The following syllabus provides a general guide to the topics to be discussed:

Atomic structure and bonding: electronic structure of atoms, quantum numbers, orbitals and energy levels, filling sequence, periodicity of atomic properties, octet ‘rule’, chemical bonds - ionic, covalent - energetics, H-bonds, Lewis structures, shapes of molecules, VSEPR theory, valence bond theory, hybridisation, resonance, molecular orbital theory of simple homonuclear diatomic molecules.

Equilibrium: Haber process as example of the Law of mass action, equilibrium constants, Kc and Kp, Le Chatelier’s principle, reaction quotient, endo- and exo-thermic reactions.

Acids/bases and aqueous equilibria: classical, Lowry-Brønsted, and Lewis definitions, pH of aqueous solutions, strengths of acids and bases - Ka and Kb, titration curves, buffers, extent of hydrolysis - weak acids/bases, solubility products.

Introductory thermodynamics: Energy - different forms, kinetic and potential, heat and work, the First Law of Thermodynamics, conservation of energy, internal energy and enthalpy, Hess’ Law, state functions, standard states, calorimetry.

Electrochemistry: redox reactions, half-cell reactions and balancing equations, oxidation states, Voltaic cells, electrodes, electrode potentials, electromotive force and the free energy of cell reactions, Nernst equation.

Advanced thermodynamics: entropy, Second and Third Laws of Thermodynamics, free energy, equilibrium, spontaneous processes, equilibrium constants - calculations, extent of reaction.

Organic structure, isomerism & reactivity: carbon hybridization, functional groups, nomenclature, 3D chemistry, conformations, isomerism, biological and synthetic polymers – for example, polyamides and polysaccharides.

Laboratory: Exercises illustrating the simpler principles of analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. The apparatus used in the course is supplied by the Research School of Chemistry. Attendance at laboratory classes is compulsory.

Honours Pathway Option (HPO)

Replacement of 12 tutorials with 12 additional lectures at a more advanced level. The HPO is designed for students with a strong interest in chemistry from school, Science Summer School, Olympiad or equivalent. It is expected that all students in the PhB, or Honours degree programs enrolled in CHEM1101 will complete the HPO.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the electronic structure of an atom and the concept of chemical bonding and be able to interpret the relationships between them. (LO1)

• Demonstrate an understanding of the laws of thermodynamics, heat changes in reactions and entropy.  Be able to explain whether a reaction is spontaneous. (LO2)

•  Demonstrate an understanding of chemical equilibria, acids and bases and the processes occurring in solution.  Be able to perform quantitative calculations. (LO3)

• Be able to interpret a developed thin layer chromatogram. (LO4)

• Be able to demonstrate an insight and understanding into the bonding and structure of a variety of simple organic molecules, including isomerism and stereochemistry. (LO5)

• Be able to demonstrate the use of chemical nomenclature and the knowledge of the classification, properties and reactions of a wide variety of organic compounds according to the functional groups they contain. (LO6)

• Recognise the importance of chemistry in the biological sciences and society at large . Be able to apply chemical concepts to the understanding of biological structures and processes. (LO7)

• Demonstrate the ability to perform safe laboratory manipulations and to manipulate glassware.  Be able to perform volumetric analysis and chemical synthesis following a prescribed procedure. (LO8)

25% by laboratory work, 6% by online quizzes and 69% by exam.

HPO Proposed Assessment: The standard course will count 90% towards the final grade and the Honours Pathway Option 10%.

A maximum of 48 hours of lectures/tutorials and 27 hours of laboratory classes.

.

Chemistry Cubed:Introducing Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry by Burrows, Parson and Price