Module Details

Module Code: CHEM6012
Title: Fundamentals of Chemistry
Long Title: Fundamentals of Chemistry
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4421 - Chemistry
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: A successful progression in any of the fields of Agriculture and Horticultural Science is almost impossible without a clear understanding of the chemical principles underpinning them.

This module enables students to acquire theoretical and practical knowledge in basic chemical principles and apply it to better understanding the main components of the agriculture and horticultural systems.

This module also provides an understanding of major analytical chemistry principles and their importance in finding methods for sustainable development of these systems.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Explain basic chemical principles such as chemical formulae and bonding, states of matter, chemical interactions and functionality.
LO2 Outline the fundamentals of chemical reactivity, equilibrium, structures and composition of relevant organic and inorganic compounds and materials, and relate these to the main components of the agro/horticultural systems.
LO3 Describe the essential analytical chemistry methods and instruments used in analysis of soil, water and atmospheric samples.
LO4 Complete the necessary calculations and data analysis.
LO5 Perform a range of basic experiments and explain the underlying principles.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).

Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.

No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Introduction to basic chemical principles
acid-base and redox reactions, equilibrium, structure and composition, bonding and reactivity, physical states of matter.
Soil
Organic and inorganic components, acidity and buffer capacity, soil mineralogy, silicates and zeolites; charge and ion exchange properties, manure, sources and availability of N, P and K fertilizers, main pesticides and their chemical reactivity.
Water
hydrologic cycle, pH, water hardness, dissolved oxygen and oxygen demand, total organic carbon, trace metals.
Atmosphere
acid rain, atmospheric radicals, air quality monitoring and climate change.
Analysis of soil, water and atmospheric samples
general analytical process, main instrumental methods, data analysis, pollution and waste, and their impact over plant and livestock growth.
Practical Programme
General chemistry laboratory procedures, volumetric analysis, pH measurements, ion exchange capacity measurements.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,4
Assessment Description
Theory assessment
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 2,3
Assessment Description
Theory test
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 4,5
Assessment Description
Practical performance, submission of reports and calculations
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Theory Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact 12 x2 hr practical sessions Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Personal Study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Theory Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact 12 x 2 hrs practical sessions Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Personal Study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Brown, LeMay, Bursten, Murphy, Woodward. (2012), Chemistry the Central Science, ,, 12th, Ed. [ISBN: 0-321-74983-9].
  • David, H.. (2000), Modern Analytical Chemistry.
  • Reeve, R.. (2002), Introduction to Environmental Analysis..
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Seyhan N. Edge. (2004), Organic Chemsitry, [ISBN: 978-061831809].
  • John R. Dean. Methods for environmental trace analysis, [ISBN: ISBN: 978-047].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BAGRI_7 Bachelor of Science in Agriculture 3 Mandatory
CR_BHORT_7 Bachelor of Science in Horticulture 3 Mandatory
CR_BAGRI_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Agriculture 3 Mandatory