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Introduction to Chemistry (2025/2026: Semester 2 – Spring)
Course aim
- are able to describe bonding in molecules in terms of orbitals and electron configurations, construct energy level diagrams and relate molecular structure and properties to chemical bonding.
- have insight into energy effects associated with chemical and physical processes, are able to calculate equilibrium constants and equilibrium compositions for chemical reactions
- have knowledge of the reactivity of organic compounds and insight into elementary mechanisms of organic reactions.
Relationship between assessment and learning goals:
Mid-term exam (weight 35%): this tests your knowledge of, and ability to apply the topics and concepts covered in the first six weeks of the course (course goal 1).
Final exam (weight 35%): this tests your knowledge of, and ability to apply the topics and concepts covered in the second part of the course (course goal 2).
Organic Chemistry test (weight 20%): this tests your knowledge of, and ability to apply the topics and concepts covered in the third part of the course (course goal 3).
Class participation (weight 10%)
Course content
This introductory course presents an overview of chemistry and lays the foundations by considering its central concepts. It starts with the quantum world in which the structure of atoms and elements and the role of electrons in chemical bonding are described. Then the energetics associated with chemical processes and chemical equilibria are studied, a discipline called thermodynamics. It is shown that processes can occur when the entropy (disorder) of a system and its surroundings increase. This allows to calculate equilibrium constants and equilibrium compositions. The course ends with the treatment of some basic organic (i.e., carbon based) chemical reactions.
When possible, attention is paid to the connection of the subject matter with materials science and/or the biochemical relevance.
There are two meetings each week, which combine lecturing and problem solving. Instrumental techniques which are important within chemistry are addressed by means of a written essay.
Instructional formats
Examination
Class participation
Required | Weight 10% | ECTS 0.75
*midterm FEEDBACK*
Not required
Mid-term exam
Required | Weight 35% | ECTS 2.63
Final exam
Required | Weight 35% | ECTS 2.63
Organic Chemistry test
Required | Weight 20% | ECTS 1.5
Entry requirements and preknowledge
Entry Requirements
No data about mandatory entry requirements is available.
Preknowledge
Higher level secondary school chemistry, physics and mathematics are highly recommended. Students can check whether their chemistry knowledge is adequate by studying the introductory Fundamentals Chapter of the Chemistry 3 course book. Otherwise, consider taking the UCSCICHE01 course which does not require prior knowledge.
Languages
- English
Course Iterations
- 2026 - 2027 Semester 1 – Fall
- 2026 - 2027 Semester 2 – Spring
- 2025 - 2026 Semester 1 – Fall
- 2025 - 2026 Semester 2 – Spring
- 2024 - 2025 Semester 1 – Fall
- 2024 - 2025 Semester 2 – Spring
- 2023 - 2024 Semester 1 – Fall
- 2023 - 2024 Semester 2 – Spring
- 2022 - 2023 Semester 1 – Fall
- 2022 - 2023 Semester 2 – Spring
Related studies
Exams
There is no timetable available of the exams
Required Materials
-
BOEKAndrew Burrows, John Holman, Andrew Parsons, Gwen Pilling, and Gareth Price; Chemistry 3 Introducing inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, Third Edition, Oxford University Press, 2017 ISBN 9780198733805, or Fourth Edition, Oxford University Press, 2021 ISBN 9780198829980. Please note that the second edition of the Chemistry 3 text book will not be used anymore.
Recommended Materials
No information available on the recommended literature
Coördinator
| dr. C.A. van Walree | C.A.vanWalree@uu.nl |
Lecturers
| dr. M. Barroso Silva da Cruz | m.barrososilvadacruz@uu.nl |
| dr. C.A. van Walree | C.A.vanWalree@uu.nl |
Enrolment
Go to OSIRIS-enrolments
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