Syllabus

KE0062 Fundamentals in Chemistry I, 15.0 Credits

Subjects

Education cycle

Modules

Advanced study in the main field

Grading scale

Language

Prior knowledge

Objectives

Fundamentals in Chemistry is formally divided into two course modules (I, 15 credits and II, 7.5 credits) that together constitute a unit where the parts have progressive and interdisciplinary contents. The aim of the course is to give basic knowledge and skills in chemistry with an emphasis on the demands of subsequent courses in soil sciences, environmental sciences, food sciences and biology.

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• use basic chemical terminology

• describe the principles that govern energy transformation and chemical reactions

• account for different types of electromagnetic radiation and give examples of how it interacts with matter

• account for environmentally related processes from a chemical perspective

• explain the structure of atoms and different types of chemical bonding and chemical interactions

• account for the composition, structure and properties of molecules

• describe essential chemical reaction pathways

• account for the kinetics of chemical reactions and how they can be influenced

• use basic chemical laboratory techniques and analytical methods

• analyse and present obtained experimental results

Content

The courses Fundamentals in Chemistry I and II are divided into so called theme blocks, in which a part of the course content is set in focus. Each theme block is completed with a summarising discussion using examples from current research or from current societal or environmental problems. Both courses highlight central issues within environmental chemistry and sustainable development with seminars on current issues.

The course Fundamentals in Chemistry I begins with an introduction to relationships between energy and chemical reactions, structure of the atom and the periodic system of the elements, chemical terminology, lab safety and laboratory work.

With a focus on the atmosphere, basic chemical concepts and interactions between light and matter are studied. The different types of chemical interactions in bindings, the greenhouse effect, air pollutions, electromagnetic radiation, photochemistry and the principles of spectroscopy are included. Chemical energy, energy production and its environmental impact will be highlighted.

The structure of molecules, the different classes of biomolecules and secondary metabolites and the structure and folding of proteins are then studied. Laboratory parts with a specialisation in chemical separation and analysis are connected to these sections.

Studies of chemical equilibrium include basic principles, calculations and laboratory sessions concerning equilibria in acid-base reactions, solubility, complex formation and coupled equilibria. This block also includes the folding equilibria of proteins, aggregation and molecules binding to proteins (e g drugs or pollutants).

Kinetics, catalysis and enzymes are treated together and include basic kinetics including calculations, catalysis in exhaust emission control technology and green chemistry and enzyme kinetics according to Michaelis-Menten including effects of different inhibitors on the activity of enzymes. The block includes group work or research presentations concerning some general used enzyme inhibitor in e g herbicides.

Finally, chemical reactions are studied; the reactions and the reaction mechanisms typical of some functional groups, example of enzymatically catalysed reaction mechanisms and biochemical regulation.

The teacher-supervised parts of the course include both traditional lectures, laboratory sessions and exercises in smaller groups as well as seminars and supervised self-study. In addition to teacher-supervised time, the student is assumed to carry out an essential amount of self-studies using both regular course material and interactive study materials.

Some teaching activities are compulsory, mainly seminars, laboratory sessions and presentations, but also certain lectures and exercises.

Training in scientific presentation is exercised (written and oral) through e g writing of memos, presentation of laboratory result and active discussion in seminars.

Grading form

Formats and requirements for examination

Examination formats: Written examination, compulsory presentations of laboratory results and of written assignments, compulsory laboratory practicals and written assignments.

Passing the course requires: Approved examination, approved laboratory reports and passed written assignments and approved participation in compulsory components.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
• For the examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information

Responsible department

Department of Molecular Sciences