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Department of Chemistry, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


CH10172: Physical chemistry 1 for visiting students

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Certificate (FHEQ level 4)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 1
Click here for further information Assessment: EX 100%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites: In taking this unit you cannot take CH10137 or take CH10138You must have A-level Chemistry or equivalent to take this unit.
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
To introduce the basic concepts of physical chemistry upon which understanding of modern chemistry depends. These include the principles governing chemical processes in terms of thermodynamic properties, their measurement, chemical equilibria, and phase behaviour.

Learning Outcomes:
After studying this unit, students should be able to:
* Describe simply the role of thermodynamics, in chemistry;
* Discuss the fundamental ideas lying behind thermodynamics, and how they can be used to interpret chemical behaviour;
* Perform qualitative and quantitative analyses of and solve problems involving thermodynamic concepts and data;
* Solve numerical problems in of thermodynamics;
* Apply some basic mathematical methods to the solution of chemical problems.

Skills:
Numeracy (F, A)
Problem solving (T, F, A)
Oral communication (F).

Content:

* The world of gases: ideal and non-ideal gases. Intermolecular forces: vapours, liquids and solutions. The laws of thermodynamics and thermochemistry: energy changes in chemical reactions. Entropy and free energy.
* Calculation of changes in U, H, S, G under a range of temp., pressure and composition conditions. Le Chatelier principle. Relation between Gibbs free energy and equilibrium constants with examples drawn from chemical reactions, redox and electrochemical processes.
* Phase behaviour of solids, liquids and gases. Qualitative and quantitative characterisation of phase transitions. Emphasis will be placed on the solution of a range of types of problems.
* Quantitative methods and problem solving in chemistry. Revision of basic calculus and trigonometric functions. Application of mathematical methods to solving chemical problems.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

CH10172 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Chemistry
  • USCH-AFT01 : Visiting student in Department of Chemistry (Full-time) - Year 1

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.