Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

This course builds upon the high school chemistry levels A and B and provides theoretical and experimental insight in inorganic and organic chemistry. The course provides the basic knowledge that enables the students to grasp fundamental concepts, understand and interpret the technical systems that are studied in the project module of the semester and support the understanding of the working principles of advanced chemical analysis. 

Learning objectives

Knowledge

Students who have passed the module should be able to:

• Explain the fundamental of inorganic thermodynamics and thermodynamic diagrams
• Describe properties of solids that rely on the atomic structure of metals, and ionic compounds
• Describe stereochemistry and coordination chemistry of chemical complexation
• Explain selected theoretical models that predict properties of chemical complexation
• Describe how to manage coupled equilibria systems
• Explain bonding of organic carbon-based compounds and stereochemistry
• Account for functional groups, molecular structures, nomenclature, common trivial names and physical properties
• Account for reactive intermediates (radicals, carbocations, and anions)
• Describe reaction mechanisms of organic reactions
• Explain product distribution and synthesis strategy
• Account for methods for the purification and isolation of organic chemicals
• Account for the influence of ionic strength (non-ideality) when doing calculations on chemical reactions in solution

Skills

• Couple several chemical equilibria of both homogeneous and heterogeneous nature and perform the necessary calculations for determination of the equilibrium state of the coupled system
• Deduce information from various equilibrium diagrams with a particular focus on redox reactions
• Deduce important properties of chemical compounds using the periodic table of elements
• Calculate lattice energies of minerals using Born-Haber cycles and the Born-Landé equation
• Apply the fundamental concepts of isotope and nuclear chemistry
• Use the nomenclature rules to read, interpret and disseminate information related to organic chemicals
• Write reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry and product distributions for selected ionic, organometallic and radical reactions
• Based on synthesis protocols, draw a block diagram showing all steps in the synthesis and the subsequent purification procedure

Competences

• Alter reaction pathways in order to achieve a preferred or particular outcome of an organic or inorganic process
• Apply own knowledge of organic and inorganic chemistry in a technical, biological and ecological contexts

Type of instruction

• Lectures, laboratory exercises, theoretical exercises and workshops

Extent and expected workload

150 hours

Exam

Exams