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Curricular information is subject to change
On completion of this module students should be able to:
Explain the structures of atoms and molecules.
Discuss the properties of atoms and the ways in which they can react.
Draw the chemical structures of common polymers (synthetic and natural).
Describe the main synthetic approaches to produce polymers.
Explain how the macromolecular structure affects the properties and applications of polymers.
Explain the basic principles of electrochemistry.
Explain energy transfer in chemical reactions.
Discuss how energy can be stored in batteries and capacitors.
Explain the basic principles of photochemistry.
Explain how natural photosynthesis works.
Recognize how the principles of natural photosynthesis can be applied in artificial photosynthesis to tackle persistent environmental problems.
Predict the geometries and polarities of molecules and illustrate their importance in determining molecular function and intermolecular interactions.
Discuss the beneficial impact of medicinal chemistry on human health.
Discuss the importance of chemistry in understanding the natural environment.
Carry out some basic experimental procedures safely and efficiently.
History of the development of atomic theory including the Thomson, Curie and Rutherford experiments.
The importance of charged species in magnetic or electric fields – e.g. in mass spectrometry.
The Bohr model of the atom and the H emission spectrum, the development of the quantum view of the electron.
Isotopes, measurements and uses (including ice core analysis and radioactivity).
Chemical structures of synthetic and natural polymers used in society.
Common synthetic approaches for polymer production.
Structure-property correlations in polymers.
Properties of plastics that contribute to the current plastic crisis.
Basic principles of electrochemistry.
Energy storage in batteries and capacitors.
Applications of energy storage devices.
Basic principles of photochemistry.
Natural and artificial photosynthesis: energy storage in chemical bonds
Alleviation of the greenhouse effect via artificial photosynthesis.
Waste (i.e., plastic) utilization via artificial photosynthesis for the synthesis of “green” fuels and useful chemicals
Structures and Shapes of Molecules (VSEPR); Chirality.
Drawing organic structures, identification of functional groups.
Structure and reactivity of aromatic compounds; basic reactions of carboxylic acids and derivatives; aromaticity, strain and resonance.
Simple calculations using the mole concept (%yield, concentration etc.).
Reaction Energy profiles. Effects of temperature, concentration and catalysts on reaction rates.
Amino acids and introduction to proteins.
Electronegativity and polarity. Bronsted Acids/Bases; equilibria, equilibrium constants; pKa.
History, development and mode of action of aspirin, penicillin and cimetidine.
Introduction to drug design: structure-activity relationships, lead compounds.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the mode of delivery, assessment and content of the module may be subject to change.
Student Effort Type | Hours |
---|---|
Lectures | 24 |
Tutorial | 5 |
Practical | 15 |
Specified Learning Activities | 10 |
Autonomous Student Learning | 48 |
Total | 102 |
Grade H5 or above in Leaving Certificate Higher Level Chemistry, or O1 in Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level Chemistry, or equivalent.
Students who have already passed CHEM10050 may not register to this module in 2020/21 academic year.
Description | Timing | Component Scale | % of Final Grade | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Class Test: Students will be assessed at the end of 4 workgroup sessions (tutorials) and on homework assignments submitted in advance of tutorials. | Throughout the Trimester | n/a | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 20 |
Lab Report: Assessment will be on pre-lab quizzes, in-lab performance and reports for each of 2 practical classes, as well as 2 online/at-home practicals. |
Throughout the Trimester | n/a | Graded | No | 30 |
Examination: Synoptic Exam on Assistant Prof. McGarrigle's part of the course. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the assessment strategy may be subject to change. |
Week 12 | No | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 25 |
Examination: Synoptic exam on lectures by Prof.s Sullivan and Achilleos. The exam and other elements of the assessment strategy for the module may be subject to change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. |
Week 8 | No | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 25 |
Resit In | Terminal Exam |
---|---|
Spring | Yes - 2 Hour |
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
Feedback will be given on Lab reports by return of the report with annotations and laboratory demonstrators will give oral feedback to groups and/or individuals. Feedback will be given on homework assignments by tutors by return of the assignments with written annotations and tutors will give oral feedback to groups during tutorials. Feedback on pre-lab tests may be given through automated online means.
Name | Role |
---|---|
Dr Demetra Achilleos | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
Professor James Sullivan | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |