Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE CHE0305

 
TITLE Introduction to Chemistry

 
UM LEVEL 00 - Mod Pre-Tert, Foundation, Proficiency & DegreePlus

 
MQF LEVEL 4

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Chemistry

 
DESCRIPTION 1. Atoms, molecules and ions
The sub-atomic particles (protons, neutrons, electrons)
Atomic number and mass number
Isotopes, relative atomic mass
Electrons in shells and sub-shells, electronic configuration

2. Bonding
Covalent, dative covalent and ionic bonding
Valency
Elements and compounds
Empirical and molecular formulae
Relative molecular mass
The mole

3. Representing chemical reactions
Writing chemical equations
State symbols
Balancing equations
Ionic equations
Exothermic and endothermic reactions

4. States of matter
Solids, liquids and gases
Polar and non-polar molecules
Inter-molecular bonds: hydrogen bonding, permanent dipole-permanent dipole attractions, Van der Waals forces
Physical and chemical changes
Solubility

5. Reversible reactions
Dynamic equilibrium, the equilibrium constant
Ionization of water, KW
Strong and weak electrolytes
Le Chatelier's principle

6. Redox reactions
Definitions
Oxidation and reduction half reactions
Oxidising and reducing agents
Oxidation numbers

7. Acids and bases
Definitions
pH

8. Rates of reaction
The energy profile of a reaction, activation energy
The factors that affect rates of reaction
Catalysts
Rate laws

9. The Periodic Table
Groups and periods
The s, p, d and f blocks
Trends across periods and down a group: metallic/non-metallic character, electronegativity, etc.
Periodicity in physical and chemical properties
Anomalies presented by the period 2 elements

Study-Unit Aims:

The aim of this study-unit is to present the fundamentals of chemistry to students of areas where chemistry may have an indirect importance.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Define the fundamental properties of matter.
- Classify matter, compounds, and chemical reactions.
- Determine the basic nuclear and electronic structure of atoms.
- Identify trends in chemical and physical properties of the elements using the Periodic Table.
- Describe the bonding in and the shape of simple molecules.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to apply basic knowledge in diverse branches of chemistry including inorganic and physical to address chemical problems related to their area of study.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Ramsden, E. N., A Level Chemistry, Nelson Thornes, 2000.

Hill, G. C. and Holman, J. S., Chemistry in Context, Nelson Thornes, 2000.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture and Tutorial

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Assignment SEM1 No 15%
Examination (2 Hours) SEM1 Yes 85%

 
LECTURER/S Noel Aquilina

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit