Print Syllabus

Syllabus

KE0071 Basic Chemistry, 7.5 Credits

Grundläggande kemi

Subjects

Horticultural Science Chemistry Chemistry Horticultural science

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Advanced study in the main field

G1N

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to

- Natural Science 2

- Mathematics 2a or 2b or 2c

Objectives

The course provides a holistic view integrating chemistry as a part of horticultural science. The student develops a chemical way of thinking as a base for further studies and for sustainable development for the professional role. Student takes part in an active and critical way in the public debate in the green sector.

On completion of the course, students will be able to:


• describe central chemical concepts and connections, especially those with importance on plant nutrition, environment and sustainable development

• orient in the chemical methods and way of working, and understand qualitative and quantitative problem solving as well as orient in the environmental management system (ISO)

• identify the most important chemical groups

• to give examples of the connection between chemical structures and their effects on organisms and the environment

• be informed about Swedish and UN Sustainability Goals and understand his/her professional role in the green sector in working towards sustainable development

• write an elementary laboratory report.

Content

In the course, different ways of teaching are applied to promote student activity and discussion: lectures and exercises, flipped class room, laboratory practicals and quizzes.



Lectures, seminars: Basic theory and concepts in chemistry, such as atom structure, the periodic system and chemical binding are taken up. Fundamental chemical laws, reaction formulas, calculations, simple redox processes, acids and bases, pH and pOH, and the meaning of buffer system are discussed. Characteristics and nomenclature of the most important chemical subject groups are studies. Examples of environmental pollution (e.g. halogenated organic substances, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), brominated flame retardants, heavy metals) and connections between the chemical structure and biological effects are discussed. Actual research results enlightening the chemical background to different environmental problems preventing sustainable development are discussed.

Action with the green sector and the society, and connections to the international research are taken up through guest lectures, presentations and demonstrations. Swedish environmental laws, UN Sustainability Goals (Agenda 2030) and other environmental and sustainability matters are discussed from a chemical, social and ethical point of views.

Calculation exercises: Problem solving with focus on different strategies is trained in minor tutorial groups.

Laboraty practicals: Adequate laboratory safety is taken up. Basic analysis techniques such as titration and gravimetry are trained. Students analyse own soil samples with the ISO 10390 method and relate to the acidification in different parts of Sweden. A scientific way of working and thinking is applied and writing a report adapted to the future professional role are trained.

Scheduled laboratory work, exercises and guest lectures are mandatory.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

Passed written exam, passed laboratory reports and approved participation in compulsory components are required.

• 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

The used pedagogics takes to account the variable natural science skills students may have prior to the course.

Responsible department

Department of Plant Protection Biology