CM2015: CHEMICAL KINETICS AND THERMODYNAMICS (2020-2021)

Last modified: 05 Aug 2021 13:04

Course Overview

This course covers key concepts in physical chemistry which underpin our understanding and ability to control chemical and biological processes. The principal points include thermodynamics (enthalpy, entropy and free energies), chemical kinetics (zero, 1st and 2nd order reactions, rate laws and half-lives and the relationship of rate laws to reaction mechanisms), and basic principles of electrochemistry (redox chemistry and the Nernst equation). A strong emphasis on calculations helps students get to grips with the course material and develops numeracy skills. Laboratory experiments support and complement the taught material.

Course Details

Study Type	Undergraduate	Level	2
Term	First Term	Credit Points	15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus	Aberdeen	Sustained Study	No
Co-ordinators	Dr Peter A Henderson

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

One of CM1020 Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1 (Passed) or CM1021 Chemistry for the Physical Sciences 1 (Passed) or Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering (Studied) or Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering (Studied)
Either Programme Level 1 or Programme Level 2
One of CM1510 Chemistry 1b: Applications (Passed) or CM1511 Chemistry 1b: Applications (Passed) or CM1512 Chemistry for the Life Sciences 2 (Passed) or CM1513 Chemistry for the Physical Sciences 2 (Passed)
Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

Course Description

This course provides a grounding in basic physical chemistry. The principal points include:

Thermodynamic parameters: enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs energies.
Chemical kinetics: Zero, 1st and 2nd order reactions, partial and reaction orders and relationship of rate laws to mechanism.
Basic principles of electrochemistry including redox chemistry and Nernst equations.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers

Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

4 online pre-lab tests and 4 experiment worksheets - 25%

Online tests split over 2 topic blocks - 25%

2 take home exams, one for each topic block. Written/scanned and submitted online - 50%

Alternative Resit Arrangements for students taking course in Academic Year 2020/21

Resit of failed take-home (48 hour) exam(s) and/or submission of missed, or resubmisison of failed components of lab and/or CA if overall component was failed.

Alternative Resit Arrangements for students who took the course in Academic Year 2019/20 and C8 students

Resit exam

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Level	Thinking Skill	Outcome

Factual	Remember	ILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.