General ChemistryModule Details

Rationale

This course is designed to enable foundation students to acquire and develop fundamental knowledge and basic skills in introductory chemistry, with emphasis on physical, analytical, and inorganic chemistry. It integrates theoretical principles with practical laboratory experience and covers the nature of matter, atomic structure, periodic trends, chemical bonding, and chemical reactions, with relevance to medical and allied health fields. The course further introduces chemical equilibrium, kinetics, water chemistry, environmental chemistry, analytical techniques, nuclear chemistry, and the applications of chemistry in everyday life and healthcare contexts.

The aim of the course is to provide students with a solid foundation in chemistry and its applications, preparing them for progression into undergraduate health sciences and related degree programmes.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, the student is expected to:
i.  Explain fundamental concepts and principles of chemistry.
ii. Describe the nature and states of matter.
iii.Demonstrate an understanding of atomic theory, electronic structure, and periodic trends.
iv.Explain chemical bonding and relate it to the properties of substances.
v. Identify and describe different types of chemical reactions and their significance.
vi.Explain the principles of chemical equilibrium and chemical kinetics.
vii.Describe the chemistry of water, purification methods, and the impact of water quality on human health.
viii.Recognise the effects of environmental pollution on human health.
ix. Apply basic experimental and analytical techniques in chemistry.
x. Explain the role of nuclear chemistry in medical and allied health fields.
xi. Recognise the relevance and applications of chemistry in daily life and healthcare.