Syllabus for The Basic Principles of Chemistry

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• account for electronic structure in atoms and the quantum mechanical background to the periodic table, and relate these to the properties of elements
• account for chemical binding and interactions between particles (atoms, molecules, ions) in chemical systems, and relate these to the physical and chemical properties of matter. 
• explain basic concepts of thermodynamics, kinetics and equilibria, and discuss links, similarities and differences between these fields.
• describe different types of transport processes in solution
• solve problems and perform basic calculations related to chemical and physical issues
• based on relevant theory and a scientific approach carry out basic laboratory work in a correct and safe manner, carry out risk and safety analyses, document laboratory work in a laboratory journal and report on the execution and results of the laboratory work.
• give examples of the implications of the course content for humans and the environment

Content

Structure of atoms and molecules: Atomes, atomic orbitals and the periodical system. Lewis structures and molecular geometries. Molecular orbitals.

Inter- and intramolecular forces: Covalent bonding, ionic bonding, metallic bonding, coordinative bonding, as well as bonds between molecules and between ions and molecules. Surfactants. Phases and phase transformation. Interactions in gases, liquids and solids as well as in solutions and mixtures.

Physical forces: Surface tension, conductivity, diffusion, viscosity and sedimentation.

Thermodynamics: Energy conversion and energy transfer, especially for chemical reactions. Chemical driving forces. Enthalpy, entropy and free energy. Thermodynamic aspects of phase change, gases, liquids and solids as well as solutions and mixtures.

Kinetics: Reaction mechanisms. Dependence of the reaction rate on temperature, concentrations and catalysts.

Equilibria: Direction of reaction and position of equilibrium. Acids and bases. Solubility.

Laboratory methodology and basic risk assessment

Instruction

Lectures, exercises, laboratory sessions, seminars and project.

Assessment

Written examinations are organised during and at the end of the course and correspond to 5 and 4 credits respectively. The laboratory sessions with associated seminars and hand-in excercises correspond to 5 credits. The project with associated seminars and hand-in exercises corresponds to 1 credit. The final grade is a weighted average of the results of the different parts of the course.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.

Other directives

The course can not be included in higher education qualification together with 1KB001 Chemical Principles II and 1KB007 Basic Chemistry / 1KB000 Chemical Principles I.