable), approximately £10.00.

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: 22 September 2022