Introductory Chemistry

The course comprises a theoretical module and a laboratory module. Learning outcomes 8 and 9 are only part of the laboratory module while the other components can be addressed in either module. Learning outcome 1: Basics of quantum mechanics; the Schrödinger equation and its time-independent solution in one dimension, application to the hydrogen atom and the particle in a box, and the interpretation of solutions using quantum numbers. Learning outcome 2: The periodic table and its background, periods, groups, electron configuration, Pauli principle, Hund's rule, Aufbau principle, trends in the periodic table regarding atom radius, ion radius, ionization energies,electron affinity, electronegativity, description of the properties of the most common elements. Learning outcome 3: Chemical bonding; Lewis structures (including resonance structures and formal charge), ionic bonding, covalent bonding, hybridisation, electron sharing, LCAO-MO. Learning outcome 4: Key concepts; empirical formula, formula unit, dipole moment, band theory, ligand theory, crystal structure, cubic cell unit. Learning outcome 5: Simple cubic unit cell (scc), body-centred cubic unit cell (bcc), face-centred cubic unit cell (fcc). Learning outcome 6: Lewis structures, geometry based on electron groups, bonding electron groups and free electron pairs, intramolecular and intermolecular forces. Learning outcome 7: Nomenclature for ionic compounds and polyatomic ions. Learning outcome 8: Practical laboratory work and knowledge of the most common equipment in a chemical laboratory. Learning outcome 9: Laboratory instructions and risk assessments, documentation in lab journals and lab reports.