Fundamentals of Chemistry, 15 Credits

Contents

The course covers chemical nomenclature, periodicity and the periodic table, stoichiometry, the electronic structure of atoms and molecules, chemical bonding and molecular structure, and intermolecular forces in the solid, liquid, and gas phase. An introduction to quantum mechanics as applied to chemical thermodynamics and chemical kinetics will be given. Furthermore, the concepts of chemical equilibrium and the law of mass action, as applied to gases, liquids and mixtures as well as acid-base equilibria, solubility, complex equilibria and their relation to chemical thermodynamics and Gibbs free energy, are treated. An introduction to electrochemistry and radioactivity is also given.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• understand and use chemical formulae and stoichiometries, and perform calculations based on stoichiometric relationships
• explain the physical and chemical properties of common atoms and chemical compounds, and explain these properties in terms of periodicity
• explain the differences between the different phases of matter -- solids, liquids and gases -- in terms of thermodynamics
• describe the dominant intermolecular forces in chemical compounds by referring to the atomic composition and structure of the molecule
• discuss the acid and base characteristics, solubility, coordination chemistry and redox properties of chemical substances based on equilibrium constants and thermodynamic quantities, and quantify these through calculations
• apply different kinetic models to chemical reactions
• describe fundamental aspects of radioactivity, and differences between different types of radiation
• plan and execute laboratory experiments, evaluate the results and write formal lab reports, and use a laboratory notebook

Required Knowledge

Form of instruction

Teaching consists of lectures, problem solving sessions, tutorials, demonstrations and laboratory practicals. Attendance is mandatory at all laboratory practicals and laboratory safety sessions.

Examination modes

Examinations are conducted by written examination and by written presentation of laboratory work.
For the written exam, students from the fields of engineering are given one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with merit (4) or Pass with distinction (5). All other students are given one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with distinction (VG). Laboratory work is graded Pass (3 or G) or Fail (U). To pass the course, all examinations and compulsory modules must be passed. The final grade is based on the results of the written exam. Grades Pass (3 or G) or higher are awarded only when all of the laboratory practicals are passed. In the case of absence from any of the compulsory modules of the course, the examiner will decide whether the student will be given compensation assignments or will have to redo the missing parts at a later occasion.
Those who pass the exam are not permitted to re-sit the exam for a higher grade.
A student who has failed a course or part of a course twice is entitled to request appointment of another examiner, unless there are special reasons against it (HF Chap. 6 § 22). Requests for new examiner should be made to the Head of the Department of Chemistry.

Other regulations

Credit Transfer: Academic credit transfer is always evaluated individually (see the University rules for academic credit transfer).