CH0CHE-Chemistry

Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:F
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: A strong pass in GCSE Chemistry or equivalent
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Study the chemical principles that provide the foundations for many scientific disciplines. Learn how to predict the properties of molecules from their structures and gain an understanding of how and why reactions happen. After studying material in lectures, you will apply your knowledge in the laboratory, developing practical skills in the process.

Aims:

The module aims to provide the students with an understanding of the basic principles of general chemistry to allow them to proceed to undergraduate studies in related subjects.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Describe the fundamentals of chemical bonding, properties and reactions and apply this knowledge to explain unfamiliar scenarios.


• Draw conclusions from experimental results and critically evaluate errors in experimental work.


• Work safely and effectively in the laboratory.

Additional outcomes:

Students will show an improvement in communication skills through small-group work.

Students will gain competence in the manipulation and interpretation of numerical data. They will be able to record results accurately and draw logical conclusions from them.

Outline content:

Topics include: chemical calculations; organic molecules; atomic structure; bonding and intermolecular forces; the periodic table and its elements; redox reactions; organic mechanisms; thermodynamics; equilibria; kinetics; biological chemistry; chemical analysis and spectroscopy.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Theory classes involve teaching, class discussion and in-class exercises. Students will also complete practical experiments in the laboratory. Support sessions are available throughout the year.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	40	40	12
Tutorials	10	10	3
Practicals classes and workshops	14	14	4
Guided independent study:	111	111	31
Total hours by term	175	175	50
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	60
Practical skills assessment	20
Class test administered by School	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One three hour examination.

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:

End of term tests are completed at the end of the Autumn and Spring terms (2 x 10%).



Practical work is assessed continuously over three terms by performance in the laboratory, pre-lab tests and post-lab exercises (20%).

Formative assessment methods:

An online mid-term test will be held in the autumn and spring terms.

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:
Requirements for a pass: 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment comprises of a written exam (60%) and/or one synoptic laboratory exercise (20%) and/or up to two end of term tests (10% each).  Reassessment is only available to students who fail to progress to an undergraduate programme.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  Text books are available in the library, although students may prefer to buy their own.

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  Students are required to purchase a university approved calculator.

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  Lab coats and safety glasses are available to borrow free of charge during practical classes.

4) Printing and binding:  

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  

Last updated: 30 March 2023