CH101 - Chemistry

Instructors: Dr. David Cheung, Prof. Paul Murphy, Dr. Miriam O’Duill, Dr. Luca Ronconi (Coordinator)

Module Overview and General Aims

This Module lays a broad foundation in chemistry for students who have an option of continuing to study
chemistry in subsequent years. Some of these students will study chemistry to degree level and pursue
careers as chemists. The Module assumes no prior knowledge of chemistry, although a significant
minority of students will have a Level 5 (NFQ Level 5) qualification in chemistry.
The aim is to provide the learner with the knowledge, skills and competences associated with molecular
and physico-chemical approaches to the study of matter and of chemical change. The Module is designed
to develop an understanding of how chemicals function in “real world” applications and how chemistry
integrates with human, social and environmental issues. Students will also develop the knowledge, skills
and competences appropriate for effective and safe work in a chemistry laboratory.

Module Delivery
The Module runs over both semesters I and II (24 weeks overall, 12 in Semester I/12 in Semester II).
The theory course is delivered in 72 lectures (normally 3 one-hour lectures per week, 36 in Semester I/36
in Semester II) and 18 tutorials (normally 1 one-hour tutorial per week, 9 in Semester I/9 in Semester II).
In order to improve the learning process and facilitate the effective interaction between the students and
the lecturers, the same tutorial is delivered twice per week.

There are 40 hours of laboratory work split into 16 practical sessions of 2.5 hours each (1 practical per
week, 8 in Semester I/8 in Semester II). Students will be notified by the College the day of practicals and
allocated a bench number. To gain admittance to the laboratory students must attend the pre-practical talk
held prior to the beginning of each practical session.

Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this Module, the learner will be able to:
LO1 predict chemical formulas of compounds using valence considerations and the knowledge of
simple and complex cations and anions;
LO2 perform mass- and mole-type calculations, to include isotopes, chemical equations and chemical
analyses;
LO3 use models of structure at the atomic/molecular level, including intermolecular forces, to explain
the physical properties of matter and the properties of solutions;
LO4 draw representations of the bonding and geometry of simple inorganic and organic molecules and
ions, to include Lewis structures, resonance structures, formal charges, ionic character, and the use
of Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory;
LO5 show how acid-base, redox and precipitation reactions in aqueous solutions are used for
qualitative and quantitative analyses;
LO6 solve basic quantitative problems involving chemical equilibrium and chemical kinetics, to
include thermochemistry, entropy, Gibbs free energy, the direction of spontaneous change, and the
effect of temperature on the rate of reactions;
LO7 name inorganic and organic compounds according to IUPAC nomenclature;

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LO8 demonstrate familiarity with the chemistry of representative elements and their compounds, and
with the structure and reactivity of the main organic functional groups;
LO9 rationalize the properties of the elements and their compounds using basic quantum-mechanical
models (including electron configuration, atomic spectra and periodic trends), and using the
concepts of oxidation state and charge density;
LO10 draw mechanisms for a range of simple organic reactions;
LO11 relate the chemical properties of selected elements and compounds to their uses, human and social
relevance, and environmental impact.
On successful completion of the associated practical work in the laboratory, the learner will be able to:
LO12 analyze salts for the presence of common cations and anions, and simple organic substances for
the presence of common functional groups;
LO13 use appropriate laboratory techniques and equipment to synthesize, separate and purify chemical
compounds;
LO14 use titrimetry and physico-chemical techniques for quantitative analysis and to determine physico-
chemical properties;
LO15 implement safe work practices in a chemistry laboratory, to include awareness of common hazards
and appropriate safety precautions;
LO16 report to a scientifically acceptable standard on laboratory work.

Textbook and Reference Material

• J.C. Kotz, P.M. Treichel, J.R. Townsend, D.A. Treichel, Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity, 10th Ed.,
Cengage Learning, 2017
• First Year Chemistry Laboratory Manual (to be purchased from PrintThat prior to commencing the
practicals).
For all practicals, students MUST purchase their white laboratory coat and safety glasses
(available at the SU shop)
• Lecture notes, slides and literature papers provided in due course on Blackboard

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Module Outline

Credits
Topic Class/Laboratory time
(15 overall)
Semester I
Basic concepts of chemistry, the structure of atoms
12 Lectures + 3 Tutorials
and molecules
Lectures

Chemical reactions, stoichiometry and chemical 6

12 Lectures + 3 Tutorials
reactivity
Bonding and molecular structure 12 Lectures + 3 Tutorials
Introduction to the chemistry laboratory 1 Practical
Qualitative analysis of inorganic salts 2 Practicals
Laboratory

Inorganic synthesis 1 Practical 1.5

Quantitative analysis 3 Practicals

Thermochemistry 1 Practical

Semester II
Organic chemistry 12 Lectures + 3 Tutorials
Lectures

Physical chemistry 12 Lectures + 3 Tutorials 6

Inorganic chemistry 12 Lectures + 3 Tutorials
Chromatography and molecular structure 1 Practical
Identification of organic compounds 3 Practicals
Laboratory

Organic synthesis 1 Practical

1.5
Spectrophotometry 1 Practical
Kinetics 1 Practical
Chemical equilibrium 1 Practical

Semester I
 Basic concepts of chemistry, the structure of atoms and molecules (Dr. Luca Ronconi)
Syllabus and homework (J.C. Kotz et al., Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity, 10th Ed., 2017)
- Chapter 1: Basic concepts of chemistry
- Chapter 2: Atoms, molecules and ions
- Chapter 6: The structure of atoms
Contents:
- Classification and properties of matter
- Elements, atoms, compounds and molecules
- Atomic number and mass number
- Isotopes and calculation of atomic masses from isotopic masses and natural abundances
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- The Periodic Table
- Interpretation, prediction and drawing of formulas of ionic and molecular compounds
- Naming ionic and molecular compounds
- The concept of mole and the use of molar mass in calculations
- Derivation of chemical formulas (including empirical, molecular, structural and condensed formulas)
from experimental data
- Properties of the electromagnetic radiation and the wave-particle duality
- The atomic structure, the atomic quantum numbers and their use to predict the electron configuration
of atoms

 Chemical reactions, stoichiometry and chemical reactivity (Prof. Paul Murphy)

Syllabus and homework (J.C. Kotz et al., Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity, 10th Ed., 2017)
- Chapter 3: Chemical reactions
- Chapter 4: Stoichiometry: quantitative information about chemical reactions
- Chapter 5: Principles of chemical reactivity: energy and chemical reactions
Contents:
- Reactants, products and stoichiometric coefficients in the chemical reactions
- Aqueous solutions and solubility
- Balancing simple chemical reactions
- Definition of acids and bases, and their behavior in aqueous solution
- The oxidation numbers and their use in oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions
- Stoichiometric calculations using balanced chemical equations
- The concept of limiting reactant and its consequences in chemical reactions
- Theoretical and actual percent yields of chemical reactions
- Definition, measurement and calculation of the concentration of chemical compounds in solution
- The transfer of energy as heat associated with changes in temperature and changes of state
- The First Law of Thermodynamics
- Definition of state functions (enthalpy, internal energy) and their relationship with chemical reactions
- Calculation of the energy evolved or required for physical changes and chemical reactions using the
tables of thermodynamic data

 Bonding and molecular structure (Prof. Paul Murphy)

Syllabus and homework (J.C. Kotz et al., Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity, 10th Ed., 2017)
- Chapter 8: Bonding and molecular structure
- Chapter 9: Bonding and molecular structure: orbital hybridization and Molecular Orbitals
Contents:
- Application of valence, octet rule and formal charges to draw Lewis structures of simple chemical
compounds
- Selected exceptions to the octet rule (e.g. B2H6, NO, NO2, O2)
- Application of the expanded octet to draw Lewis structures of PCl5, SF4, BrF3 and SF6
- Definition of electronegativity and its periodic trends according to the Pauling scale
- Dipole moments and classification of bond polarity
- Derivation of the shape of molecules from Lewis structures and according to the Valence Shell
Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory
- Prediction of bond angles using the VSEPR theory
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- Classification of intermolecular forces (e.g. hydrogen bonding and London dispersion forces) and
their effects on physical properties
- Description of the hybridization model and the Valence Bond (VB) theory (including their
limitations), and their practical applications to derive the molecular geometry of simple chemical
compounds

Semester II
 Organic chemistry (Dr. Miriam O’Duill)
Syllabus and homework (J.C. Kotz et al., Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity, 10th Ed., 2017)
- Chapter 23: Carbon: not just another element
Contents:
- Drawing accurately the structures of organic compounds from chemical formulas and by applying
Lewis method and the VSEPR theory where appropriate
- Naming organic compounds according to IUPAC rules and nomenclature (including the concept of
cis-trans and the E-Z priority rules in naming alkenes)
- The main organic functional groups (including alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, ethers, benzene,
phenols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amines and amides) and their general reactivity
- How functional groups determine a molecule’s reactivity and physical properties
- Acidity and basicity, acid/base reactions
- Curly arrow mechanisms
- Electrophiles and nucleophiles
- Chemical bonding in organic compounds (e.g. alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, benzene, aldehydes, ketones
and amines) using the hybridization model (sp, sp2 and sp3)
- The concept of chirality

