Introduction to the Course

This is one of the two courses, which will make up the Level 3 Chemistry component in the Bachelor of Science Degree Programme. (The other is the Practical Chemistry course: CMU 1121, in which you will get an opportunity to carry out some practical exercises related to theory you have learned in CMU 1220). The academic value of this course is 1/3 credit; which means that you have to spend about 150 hours of study. The course will run through semester 1 and semester 2.

It is important to note that obtaining eligibility in CMU 1220 (and CMU 1121) is a prerequisite to follow any Chemistry course at level 4.

Course outline

This course is intended to give the first year students (i.e. Level 3), a thorough        understanding and knowledge of the Basic Principles of Chemistry and some of their applications. Thus the course will provide the necessary foundation to understand the Chemistry courses that are taught at higher levels of the B.Sc Degree programme.

Structure of the course

This course consists of 6 study units.

Unit 1- Atomic structure and Periodic Table
Unit II - Structure, Bonding and Properties
Unit III - Introduction to Organic Chemistry
Unit IV - Introduction to Classical Chemical Thermodynamics
Unit V – Electrochemistry                                                                                              
Unit VI - Chemical Kinetics

Unit 1- Atomic structure and Periodic Table

Development of the Atomic Theory, Wave nature and particle nature of radiation,The Bohr model of the hydrogen atom, The quantum mechanical model of the atom,The shapes of atomic orbitals, Electronic configuration of atoms, The periodic table,s and p block elements, d and f block elements

Unit II - Structure, Bonding and Properties

Chemical Bonds, Ionic Bonding, Covalent Bonding- Lewis Dot Structures,Valence Bond Approach to bonding, Molecular Orbital Theory,  Metallic Bonding, Resonance, Properties of Covalent Bonds, Intermolecular Attractive Forces, Acid-Base Concept

Unit IV - Introduction to Classical Chemical Thermodynamics

Basics of Thermodynamics, The gaseous state of matter, Real Gases Real Gases, The Liquefaction of Gases, Work, Heat & Energy Work, Heat & Energy, The First Law of Thermodynamics, The Second Law of Thermodynamics: Introduction to the concept of Entropy and Gibbs Free Energy., Further treatment of entropy

Unit V – Electrochemistry

Introductory concepts, Representation of Galvanic cells, Chemically reversible  electrodes and cells, Thermodynamics of Galvanic cells, Electrode potentials        , Applications of emf measurements, Some day-to-day and industrial applications of cells, An introduction to the corrosion of metals

Unit VI - Chemical Kinetics

Basic Mathematical Concepts in the Study of Kinetics:, Factors that influence the rate of a reaction , Basic Concepts and Terminology in Reaction Kinetics, Methods to Determine Rate Law