Module Details

Module Code: CHEM6013
Title: Physical Chemistry Principles
Long Title: Physical Chemistry Principles
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4421 - Chemistry
Module Delivered in: 7 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces students to the concepts of thermochemistry, reaction kinetics & chemical equilibrium, redox reactions and physical/chemical properties of selected main group elements.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Define various fundamental laws of thermochemistry, reaction kinetics, chemical equilibria and electrochemistry.
LO2 Perform basic calculations regarding heat changes, reaction rates and equilibrium states.
LO3 Describe the measurement principles of calorimeters, pH meters, electrochemical cells and the fundamentals of catalysis.
LO4 Describe the physical and chemical properties of selected main group elements.
LO5 Use a range of chemical equipment and techniques to perform laboratory procedures.
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.
Students wishing to register for this module are required to have taken Chemical Principles or an equivalent level 6 chemistry module
 
Indicative Content
Thermochemistry
Energy functions. First law of thermodynamics. Enthalpy/Heats of chemical reactions and physical processes. Energy measurements and calorimetry. Numerical calculations.
Elementary Kinetics
Reaction rates. Factors affecting reaction rates. Reaction rates and stoichiometry. Rate laws, order of reactions, and determination of rate constants.
Introduction to Chemical Equilibria.
Dynamic equilibrium. Equilibrium constants and calculations. Homogeneous and heterogeneous equilibria. Factors affecting equilibrium. Le Chateliers principle.
Ionic Equilibria
Electrolytes, Common-ion Effect. Acids/ bases theories, pH scale, buffer solutions. Henderson Hasselbach equation. pH calculations for aqueous solutions.
Oxidation - Reduction Reactions
Oxidation numbers. Redox reactions. Balancing redox equation. Basic electrochemical cells.
Main Group Chemistry
Study of physical and chemical properties of selected main group elements.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Assessment based on heat exchange, reaction rates and equilibrium
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 2,3,5
Assessment Description
Performance of practicals and completion of written reports / assignments with relevant calculations
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final 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 Delivery of theory underpinning learning outcomes Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Practical skills development Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Student independant learning time for this module Every Week 2.00 2
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 5.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Delivery of theory underpinning learning outcomes Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Practical Skills development Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Student independent learning time for this module Every Week 2.00 2
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 5.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Brown, LeMay, Bursten, Murphy, Woodward, Stoltzfus. (2017), Chemistry: The Central Science in SI Units, 14th. Pearson, [ISBN: 9781292221229].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • McMurray, Fay, Robinson. (2015), Chemistry, 7th. [ISBN: 9781292092751].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SCHQA_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Analytical Chemistry with Quality Assurance 2 Mandatory
CR_SESST_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science and Sustainable Technology 2 Mandatory
CR_SINEN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Instrument Engineering 2 Elective
CR_SCHEM_7 Bachelor of Science in Analytical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry 2 Mandatory
CR_SPHYS_7 Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 2 Elective
CR_SPHYS_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 2 Elective
CR_SCHEM_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Chemistry 2 Mandatory