The aim of this module is to equip students with the basic quantitative transferable skills required for the first year of a Chemistry programme.

By the end of this module a student should be able to handle:

• Simple volumetric calculations as required for titrations in analytical chemistry
• Basic algebraic manipulation and functions needed for kinetics, thermodynamics and quantum mechanics
• Elementary geometry required for the understanding of molecular shapes and solid state chemistry
• The representation of data via graphs, particularly straight line graphs, and the manipulation of data in spreadsheet programs for data analysis
• The basic idea of a derivative and an integral for use in physical chemistry
• The physical concepts of energy, momentum,angular momentum, charge, waves and forces required to understand atomic motion, molecular bonding and spectroscopy

• Concepts of proportion: calculation of molarity, concentration after dilution, using results of titrations
• Simple re-arrangement algebra, order of operations inbrackets, quadratic equations, exponents and logarithms, the exponential function, trigonometric functions
• Calculation of volume, identification of (molecular) shape, trigonometry and geometry
• Drawing graphs, linearizing data, what to do with gradients and intercepts in practical examples
• Data analysis with spreadsheet programs
• Derivative as gradient, rates of change
• Integration as the opposite of differentiation
• Forms of energy, conversion and conservation of energy– why it is important for Chemistry
• What are momentum and angular momentum?
• Electrostatic charge, electricity a nd magnetism, waves and sine/cosine functions, light as a wave
• The interactions between molecules: molecular forcefields

This module will be taught in problem solving classes.  Students will work through problem modules divided into fundamental, intermediate and advanced. All students will have to demonstrate ability in fundamental and intermediate levels, progressing on to the advanced level based on performance assessed in a test at the start of the module.  Each module will involve combination of Computer Aided Learning with set written questions. Introductory spreadsheet analysis will be taught over two afternoons using a workbook style script.

This module will run the whole session approximately every 2 weeks to fit in with the CHEM192 timetable.

Chemistry C. E. Houscroft and E.C. Constable 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall, 2002

Maths for Chemists Volume I: Numbers, Functions and Calculus by M. Cockett and G. Doggett (Royal Society of Chemistry).