Module: Kinetics & Thermodynamics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Kinetics & Thermodynamics
Module Code	CHM1014 (ITS: CS215)
Faculty	Chemical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The purpose of this module is to provide a detailed understanding of the fundamental principles of reaction kinetics and thermodynamics and how they affect the progress of chemical processes. These issues will be put in the context of chemical reactivity.

Learning Outcomes

1. Analyse rate data to determine the type of kinetics of reacting systems.
2. Apply kinetics information to gain insight into reaction mechanisms.
3. To understand the significance of the first, second and third laws of thermodynamics.
4. To understand entropies and apply thermodynamics knowledge to predict signs of entropy changes in physical and chemical systems.
5. Perform thermodynamic calculations to predict reaction spontaneity and position of equilibria.
6. To relate the change in free energy of the system to changes in system enthalpy and entropy.
7. To apply knowledge of thermodynamics to understanding the Fundamental Equation and the thermodynamic concept of equilibrium.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	36	lecture
Independent Study	89	learning
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20177	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC3	Best Mark	Y
Module Co-ordinator	David O'Connor	Module Teacher	Darren Fayne

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
In Class Test	Continuous assessment	20%	As required
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	80%	End-of-Semester

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

Kinetics
Determining order of reaction from initial rate data and integrated rate equations; Kinetic molecular theory - collision theory, transition state, effect of temperature on rate; Interpretation of rate and order in relation to reaction mechanisms; Use of Steady State Approximation in analysis of complex mechanisms; Study of complex reactions - e.g. enzyme catalysis, chain processes, fast reactions

Review of 1st year thermodynamics content
Revision of definitions and variables related to thermodynamics including Energy, Heat, Work, Path and State Functions; First Law; Thermochemistry

Second and Third Laws, Fundamental Equation
Entropy, Free Energy, Gibbs-Helmholtz equation, Clausius-Clapeyron equation, Raoult's Law, Van't Hoff equation, Fundamental equations of open and closed systems, Gibbs-Duhem equation, Phase equilibria and phase diagrams

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Chang, R.: 0, Chemistry, McGraw Hill,
Atkins, P.: 0, Physical Chemistry,
Brown LeMay and Burstein: 0, Chemistry: The Central Science,
R. A. Alberty: 1993, Physical Chemistry, Wiley and Sons,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None