BSc/MEnvSci Environmental Science with an Integrated Foundation Year

This course will provide the knowledge and understanding needed to study Inorganic and Physical Chemistry topics on undergraduate degree courses within the EPS faculty.  

The aim is to obtain the knowledge and understanding required to study Inorganic and Physical Chemistry topics on undergraduate degree courses within the EPS Faculty.

24 Lectures / 11 Tutorials / 12 Drop in Sessions 

• Develop a detailed understanding of atomic structure and how it leads to electronic configurations, group chemistry and the ultimate organisation of the Periodic Table of the Elements.
• Appreciate the existence of isotopes and how instability leads to the phenomenon of radioactivity.  Develop an understanding of the mathematics underpinning radioactive decay.
• Classify bonding in the solid state and understand basic solid state characterisation techniques
• Develop a detailed understanding of the SI system.  Appreciate the fundamental importance of the correct use of units and develop dimensional analysis techniques.
• Develop detailed understanding of the Electromagnetic spectrum including uses of radiation and inter-conversion of quantities.
• Study the Gas Laws in detail and understand the fundamental importance of the Kinetic Theory of Gases.
• Develop the ability to interpret phase diagrams, understand equilibrium between the phases and the behaviour of matter beyond the critical point and use this information to describe the behaviour of real world materials.
• Most importantly, be able to relate all of the above to the real world that you live in.

• Fundamental appreciation of the use and paramount importance of units in both Chemistry and the whole of science.
• Arithmetic and algebraic inter-conversion of quantities.
• Assimilation and inter-conversion of varied data sets (numerical, tabulated, graphical).
• Application of chemical principles and concepts to the solution of numerical problems.
• Presentation of arguments and ideas logically. 

• Consideration of health and safety issues for a variety of chemicals applicable to practical risk assessment. 

• Develop the following study skills: time management, concentration, effective questioning, note taking, reasoned argument, problem solving, information appraisal, revision and examination techniques.
• Develop 3D spatial awareness techniques
• The lectures and tutorials present the opportunity to improve formal interaction skills through volunteering for class demonstrations and / or asking questions during tuition – this is strongly encouraged.

In-class test marks will be returned promptly and correct solutions to all questions will be discussed in lectures. 

Burrows, Holman, Parsons, Pilling, Price Chemistry3: Introducing Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry; Oxford University Press, 2009.

Stroud, Booth Engineering Mathematics 5th Edition; Palgrave McMillan, 2001.

Housecroft, Sharpe Inorganic Chemistry 4th Edition; Pearson, 2012.

Atkins, de Paula, Keeler Atkins’ Physical Chemistry 11th Edition; Oxford University Press, 2017.

Bolgar, Lloyd, North, Oleinikovas, Smith, Keeler Student Solutions Manual to Accompany Atkin’s Physical Chemistry 11th Edition; Oxford University Press, 2018.

Kumar Quantum, Einstein, Bohr and the Great Debate About the Nature of Reality; Icon Books, 2009.

Examination:
80% of unit grade
2 hour long examination

Coursework:
20% of unit grade
Two in-class, open-book, multiple-choice tests, each test counts 10% towards the course unit grade.
Coursework will take the form of two in class, open-book, multiple-choice tests during the latter half of the course. Each test counts 10% towards your unit grade. As the tests are primarily designed to encourage familiarisation with the course material you are expected to revise thoroughly for them. The questions are mostly numerical problem solving in nature and require understanding of the material rather than just simple rote learning.