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.
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
Seminars: problems on all chapters.
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. Basic references are :
P.W. Atkins en L. Jones, "Chemical Principles. The Quest for Insight", Third Edition, W.H. Freeman and Co, New York, 1999.and J. McMurry "Organic Chemistry", Sixth Edition, Brooks Cole Thomson Learning,Belmont, California 2004.
Transparencies 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 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.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Other Exam determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the Other Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
The mark for the course is composed of the partial scores of the student for the written and oral examination.
In a written exam paper (accounting for 2/3 or 66.6 % of the mark), identical for all students, 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). During the oral examination (accounting for 1/3 or 33.3% of the mark), a few days later, this view is refined through a discussion concerning theoretical questions after the student has had the occasion for a written preparation. Synthetic, analytic and problem solving skills are assessed in this way.
If a score of 7/20 or less was obtained on either the written or oral exam, the score for the course will not be higher than 7/20.
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.
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)