Module Details

Module Code: CHEM6004
Title: Fundamental Physical Chemistry
Long Title: Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2012/13 ( September 2012 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4421 - Chemistry
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces students of physical sciences to the concepts of thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acid-base behaviour, and electrochemistry.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Define various fundamental laws of physical chemistry.
LO2 Perform basic calculations regarding heat changes, reaction rates, and equilibrium states.
LO3 Describe the operating principles of simple electrochemical cells.
LO4 Employ a range of instrumental and non-instrumental laboratory techniques for the measurement of physical parameters.
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
Thermodynamics
Energy functions. First law of thermodynamics. Heats of chemical reactions and physical processes. Energy measurement and calorimetry. Numerical calculations.
Kinetics
Factors affecting reaction rates. Rate laws, order of reactions, determination of rate constants. Collision theory. Activation energy, catalysis.
Chemical Equilibria
Dynamic equilibrium. Equilibrium laws for gaseous and liquid systems. Factors affecting equilibrium, Le Chatelier’s principle. Equibrium calculations.
Ionic Equilibria
Electolytes. Solubility product, common ion effect. Acid/base therories, pH scale , buffer solutions, Henderson-Hasselbach equation. pH calculations for aqueous solutions.
Electrochemistry
Conduction. Oxidation – reduction. Electrochemical cells. Faraday’s laws and electrolysis. Potential, batteries and fuel cells.
Practical Programme
Introductory experiments in thermochemistry, kinetics, equilibrium, instrumental analysis
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
Assessment Description
Theory assessment
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 2,4
Assessment Description
Performance of practicals and submission of written reports 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
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 Theory Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact One 3-hr practical lab. session each week over an 8-week period Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Personal study Every Week 2.00 2
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 5.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Brown, LeMay, Bursten, Murphy, Woodward. (2009), Chemistry, 11th. Prentice Hall, Harlow, [ISBN: 0136006175].
  • John E. McMurry, Robert C. Fay. (2008), Chemistry, 5th. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, [ISBN: 0131993232].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Ralph H. Petrucci, F. Geoffrey Herring, Jeffry D. Madura, Carey Bissonnette,. (2011), General Chemistry: Principles and Modern Applications with MasteringChemistry, 10th. Prentice Hall, [ISBN: 0136121497].
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_SOMNI_7 Physical Sciences (Common Entry) 2 Group Elective 2
CR_SOMNI_8 Physical Sciences (Common Entry) 2 Group Elective 2