CHEM S251
CHEM S251 |
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Organic and Physical Chemistry |
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Course Coordinator: Dr Christie Ng, PhD
Course Developer: Dr Alfred Leung and Dr C W Chan, OUHK
CHEM S251 is a replacement for CHEM S246. It is suitable for students studying the degree programmes in Environmental Studies and Environmental Studies (with Management).
There is no entry requirement for CHEM S251, however, mathematics skills and university-level English skills will help you to finish this course successfully.
Aims
This middle-level course builds on two major areas in chemistry: one is physical chemistry and the other is organic chemistry. Knowledge of these two subjects will be illustrated with case studies developed around major environmental issues. Physical chemistry is the study of the underlying principles that govern the properties and behaviours of chemical systems. Organic chemistry deals with the synthesis, structure and reactivities of those substances containing a carbon-carbon skeleton as the major backbone. These organic substances originally extracted from living organisms have been divided into different classes characterized by their functional groups attached to the backbone.
Contents
The course covers the following topics:
Block 1 is a preparatory unit that will support your study of the whole course. We assume you have only a preliminary knowledge of chemicals. After this block, the following two blocks (Blocks 2 to 3) focus on the area of physical chemistry. Major concepts include chemical reactions, kinetics, thermochemistry, thermodynamics, and chemical equilibrium. Block 4 moves on to discuss the major chemical species in nature as well as the essential chemicals that make up life processes.
Learning support
There will be regular tutorials and surgeries throughout the course. Regular laboratory sessions will also be arranged during the course where tutors and supervisors will guide you through the experiments related to the course content. Some of the sessions are compulsory and your attendance will be counted towards your course grade.
Assessment
There are four assignments and a final examination. All assignments will count towards the overall continuous assignment score, which counts for 50% of the overall course score. The other 50% of overall course score will be made up by the examination score. Students are required to submit all assignments via the Online Learning Environment (OLE).
Equipment
Students need access to a personal computer or other electronic devices with an internet connection.
Set book(s)
Chang, G (2015) Chemistry, 12th edn, McGraw Hill Publishers.
Students with disabilities or special educational needs
This course contains visual and audio materials that you have to work through in order to complete your studies successfully. You are encouraged to seek further advice from the Course Coordinator if you feel that this will pose any difficulties.