 Physical chemistry (Dr. David Cheung)

Syllabus and homework (J.C. Kotz et al., Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity, 10th Ed., 2017)
- Chapter 10: Gases and their properties
- Chapter 11: Intermolecular forces and liquids
- Chapter 13: Solutions and their behavior
- Chapter 15: Principles of chemical reactivity: equilibria
- Chapter 16: Principles of chemical reactivity: the chemistry of acids and bases
- Chapter 17: Principles of chemical reactivity: other aspects of aqueous equilibria
- Chapter 18: Principles of chemical reactivity: entropy and free energy
- Chapter 14: Chemical kinetics: the rates of chemical reactions
Contents:
- Role of the intermolecular forces in determining the physical state of substances (contribution to the
properties of liquids, relationship with solubility, driving forces for the formation of solutions)
- Chemical equilibrium and the effect of concentration and temperature
- Evaluation of the equilibrium constants of reactions and the concentration of reactants and products
at the equilibrium
- Application of the principles of chemical equilibrium to acid-base reactions and solubility
- Basic of entropy and Gibbs free energy, and their contribution to the direction of spontaneous change
- The concept of reaction rate and the effect induced by altering the temperature or adding a catalyst

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 Inorganic chemistry (Dr. Luca Ronconi)
Syllabus and homework (J.C. Kotz et al., Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity, 10th Ed., 2017)
- Chapter 7: The structure of atoms and periodic trends
- Chapter 15: Principles of chemical reactivity: equilibria
- Chapter 16: Principles of chemical reactivity: the chemistry of acids and bases
- Chapter 17: Principles of chemical reactivity: other aspects of aqueous equilibria
- Chapter 21: The chemistry of the Main Group elements
Contents:
- The periodic properties/trends of the elements
- Definition and identification of metals, non-metals and semimetals
- Chemical families of the main group elements
- Chemical and physical properties/trends of the elements belonging to the same chemical family
(including the diagonal relationship and the inert pair effect)
- Chemistry, bonding, composition and structure of selected compounds of the main group elements
- Practical application of the principles of stoichiometry (e.g. stoichiometric coefficients and
calculations, reactions going to completion vs. reactions at the equilibrium, reactions in gaseous
phase, homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions, acid-base reactions, pH, solubility, etc.
- Practical uses and implications of selected main group elements and derivatives to socially relevant
general themes, and their environmental impact

Module Assessment
The Module is assessed over two Semesters as follows.
 Two formal written examinations at the end of each Semester on the theory course (worth 60%
overall):
• Paper-1  multiple choice question (MCQ) examination at the end of Semester I (worth 30%)
• Paper-2  short-answer questions and problems examination at the end of Semester II (worth 30%)
 Continuous Assessment (CA, worth 40% overall):
• mandatory attendance to laboratory sessions and pre-practical talks, and submission of a written
report on the laboratory work each week (worth 30%)
• weekly online homework on topics dealt with during lectures/tutorials and a formal open-book
MCQ examination on the laboratory work at the end of Semester II (worth 10%)
Marks of laboratory reports and online homework will be available on Blackboard in due course.
Results of Paper-1 examination will be returned on Blackboard as provisional grades (not as percentage)
as follows:
• grade A: 70-100%
• grade B: 60-69%
• grade C: 50-59%
• grade D: 40-49%
• grade E+: 35-39%
• grade E-: 30-34%
• grade F: 0-29%

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Students will be communicated the aggregate mark for the Module after the correction of Paper-2 is
complete.
A student will have passed if the mark in the CA component is at least 35% and the aggregate mark for
the Module is at least 40%.
A student will be deemed incomplete if the mark in the CA component is less than 35%, and will not be
able to progress regardless of the performance in the written examination(s) for the Module in the 1st
sitting. In this case, the student cannot re-sit either, and must re-register for the Module the following
year and re-engage in all parts of the Module again.
A student will have failed the 1st sitting where the mark in the CA component is at least 35% but the
overall Module mark is less than 40%. In this case, the student must repeat the two written examinations
(that is, both Paper-1 and Paper-2) in the 2nd sitting with a view to improving the overall Module mark,
retaining the CA mark from the 1st sitting. Should the student underperform also in the 2nd sitting (that is,
by obtaining an aggregate mark for the Module lower than 40%), they will have failed the 2nd sitting and
will have to re-register for the Module the following year and re-engage in all parts of the Module
again.

