BSc/MEng Materials Science with an Integrated Foundation Year / Course details

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

The aim is to provide the knowledge and understanding needed to study Physical and Organic Chemistry topics on Undergraduate courses within the EPS faculty.

24 Lectures / 11 tutorials
 

• Develop understanding of kinetics and thermodynamics – finally understand what enthalpy actually is!
• Understand the internationally recognised nomenclature of organic chemistry
• Develop understanding of the underpinning principles of organic chemistry such as polarity, the inductive effect, resonance stabilisation, steric effects and stereochemistry.
• Employ the above principles to understand basic functional group chemistry.
• Understand rudimentary reaction mechanisms.
• Learn to relate all the above to the real world. 

• Appreciation that thermodynamics determines the feasibility of a reaction whilst kinetics determines how fast it occurs.
• 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.
• Understand the concepts that underpin the chemistry of the varied functional group 

• 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 in tutorials following the test and correct solutions to all questions will be discussed.  

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.