CH1FC2: Fundamental Concepts in Chemistry 2

Module Provider:

School of Chemistry

Number of credits:

10 [5 ECTS credits]

Level:

C (Certificate)

Terms in which taught:

Spring

Module Convenor:

Dr EM Page

Pre-requisites:

CH1FC1 or AS level Chem or equivalent

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

CH1O1 CH1I1 CH1P1

Module version for:

2006/7

Aims:
This module develops the concepts introduced in CH1FC1 and provides a comprehensive background in chemistry for biological and food scientists. It has a specific emphasis on the chemistry required for the life sciences and the material is illustrated by examples relevant to these students.

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

Additional outcomes:
Students will develop confidence in applying the language and terminology of chemistry in biological situations, will improve their numeracy skills and have opportunity for small group work in the problem solving sessions. Students will develop basic skills in practical organic chemistry.

Outline content:
Reacting molecules and energy. Energy changes in biological reactions. Energy heat and work. Calorimetry. Enthalpy and Entropy. Gibbs free energy. Free energy and metabolic pathways. Free energy and equilibrium. (2)
Reacting molecules and kinetics. Factors determining reaction rates. Activation energy (2).
Free energy and redox potentials. Obtaining energy for life. Electron transport reactions. Energy transfer and storage in metabolic pathways. (2)
Foundations of organic chemistry, hybridisation, drawing structures, representing electron movement. (3)
Electrophiles and nucleophiles. (1)
Organic stereochemistry and molecular shape. Rules for assigning stereochemistries. (2)
Electrophilic addition reactions to alkenes. (2)
Nucleophilic substitution reactions. SN1 and SN2 processes. Leaving groups and pKa. (2)
Reactions involving free radicals. (1)
The carbonyl group. Addition reactions. Hemiacetal formation. (2)
Structure of benzene, aromaticity, resonance. (2)
Important biological molecules: carbohydrates, di- and polysaccharides, amino acids, proteins, fatty acids. (3)
Enzyme catalysed reactions. (1)

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Two one-hour lectures together with a related workshop session every week.
Three three-hour practical sessions.

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework
Students will attend workshops and laboratory sessions on the material covered in this module. Practical work will be assessed both through work in the laboratory and the resultant reports.
Relative percentage of coursework: Practical work: 20%
Penalties for late submission
Practical reports must be submitted by the named date. In accordance with Faculty policy 10% of marks will be deducted from practical work which is submitted up to one week late. Work submitted later than this will receive no credit unless there are extenuating circumstances.
Examinations
One one hour test at the end of the term 20%
One one and a half hour written paper will be taken during the Part 1 examination period. 60%
Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40% overall.
Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination will be in September. Coursework marks will be carried over if they are to the advantage of the student.