Physical Chemistry (5 cr)

Objective

The student
• understands energy and phase transitions
• understands spontaneity and equilibrium
• is familiar with chemical and phase equilibrium
• is familiar with reaction kinetics
• knows the basics of surface chemistry
• knows the basics of electrochemistry and analytical techniques
• is familiar with problem solving and critical thinking.

By achieving these objectives, students will develop a strong foundation in the principles and applications of physical chemistry, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for further studies or careers in chemistry and related fields.

Content

• Energy transfer in chemical reactions and phase transition
• The spontaneity of a chemical reaction and balance
• Chemical equilibrium, phase equilibrium, crystallisation, extraction, distillation, and colligative properties
• The factors affecting the rate of chemical reactions and reaction kinetics
• Basics of surface chemistry: dispersion, colloids, surface-active agents and viscosity
• Basics of electrochemistry and analytical techniques

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Th student
• demonstrates a basic understanding of energy transfer and phase changes
• can explain the basic principles of spontaneity and equilibrium, but may have difficulty in applying them
• is able to define chemical equilibrium, but may have difficulty in calculating the equilibrium constant
• understands the basics of reaction kinetics
• can define the concepts of surface chemistry
• understands the basics of electrochemistry and analytical techniques, but may have difficulty with more advanced concepts.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student
• demonstrates a good understanding of spontaneity and equilibrium and is able to apply thermodynamic concepts
• is able to calculate equilibrium constants and demonstrates a good understanding of phase equilibrium and colligative properties
• is able to analyse the factors affecting reaction rates and apply kinetic principles to predict reaction behaviour
• has a good understanding of surface chemistry concepts and their relevance to real world phenomena
• has a good understanding of electrochemistry and analytical techniques, including redox reactions and basic analytical methods
• demonstrates good problem solving and critical thinking skills when applying physical chemistry concepts to practical situations.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student
• has an excellent understanding of energy transfer and phase transitions and is able to apply the concepts to complex problems
• has an excellent understanding of spontaneity and equilibrium and can apply thermodynamic principles to the analysis of chemical systems
• has an excellent understanding of chemical and phase equilibrium and is able to apply these concepts to a variety of chemical processes
• has an excellent understanding of reaction kinetics and is able to solve complex rate equations and explain reaction mechanisms
• demonstrates an excellent understanding of surface chemistry and is able to analyse and apply these concepts to explain different physical and chemical behaviours
• has an excellent understanding of electrochemistry and analytical techniques, including advanced topics and their application
• demonstrates excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills by effectively analysing complex physical chemistry problems.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

-

Qualifications

Fundamentals of Chemistry 1
Fundamentals of Chemistry 2
Mathematics and Physics in Chemical Analysis