Students will complete 3 elements of assessment for this module:
1. EXAMINATION 1 (at the end of Semester 1), 1 hour worth 25% of the module (learning outcomes 1 and 2)
2. PRACTICAL PORTFOLIO, worth 50% of the module (learning outcome 3 and 4)
This will include a laboratory notebook, written reports of experiments, a reflective summary of knowledge and skills development (learning outcome 3 and 4)
3. EXAMINATION 2 (at the end of semester 2), 1 hour worth 25% of the module – FINAL (learning outcomes 1 and 2)
Formative assessment: Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via practical classes, reports, and tutorial sessions and specimen exam/test questions

This module covers the essentials of the thermodynamics and kinetics of chemical processes which allow an assessment of the likelihood of spontaneity of reactions with a consideration of the limitations of this approach means by which the rates of reaction can be measured. The concept of the equilibrium constant is explored with relationship to acidity and basicity and the solubility of sparingly soluble materials. The practical exercises illustrate many of the topics covered in the lectures and develop generic skills in making quantitative measurements and producing scientific reports.
Mathematical basics – exponential and logarithmic functions, differential an integral calculus
Thermodynamics –enthalpy changes, variation of ¿H with temperature, entropy and entropy changes, Gibbs free energy and application to equilibrium constants. Solubility products and solubility.
Kinetics – orders of reaction, mathematical treatment of first and second order processes, relationship to mechanisms of reactions. Experimental methods for studying slow and fast reactions.
Strong and weak acids and bases, Ka and Kb, pH of solutions and buffer solutions. Solubility products and the solubility of sparingly soluble salts.
Electrochemistry – reference electrodes and standard reduction potentials, Latimer diagrams and free energy oxidation state diagrams.
Practical exercises chosen to illustrate the concepts could include determination of pKa of a weak acid by volumetric analysis, determination of the order of the reaction between iodine and persulphate, and exploration of the spontaneity of simple redox reactions.

1. Have an understanding of, and an ability to apply, mathematical concepts necessary for a study of physical chemistry
Knowledge & Understanding
Analysis
Application

2. Have a knowledge and understanding of the key features of physical chemistry
Knowledge and Understanding

3. Develop skills for carrying out chemical practical exercises
SS1

4. Collect, evaluate and present quantitative data through practical exercises
Enquiry

Each week there will be a 2-hour interactive lecture / seminar during which students will be introduced to core material and develop their understanding through problem-solving exercises undertaken in class = 48 hours
There will be 16 x 3 hour practical sessions during which students will develop their practical and experimental skills through undertaking a number of laboratory-based exercises that also develop the theoretical aspects of the module = 48 hours
The remaining 204 hours of independent study will be used to research background information related to the delivery of the core material and to build the practical portfolio.

Oxtoby, Gillis and Butler Principles of Modern Chemistry 8th Ed Centgage 2016
Atkins and De Paula Physical chemistry 9th Edition 2009
Silbey and Alberty Physical Chemistry 4th Ed 2005