6 ECTS credits
170 h study time

Offer 1 with catalog number 1015504ANR for all students in the 1st semester at a (A) Bachelor - preliminary level.

Semester
1st semester
Enrollment based on exam contract
Impossible
Grading method
Grading (scale from 0 to 20)
Can retake in second session
Yes
Taught in
Dutch
Faculty
Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences
Department
Chemistry
Educational team
Frank De Proft (course titular)
Activities and contact hours
52 contact hours Lecture
26 contact hours Seminar, Exercises or Practicals
Course Content

Physical and Inorganic Chemistry :

Ch1 Elementary chemistry and chemical calculations
Ch2 Atomic structure and the periodic table of Mendeljev
Ch3 Ionic compounds: the electrostatic bond
Ch4 Molecules: the covalent bond
Ch5 The atomic nucleus: radioactivity and nuclear chemistry
Ch6 Macroscopic properties of matter: aggregation states and phase equilibria
Ch7 The chemical reaction: chemical equilibrium

Seminars: problems on all chapters.

Course material
Course text (Required) : Chemie: bouw van de materie en chemische reacties en aanvullingen van chemie, Volume 1, P. Geerlings, F. De Proft, VUB, 2220170001111, 2013
Course text (Required) : Chemie: bouw van de materie en chemische reacties en aanvullingen van chemie, Volume 2, P. Geerlings, F. De Proft, VUB, 2220170001135, 2013
Handbook (Recommended) : Chemical Priciples, The Quest for Insight, P.W. Atkins, L.Jones en L. Laverman, 7de, W.H.Freeman and Co,New York, 9781319154196, 2016
Digital course material (Required) : Transparanten gebruikt tijdens het hoorcollege, Canvas
Course text (Required) : Chemie: bouw van de materie en chemische reacties en aanvullingen van chemie, Volume 3, P. Geerlings, F. De Proft, VUB, 2220170001142, 2013
Additional info

A complete text including the exercises (problems, numerical results and detailed solutions of selected problems and hints for solutions for Chapter 1 (Elementary Chemistry and Chemical Calculations) has been edited by the Dienst Uitgaven V.U.B. : P. GEERLINGS : Chemie:bouw van de materie en chemische reacties en Aanvullingen van Chemie (3 volumes). Further references are cited in this text. The basic references is:
P.W. Atkins en L. Jones, "Chemical Principles. The Quest for Insight", Third Edition, W.H. Freeman and Co, New York, 1999.
Slides used during the lectures are available in electronic version through the Pointcarré platform.


Complementary study material:
A kit for the construction of molecular models is provided in the "Studiebegeleidingscentrum"- it may also be purchased in the VUB-bookshop.

Learning Outcomes

General competencies

Learning Aims

This course aims at providing an insight into the microscopic structure of matter (structure of the nucleus, atoms, molecules, ionic compounds, ...), as well as in its macroscopic aspects (properties of matter in bulk : state properties and transitions, properties of aqueous solutions ...).The impact of the interactions between particles (molecules), the so-called intermolecular forces, which assure the transition between the microscopic and the macroscopic world; is detailed. The basic knowledge which has been built up during this part of the chemistry course, the physical chemistry, is gradually applied in the study of inorganic compounds and their reactions. Throughout the course a systematic, rational approach has been pursued. Understanding is far more important than encyclopeadical knowledge; by far the most importance is payed to the structuring of the data. Memorizing the course is clearly not the object; it should be minimalized. During the "seminars" (guided problem sessions), the concepts that were introduced during the theoretical course are illustrated. Theory and practice - lectures, seminars are maximally integrated.


Competences

Having a basic knowledge of and insight into the atomic structure of matter, the relation between the atomic/molecular world and the macrosopic properties of matter and the most important reaction types in inorganic chemistry.
Showing a critical attitude towards the models used.
Solving simple problems using in a correct way concepts and laws ,with correct numerical computations and a critical attitude towards the results.

Grading

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Written Exam determines 100% of the final mark.

Within the Written Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • Schriftelijk examen with a relative weight of 100 which comprises 100% of the final mark.

Additional info regarding evaluation

The mark for the course is determined by the score of the student for the written examination.

In the written exam, it is attempted to obtain a global view of knowledge and insight in the subject by means of a lot of small open questions (theory as well as problems).

A "tentamen" (written exam paper) is organized concerning Chapters 1 to 3 (included). Its structure is identical to that of the written exam so that the student gets used to this type of exams. If a score higher than the mark in january is obtained it may be included for 20% in the final mark. In the second examination session, the score on the “tentamen” is not taken into account.

Allowed unsatisfactory mark
The supplementary Teaching and Examination Regulations of your faculty stipulate whether an allowed unsatisfactory mark for this programme unit is permitted.

Academic context

This offer is part of the following study plans:
Bachelor of Physics and Astronomy: Default track (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Computer Science: Default track (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Mathematics and Data Science: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)