Module Directory

The module aims to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of chemistry needed to underpin advanced study in Life Sciences. This involves an understanding of the basic facts, concepts and terminology of chemistry as well as competence in skills relevant to modern Life Sciences.

The aims of this module are:

• To ensure that students obtain a broad understanding of basic concepts and terminology of chemistry.


• To enable students to develop their knowledge and understanding by conducting general practical experiments.


• To enable students to describe, explain and analyse at the entry-level fundamental concepts relating to chemistry.


• To enhance students' knowledge of and interest in chemistry by preparing them for undergraduate study in the School of Life Sciences.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental principles of chemistry.


2. Apply knowledge of chemistry to perform calculations, interpret scientific data and analyse problems.


3. Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the fundamental principles of chemistry by clearly communicating ideas in writing.


4. Express complex concepts using accurate terminology in an appropriate academic style.


5. Demonstrate competence in (a) recording, analysis and interpretation of experimental data and (b) written communication of experimental results.

Skills for your professional life (Transferable Skills)

By the end of this module, students will have been offered opportunities:

1. To improve your literacy and numeracy skills.


2. To develop skills in preparative and analytical chemistry through experimentation.


3. To develop your IT skills by learning to work with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), laboratory simulation and other software programs.


4. To improve your awareness of chemistry in the real world by working on problems and familiarization with current Life Science topics.


5. To enhance your communication skills through participation in class discussions, presentations and scientific writing.


6. To develop your abilities in goal setting and time management to undertake practical experiments, coursework assessments and exams.

Syllabus

• Amounts of substance.


• Matter and Energy.


• Atomic structure.


• The periodic table.


• Bonding and structure.


• Acids, bases and buffers.


• Oxidation and reduction.


• Energetics.


• Chemical Equilibria.


• Kinetics.


• Organic chemistry.


• Modern analytical techniques relevant to Life Sciences.

This module will be delivered via:

• One 2-hour lecture per week, followed by
• One week: One 1-hour class and 1 x 1-hour tutorial;
• Following week: One 3-hour practical session.

Teaching and learning on Essex Pathways modules offers students the ability to develop the foundation knowledge, skills, and competencies to study at the undergraduate level, through a curriculum that is purposely designed to provide an exceptional learning experience. All teaching, learning and assessment materials will be available via Moodle in a consistent and user-friendly manner.

Learning support

Summarised lecture material is provided using PowerPoint presentations, which are given to the students as lecture notes. There are web, Moodle and library resources provided for the various topics covered in Chemistry for Biology. Practical sessions allow the students to better understand the chemical concepts discussed in lectures, with experiments covering those specific topics. Lectures, classes and tutorials will provide opportunities to implement topic knowledge and practise related skills. Students can also contact the Module Leader for one-to-one assistance via email or, during Academic Support Hours, details can be found on the IA123 Moodle page.