NES1406 : General Chemistry
NES1406 : General Chemistry
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Professor Elizabeth Gibson
- Lecturer: Dr Fabio Cucinotta, Dr Nick Walker
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
Physical chemistry is the study of the fundamental physical laws that underpin the behaviour of molecular systems. It has wide application throughout science. This module reviews the foundations of physical chemistry, including principles of chemical composition, chemical change and chemical equilibria. These concepts will be illustrated with examples from environmental chemistry, food chemistry, and chemical analysis. A blended learning approach will be taken to ensure that students fully understand the applications of each element of the taught material.
Outline Of Syllabus
Each week will comprise of workshops, focusing on taught material and calculations, covering the following topics:
Units and Dimensions
Density
Concentration
Absorption Spectroscopy
Stoichiometry and Yield Density
Thermochemistry
Ideal Gas Law
Colligative Properties
Simple Equilibria
Solubility Product
Acids and Bases
pKa and Buffers
Conductivity and Conductance
Basic Electrochemistry
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
At the end of the module students should:
Understand and be able to carry out calculations regarding the following concepts:
- The importance of dimensions, units, and significant figures.
- How to express concentration in different units and how to interconvert between units
- Thermochemistry and simple equilibria including solubility product and colligative properties
- The concepts of Bronsted acids and bases, pH, pKa, and buffers
- Conductance and electrochemistry
Become adept with basic mathematical operations required to solve physical chemistry problems
Intended Skill Outcomes
At the end of the module students should be able to:
- plan and organise coursework effectively
- have the ability to express physical phenomena in mathematical notation
- have the ability to manipulate mathematical expressions in a chemical context
- have the ability to understand the concepts of precision and accuracy
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Revision and preparation for calculation assessment. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 16:00 | 16:00 | Calculation Assessment |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Lectures, or equivalent, covering integrated taught material and calculations via Canvas and NUMBAS |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | Online practice questions |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Calculation workshops in lecture theatre |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 4 | 3:00 | 12:00 | Advanced calculation workshops in PC clusters |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Each lecturer available during teaching weeks to discuss individually any student questions |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 23:00 | 23:00 | Independent Study |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Induction |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Classes will comprise elements of taught theoretical material and calculations based on that material. Students will be led through exemplary calculations to explain the methodology for problem solving, and then will be provided with unseen calculations to complete with assistance in class. These classes provide the platform knowledge required to complete independent online calculations for summative assessment in order to fulfil the learning outcomes. PC workshops provide the students with an opportunity to gain guided practice in advanced calculations.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | 100 | Online calculation assessments using Canvas and NUMBAS |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | Online calculation assessments using Canvas and NUMBAS |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The online assessments will assess the level of knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the module, including knowledge, understanding, and all aspects of the module.
** Students studying from abroad may request to take their exam before the semester 1 exam period, in which case the format of the paper may differ from that shown in the MOF. These students should contact the school to discuss this **
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NES1406's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- NES1406's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.