General Chemistry (KJE150)

The aim of the course is to provide basic chemistry knowledge including thermodynamics, chemical thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, electrochemistry, properties of solutions, acid and bases, titrations techniques, buffer solutions and reactions in aqueous solution.


Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

KJE150

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Autumn

Language of instruction

Norwegian

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

The course includes reactions in aqueous solutions (redox reactions, precipitation reactions and neutralization reactions), thermodynamics, acids and bases, acid rain, properties of solutions (solubility and colligative properties), acid-base titrations, factors that affect solubility, buffers, and electrochemistry. These topics will be presented on four hours of lectures per week and one exercise class per week. Lab course.

Learning outcome

On completion of the General Chemistry course, KJE150, the students should be able to:

  • classify reactions in aqueous solution into neutralization reactions, precipitation reactions, and redox reactions.
  • define enthalpy change and explain how it can be measured in a coffee-cup calorimeter and how we apply the first law of thermodynamics in such measurements.
  • explain when a reaction has reached its chemical equilibrium and recognize the role of chemical equilibrium in the La Châtelier’s principle.
  • explain the difference between a spontaneous and nonspontaneous reaction and how to use the reaction free energy to decide whether a reaction occurs spontaneously or not.
  • define change in entropy and recognize how it is used in the second law of thermodynamics to decide whether a process is spontaneous or nonspontaneous.
  • define a solution and recognize the parameters that affect the solubility of a solute in a solvent.
  • define colligative properties (vapor-pressure lowering, boiling-point elevation, freezing point depression, and osmose) and explain the role of entropy change in such physical properties of solutions.
  • describe the difference between a galvanic cell and electrolytic cell and explain the role of redox reactions in such cells.
  • use the Nernst equation to calculate the cell potential.
  • define a base and acid by using the Brønsted-Lowry and Arrhenius acid-base theory, respectively, and to define pH. The students will be able to employ the acid and base definitions to calculate the pH of a solution.
  • define a buffer and being able to explain why its pH changes only little when a small amount of strong acid or base is added.
  • give examples of parameters that affect the rate of a reaction.
  • explain the difference between first and second order reactions.
  • carry out simple and safe laboratory experiments
  • write lab reports

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Recommended prerequisites

Chemistry 1 and 2 from high school.

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Written exam 1/1 4 Hours Letter grades All calculators

The exam is digital.

Coursework requirements

Compulsory assignments, attendance in lab and lab reports

Compulsory course attendance that must be completed and approved before access to the laboratory: Electronic Course in Health, Safety and Environment (HMS - kurs).

Compulsory attendance at the laboratory course with exercises 4 hours per week for 8 weeks. The laboratory work includes 6-7 exercises which must be approved on a pass/fail basis in order to get access to the final exam.

Valid absence due to illness or other reasons must be communicated as soon as possible to teaching staff.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Kåre Bredeli Jørgensen

Course coordinator:

Emil Lindback

Course teacher:

Ingebret Fjelde

Tutor:

Lyudmyla Nilsen

Tutor:

Hong Lin

Coordinator laboratory exercises:

Xiaoping Zhang

Head of Department:

Ingunn Westvik Jolma

Method of work

The theoretical part of the course will be presented on four hours of lectures per week in addition to one hour of exercise classes per week. In addition, an obligatory laboratory course with report.

Overlapping courses

Course Reduction (SP)
General chemistry (BIK230_1) 10
General Chemistry w/o Laboratory Exercises (KJE155_1) 5

Open for

Due to limited capacity in the laboratory, the course will only be available to students enrolled in study programs where the course is included as compulsory, or as a recommended elective, in the education plan.

Students who do not have the course in their original education plan, but wish to follow the course, can apply for admission.

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

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