Chemistry

Objectives

The Chemistry program aims to develop an interest in Chemistry and provide a foundation for further study in Chemistry and related disciplines. Students participate in a range of learning activities which include:

• understanding of chemical concepts and applying their knowledge in practical situations
• development of observational, procedural and manipulative skill in laboratory work
• development of communicative skills including:
  • familiarity with chemical terms, names, symbols and formulae
  • use of chemical equations in summarising reactions
  • recording and reporting of practical work
  • researching a chemical topic
  • oral presentation of a research assignment

Assessment is based on term tests, an assignment, practical work and tutorial participation.

Course outline

1. Structure and Bonding
   • Atomic Structure and Periodic Classification of the Elements
   • Trends in the Properties of the Elements
   • Chemical Bonding
2. Stoichiometry
   • Measurement in Chemistry
   • Law of Chemical Composition and Chemical Equations
   • Stoichiometric Calculations
3. The Gaseous State
   • Gas Laws including the Ideal Gas Law
   • Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures
   • Graham's Law
4. Solids and Liquids
   • Intermolecular Forces
   • The Liquid State
   • Structures and Types of Solids
5. Energy Changes in Chemical Reactions
   • Enthalpy and Calorimetry
   • Hess's Law
   • Standard Enthalpies of Formation
6. Kinetics
   • Reaction Rates and the Factors Influencing Reaction Rates
   • Rate Equations
   • Catalysts
7. Chemical Equilibrium
   • The Equilibrium Condition
   • Reaction Equilibrium and the Reaction Constant
   • Le Chatelier's Principle
8. Acid-Base Equilibria
   • The Bronstead-Lowry Theory of Acids and Bases
   • The Ionization of Water and the pH Scale
   • Acid and Base Equilibrium Constants
   • Polyprotic Acids
   • Acid-Base Properties
   • Buffers
9. Redox Chemistry
   • Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
   • Galvanic Cells
   • Cell Potential
   • Electrolysis
   • The Industrial Use of Electrolysis
10. Metals and Coordination Chemistry
    • Metal Extraction
    • Transition Metals
    • The Coordinate Bond and Coordination Complexes
11. Chemistry of Some Main Group Elements
    • Group 17 Elements - Fluorine, Chlorine, Bromine and Iodine
    • Group 16 Elements - Oxygen and Sulphur
    • Group 15 Elements - Nitrogen and Phosphorus
12. Carbon Chemistry
    
    • Nomenclature of Organic Compounds
    • Isomerism
    • Physical and Chemical Properties of Hydrocarbons
    • Functional Group Chemistry
    • Polymers
    • Biological Macromolecules
    • Introduction of Spectroscopy
      
13. Green Chemistry
    
    • The Twelves Principles
    • Atom Economy
    • Renewable Resourses and Biogradability
    • Less Toxic Alternatives
      

Assessment

• Term 1 Test 5%
• Semester 1 Exam 30%
• Semester 2 Exam 35%
• Assignment 10%
• Participation in Tutorials 5%
• Practicals 15%

Class hours per week

• 2 x 1.5 hour lecture & tutorial
• 3 hours practical work

Required texts

• Zumdahl Chemistry (5th Edition) Houghton-Mifflin