CH164-15 Atoms and Molecules
Introductory description
This module is a self-contained and integrated introduction to bonding models in chemistry. Here, five core topics will be covered, namely:
- Origins and history of chemistry
- The shapes of molecules
- Atoms, orbitals and periodic trends
- From atomic orbitals to molecular orbitals
- Understanding structure and bonding using molecular orbitals
Together, these topics will enable students to discuss molecular structure and bonding across a wider variety of molecules.
Module aims
The overall module aim is to build up knowledge of the different models used to describe chemical bonding and structure across the chemical sciences.
Students will learn about the different fundamental models used to describe the structure and bonding of molecules, ranging from rigorous mathematical models based on quantum mechanics to more qualitative models such as VSEPR. The strengths and weaknesses of these different models will be presented and demonstrated by applications to understand structure, bonding and spectroscopy in a range of different technologically and biologically relevant molecules.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Week 1: Origins and history of chemistry
History of Chemistry, Fundamental particles: Protons, neutrons and electrons, The Elements and where they came from, Bonding types
Week 2: The shapes of molecules
Lewis structures, VSEPR, Symmetry elements in molecules, Assigning point groups as a labelling system of molecules, Applications of point groups
Week 3: Atoms, orbitals and periodic trends
Why do we need quantum mechanics, quantisation, light, Atomic orbitals and quantum numbers, Aufbau and atomic configuration, Trends across periodic table
Week 4: From atomic orbitals to molecular orbitals
MOs as linear combinations of atomic orbitals, Potential energy curves for H2, H2+, Homo-diatomics, Hetero-diatomics, MOs for polyatomics.
Week 5: Understanding structure and bonding using molecular orbitals
Hybridisation as a general concept, Single bonds and multiple bonds across the periodic table, Conjugation and Aromaticity, Electrophiles and Nucleophiles, Curly arrows.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Gain an understanding of the models used to describe the structure, bonding and properties of molecules and matter.
- Understand how quantum mechanics leads to key chemical concepts such as atomic orbitals, molecular orbitals, and quantization of energy.
- Appreciate the limitations of different bonding models and be able to choose the most appropriate model for a given chemical problem.
Indicative reading list
Atkins’’s Physical Chemistry
McQuarrie’s Physical Chemistry: A molecular approach
Subject specific skills
Numeracy
Problem solving
Time management and organization
Critical thinking
Transferable skills
Numeracy
Problem solving
Time management and organization
Critical thinking
Study time
Type | Required |
---|---|
Lectures | 30 sessions of 1 hour (20%) |
Tutorials | 3 sessions of 1 hour (2%) |
Practical classes | 3 sessions of 1 hour (2%) |
Other activity | 4 hours (3%) |
Private study | 108 hours 30 minutes (72%) |
Assessment | 1 hour 30 minutes (1%) |
Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
N/A
Other activity description
Revision workshops
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group B
Weighting | Study time | |
---|---|---|
Examination | 100% | 1 hour 30 minutes |
Written examination
|
Feedback on assessment
Cohort level examination feedback provided via Moodle following the Exam Board.
Courses
This module is Core for:
-
UCHA-4 Undergraduate Chemistry (with Intercalated Year) Variants
- Year 1 of F101 Chemistry (with Intercalated Year)
- Year 1 of F122 Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry (with Intercalated Year)
-
UCHA-3 Undergraduate Chemistry 3 Year Variants
- Year 1 of F100 Chemistry
- Year 1 of F100 Chemistry
- Year 1 of F121 Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry
-
UCHA-F110 Undergraduate Master of Chemistry (with Industrial Placement)
- Year 1 of F100 Chemistry
- Year 1 of F110 MChem Chemistry (with Industrial Placement)
- Year 1 of F112 MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry with Industrial Placement
- Year 1 of UCHA-F107 Undergraduate Master of Chemistry (with Intercalated Year)
-
UCHA-F109 Undergraduate Master of Chemistry (with International Placement)
- Year 1 of F109 MChem Chemistry (with International Placement)
- Year 1 of F111 MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry (with International Placement)
-
UCHA-4M Undergraduate Master of Chemistry Variants
- Year 1 of F100 Chemistry
- Year 1 of F105 Chemistry
- Year 1 of F110 MChem Chemistry (with Industrial Placement)
- Year 1 of F109 MChem Chemistry (with International Placement)
- Year 1 of F125 MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry
- Year 1 of UCHA-F127 Undergraduate Master of Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry(with Intercalated Year)