Print Syllabus

Syllabus

KE0077 Fundamentals in Chemistry I, 15.0 Credits

Grundläggande kemi I

Subjects

Chemistry

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has only upper-secondary level entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G1N)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

- Biology 2
- Physics 1a, or, Physics 1b1+1b2
- Chemistry 2
- Mathematics 4

alternatively


- Biology B
- Physics A
- Chemistry B
- Mathematics D

Objectives

The aim of the course is to give basic knowledge and skills in chemistry.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• use basic chemical terminology and concepts, such as mole, concentration, stoichiometry, equilibrium, chemical formula and reactions;
• explain the structure of atoms and different types of chemical bonding and chemical interactions;
• 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;
• account for the composition, structure and properties of molecules;
• describe essential chemical reaction pathways;
• account for the kinetics of chemical reactions and which factors have an influence on the reaction rates;
• use basic chemical laboratory techniques and analytical methods;
• analyse and present obtained experimental results.

Content

Subject-related content

The course Fundamentals in Chemistry I focuses on the basic concepts of general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry, but includes also important chemical aspects of environmental chemistry and sustainable development.

The course Fundamentals in Chemistry I introduces the relationships between energy and chemical reactions, structure of the atom and the periodic system of the elements, chemical terminology, the basics of laboratory work and lab safety.

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 are highlighted.

Simple organic molecules, proteins and other classes of biomolecules are studied with respect to structures, composition and properties. In addition, the structures of living cells and the flow of genetic information are also introduced. Studies of chemical equilibrium include basic principles, calculations and laboratory sessions concerning equilibria in acid-base reactions, solubility, complex formation and coupled equilibria.

Finally, chemical reactions are studied; the reactions and the reaction mechanisms typical of some functional groups.

Important parts of the theoretical content of the course are highlighted in laboratory exercises.

Teaching formats

To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods are used.

The teacher-supervised parts of the course include pre-recorded lectures, traditional lectures, group discussions, 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.

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

The course focuses on the following generic competencies:

Problem solving, scientific methods, written communication.

The following course components are compulsory:

All laboratory session with the accompanying lab reports, as well as certain lectures, exercises and tutorials.

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

Passing the course requires: Approved written examination, approved laboratory reports and passed written assignments as well as 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 assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a 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

Fundamentals in Chemistry is formally divided into two separate courses (I, 15 credits and II, 7.5 credits) that together constitute a unit where the parts have progressive and interdisciplinary contents. Certain course components may be conducted in English.

Responsible department

Department of Molecular Sciences