610-171 Fundamentals of Chemistry

Some knowledge of chemistry and basic principles will be assumed

On completion of 610-171 the student should have an understanding of the nature of matter; the nature of solutions and gases; the nature of chemical change related to equilibrium, energy and kinetics; the nature of redox processes; structures and functional groups in organic molecules.

In the practical component students should develop basic laboratory skills (observation, analytical techniques, report writing) and an appreciation of the health and safety issues associated with the safe handling and disposal of laboratory chemicals.

The subject provides an introduction to the nature of matter, elements, atoms, ions and molecules; electronic structure of atoms and ions; bond formation, including covalent, ionic, metallic, hydrogen bonding, van der Waals; solubility and the solution state; ions and hydration; the behaviour of gases; the mole concept; concentrations; stoichiometry; acids, bases, neutralisation reactions and salt formation; acid/base strength and the pH scale; energy and chemical systems; rates of reaction and reaction order; catalysis and enzymes; chemical equilibrium; the equilibrium constant, Ka, Kb, stability constants and solubility products; redox reactions and redox potentials; organic molecules; structure, nomenclature and functional groups; hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity; and biologically significant macromolecules.

One 3-hour examination at the end of semester (65%); three tests during semester (15%); practical work (20%).

• S Zumdahl, Chemistry. 5th ed., Houghton Mifflin, 2000.