Module: Inorganic & Physical Chemistry

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Inorganic & Physical Chemistry
Module Code	CHM1006 (ITS: CS108)
Faculty	Chemical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

To explore the basic concepts of chemistry such as the structure of atoms, electronic configuration, orbitals, enthalpy, entropy and rates of reaction. A recognition of the relationship between electronic configuration and chemical properties.

Learning Outcomes

1. Derive the electronic structure of the important elements.
2. Predict the chemical and physical properties of the elements based on their position in the periodic table.
3. Explain in general terms the nature of the chemical bond.
4. Describe and explain simple chemical compounds and structures.
5. Outline the relationship between temperature, pressure and concentration of ideal gases through the ideal gas equation.
6. Evaluate the concept of enthalpy and be able to calculate the enthalpy of a reaction from standard enthalpies of formation.
7. Be familiar with entropy and Gibb's free energy in predicting spontaneity of a chemical process.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	22	Synchronous and asynchronous on-line lectures, including tutorials to expand on concepts developed in lectures (problem-solving exercises).
Independent Study	103	Independent reading and problem solving.
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10244	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Nessan Kerrigan	Module Teacher	Mercedes Vazquez

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Loop Quiz	n/a	100%	Every Week

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Inorganic and physical chemistry
To explore the basic concepts of chemistry such as the structure of atoms, electronic configuration and orbitals. To develop a recognition of the relationship between electronic configuration and chemical properties. To understand the behaviour of gases, liquids and solids. To predict the relationship between temperature, pressure and concentration of ideal gases through the ideal gas equation. To develop an understanding of the concept of enthalpy and be able to calculate the enthalpy of a reaction from standard enthalpies of formation. To be familiar with concepts of entropy and Gibbs free energy in predicting spontaneity of a chemical process and the relationship between rates of reaction, activation energy, and their depedence on temperature through the Arrhenius equation.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

R. Chang, Williams College: 2002, Chemistry, Seventh edition, 25, McGraw Hill, New York, USA, 1001, 0-07-365601-1

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None