Learning outcome

After successfully completing the course, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence.

Knowledge

General chemistry

The candidate has knowledge of:

• The properties of elements based on their position in the periodic table
• Basic chemical concepts and principles
• The nomenclature of inorganic compounds
• The classification of organic compounds

Lab

The candidate has knowledge of:

• Safety when using equipment and chemicals in laboratories
• The use of a Safety Data Sheet and the college’s chemical database
• Basic experimental methods for analyzing specific samples
• What can affect results in experimental analyses
• The relevant regulations applicable to hazardous substances that are produced, used or sold in Norway

Skills

General chemistry

The candidate:

• Has an understanding of the relevant concepts and formulas
• Can give an account of basic phenomena in chemistry, and apply them to clarify questions in the field
• Can perform simple calculations (molar mass, concentrations, pH, pOH, equilibrium concentrations, etc.) based on chemical principles
• Can name inorganic substances on the basis of their molecular formula and vice versa

Lab

The candidate:

• Is able to focus on safety when working in a laboratory
• Has insight into the importance of good planning, precision, order and cleanliness in a lab
• Can evaluate data and error sources during chemical analyses
• Can document analysis results in laboratory records and write reports using standardized methods
• Has knowledge of what methods may be used to analyze specific samples
• Can work in teams
• Can handle chemicals with safety in mind, use a Safety Data Sheet and has knowledge of the online catalogue of substances (ECO online)

General competence

The candidate:

• Is able to communicate/discuss with other professionals in the field
• Is aware of environmental matters in relation to handling/emission of chemicals
• Can handle chemicals according to regulations and use safety data

Course Description

General chemistry:

• The structure of atoms, orbital theory and the periodic table, Lewis’ structure, electronegativity, chemical bonding
• The concept of the mole, chemical equations, stoichiometry, oxidation and reduction concepts, nomenclature
• Solutions, concentration targets, gas laws, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases
• Introduction to the classification of organic compounds

Lab:

• Quantitative inorganic analysis, organic separation techniques, chemical handling and safety

Teaching and Learning Methods

General chemistry:

Lectures, exercises.

Lab:

Laboratory exercises

Assessment Methods

The assessment will determine whether the candidate has achieved learning outcomes in terms of knowledge and skills. The assessment consists of:

• Individual written examination consisting of general chemistry (50% of course grade) and theoretical questions about the laboratory component (20% of course grade).
• 8 mandatory laboratory exercises with report submissions (30% of the course grade).

The course also includes obligatory submissions. All obligatory work must receive a passing mark before students will be permitted to sit the final examination.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean