Chemistry of the Elements

Undergraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

The course aims to introduce inorganic chemistry. It covers the chemical elements and their properties with respect to position in the Periodic Table. Particular attention is paid to periodic trends and relationships among the elements and their respective compounds. The course furthermore covers bonding theory and the structure of molecules, metals, salts and minerals. The course also describes the environmental, biological and industrial role of inorganic compounds.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course KJEM120 the student will have the following:

Knowledge

The student

  • has broad knowledge about fundamental inorganic chemistry, especially the relation between electronic structure and location in the periodic table of the elements and the expected properties of the elements, pure and when bonded to other elements.
  • knows how the elements are found in nature, how they are produced and what they are used for.
  • knows the basic and most relevant inorganic compounds, their structure and chemical and physical properties.

Skills

The student

  • is able to explain and compare the chemical and physical properties of the elements in the periodic table of the elements and those of their compounds.
  • is able to relate the structure of an inorganic compound to its properties.
  • is able to discuss the elements and their compounds on the basis of the chemical bonding.
  • is able to describe inorganic chemical reactions and express them in the form of balanced chemical equations.
  • is able to derive the name of a compound from its sum formula and vice versa.

General Competences

The student

  • can convey the central content of the subject both in written and verbal form and by use of expressions characteristic for the subject (e.g. chemical equations and structure drawings).
  • can identify and assimilate relevant knowledge from teaching material through lectures, group work and on their own.

Semester of Instruction

Spring semester
Required Previous Knowledge
KJEM110 or equivalent.
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
K102: 10 stp
Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, 4 hours per week for 14-15 weeks

Tutorials, 2 hours per week for 12 weeks

Digital hand-ins (not mandatory), 6 à ~40 minutes

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Participation in a minimum of 8 tutorial sessions.

Compulsory assignments are valid for 5 subsequent semesters.

Forms of Assessment
  • Midterm examination (2 hours), 30 % of total grade,
  • Written examination (4 hours), 70 % of total grade.

Supplementary exam-regulations:

1. Midterm and final exams are only valid in the same semester they are taken.

2. In semester with regular teaching: Students with approved compulsory assignments must take the midterm examination and final exam.

3. In semesters without regular teaching:
a) Students with approved compulsory assignments and midterm examination can take the final exam. The final exam will account for 100 % of the grade in the subject.

b) Students without approved compulsory assignments and midterm examination do not have the opportunity to take the exam.

Grading Scale
The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.
Examination Support Material
  • Periodic table of the elements in accordance to the version provided on MittUiB
  • Non-programmable calculator, according to the faculty regulations