Learning Outcomes:
Students will learn how to write and balance chemical equations containing molecules and or ions. They learn about inter-molecular forces and understand the ideal gas law. They will be the calculate the pH of solutions and foods, and predict what compounds are readily oxidised or reduced. Students will be able to solve basic energy and thermodynamic problems and become aware of agriculturally related environmental issues associated with the atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere. A combination of in class and online tutorials will assist in the developing techniques for problem-solving and establish theoretical concepts to real-world problems. Moreover, four practical laboratory sessions demonstrate how standard chemistry methods can be applied to identify the composition of common agricultural materials, including fertiliser.
Indicative Module Content:
The scientific process. Exponents and Units. Properties and measurements of matter. Mass, volume and density. Concept of mater, elements and molecules. Structure of atoms, and underlying discovery experiments. The periodic table and its groups. Elements and groups. Electron configurations, cations and anions. Electrochemical cells. Ionic equations, covalent bonding, electron counting in bonds. Drawing Lewis (dot diagrams) structures, chemical naming and chemical formulas. The concept of the mole in chemistry. Balancing chemical equations, limiting reagents, molecular mass, molarity and concentrations. Intermolecular forces, hydrogen bonding, relationships to solids, liquids and gases. Dipoles and electronegativity. Changes of state between different forms of matter. The kinetic theory of gases, Boyle's and Charles' Laws, gases and the mole. The ideal gas equation. The concept of acids and bases, Bronstead and Lowry, Arrhenius definitions. Neutralisation, titration and buffers. Acid-base reactions, conjugate acids and bases. The problem of acid rain. Basic and acid anhydrides. The concept of redox, reduction and oxidation. How to determine oxidation numbers, writing out redox and half-reaction equations. Electrochemistry, batteries and electrochemical cells. Energy, units and differences between kinetic and potential. The first and second laws of thermodynamics. Exo- and endo-thermic reactions. Calculating the energy association in chemical reactions. The problem of fossil fuels, global warming and CO2. Obtaining "green and sustainable" energy from solar, wind, water, and biomass sources. Concept of ppm and ppb, sources of pollution. The water cycle, treatment of drinking water, cleaning water from waste, nitrogen cycle and agriculture.