CH1M-Chemistry M

Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: This module is COMPULSORY for Part 1 students on the BSc Chemistry programmes who do not have an A-level pass in Mathematics
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: CH1M2 Mathematics M2 CH1M3 Mathematics M for Chemistry
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Ann Chippindale
Email: a.m.chippindale@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to provide students with the mathematical tools needed for the chemistry degree programme.Ìý

You will be provided with the mathematical skills needed to underpin your chemistry degree. Information is initially delivered through lectures and online material and you will have plenty of opportunity to talk to experts in a supportive environment and practise your new skills in weekly workshops.

Aims:
To provide students with the mathematical tools needed for the chemistry degree programme.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students should be able to perform simple calculations on the topics named below both in a mathematical context and when applied in appropriate chemical contexts.

Additional outcomes:
Students will improve their numeracy skills

Outline content:

Basic algebra: multiplication/division of powers; simultaneous equations; solutions of quadratic equations (i.e. ax2 + bx + c = 0) by factorising and by using the general formula. Units, dimensions, significant figures, graphical techniques (including how to draw and interpret a straight line graph (y = mx + c)). Logarithms (including bases e and 10); exponentials, their relationship to logarithms and applications to pH, Beer-Lambert law, Arrhenius equation ; plotting of functions e.g. y = log x, y = ex.



Trigonometry: useful relationships, Pythagoras’ theorem, sine rule, cosine rule; properties of important functions, curve sketching, e.g. y = cos x, y = sin x, y = tan x etc; interconversion of radians and degrees, Pi.Ìý



Introduction to complex (imaginary) numbers, the complex conjugate, modulus.



Differentiation: definition, graphical interpretation, first principles; differentiation of simple functions, turning points and inflections, the chain rule, product rule Ìýand other selected methods; partial differentiation.

Integration: definition, graphical interpretation, relation to differentiation, definite and indefinite integrals;Ìýintegrating simple differential equations, such as kinetic rate laws.



Vectors: calculating magnitude a nd directions of vectors; vector addition and subtraction; vectors multiplied by scalars; dot product (scalar product) and its use to find the angle between two vectors. Vectors in two- and three- dimensions.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

One-hour lecture together with one 2-hour workshop on related material per week during Autumn and Spring terms. In addition, students will attend three revision workshops at the beginning of the Summer Term.