Written Exams
Two sample exam papers from past Paper-1 examinations can be found in the "Lecture Notes &
Resources" section on Blackboard, whereas past Paper-2 examinations are available in the Exam Papers
Archive (http://library.nuigalway.ie/collections/specialcollections/exampapersarchive/) of the James
Hardiman Library. Note that, according to the School of Chemistry policy, past Paper-1 examinations and
past repeat (i.e. 2nd sitting exam papers) Paper-2 examinations are not made available.

 Paper-1  MCQ examination at the end of Semester I

The written examination of 2 h duration will be marked out of 100 and will be divided into three parts
(sections A, B and C) each containing 15 MCQs (45 MCQs overall). Students are required to answer
all MCQs.
Questions will be allocated to the three sections as follows:
• Section A: Basic concepts of chemistry (Dr. Luca Ronconi)
• Section B: Chemical reactions, stoichiometry and chemical reactivity (Prof. Paul Murphy)
• Section C: Bonding and molecular structure (Prof. Paul Murphy)

 Paper-2  short-answer questions and problems examination at the end of Semester II

The written examination of 2 h duration will be marked out of 100 and will divided into three parts
(sections A, B and C). Students are required to answer questions from all three sections (each
containing an internal choice as described in the exam paper).
Questions will be allocated to the three sections as follows:
• Section A: Organic chemistry (Dr. Miriam O’Duill)
• Section B: Physical chemistry (Dr. David Cheung)
• Section C: Inorganic chemistry (Dr. Luca Ronconi)

Continuous Assessment
 Attendance  mandatory to pre-practical talks and subsequent laboratory sessions
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 Laboratory reports  written report of the laboratory work submitted each week through
Blackboard
Templates of the laboratory reports are printed in the laboratory manual. Downloadable templates of
the laboratory reports (as Word documents) will be available in due course in the "Lab Reports
Submission" section on Blackboard.
Attending the laboratory only is not enough to get credits: practicals must be completed satisfactorily
and completed laboratory reports must be submitted weekly through Blackboard by the relevant
deadline (see table below).

Day of the Practical Submission deadline

Monday the following Saturday by 5pm
Tuesday the following Sunday by 5pm
Wednesday the following Monday by 5pm
Thursday the following Tuesday by 5pm
Friday the following Wednesday by 5pm
Each report will be marked out of 10. A “zero” will be assigned for late or no submission.

 Online homework  weekly assignments to be worked out online over the two semesters
A total of 18 online homework (each marked out of 10) will be assigned on a weekly basis and will
need to be completed and submitted through Blackboard by the relevant deadline (to be announced in
due course).

 Examination on laboratory work  MCQ examination at the end of Semester II

The written examination of 30 min duration will be marked out of 10 and will comprise of 20 MCQs
related to the laboratory work carried out in Practicals 1-15 (not Practical 16). Students are required to
answer all MCQs.
It will take place at the end of Semester II during the normal laboratory session in the laboratory,
immediately following the pre-practical talk on the day of the last practical (that is, Practical 16).

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Guidelines for Completing an MCQ Test (Paper-1)
The following marking scheme is used in grading MCQ examinations with one correct answer choice:
• correct answer = +1
• unattempted question or incorrect answer (including multiple answers to the same question) = 0
Some tips for answering MCQs follow.
• Write your full name, Module code, date and student ID as shown in the figure below (reporting the
top panel of an MCQ answer sheet).

John Smith

CH101-1 Chemistry

• Write your full name and student ID on the top of the examination paper.
• Read the questions carefully before attempting to answer.
• Mark up your answers on the exam paper first, then enter the correct answers onto the answer sheet as
indicated in the figure below (showing a sample of the main body of the answer sheet; note panel for
questions 21-25 filled in correctly).

• Use a HB pencil or blue or black biro to mark the answers on the answer sheet.
• Answers cannot be changed easily on the answer sheet: unclear marks on this sheet may not be read
correctly by the machine; correcting fluid must be used to cancel incorrect answers.
• Both the examination paper and the answer sheet must be returned to the examiners/invigilators
and not to be moved from the exam venue.