The molecular world
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Chemistry is of enormous importance in everyday life: almost everything we are, see, make and eat is composed of molecules. This course offers a wide-ranging introduction to chemistry and its applications, integrating the three main branches of chemistry: organic, inorganic, and physical. It covers the reactions of metals; the solid state; molecular shapes; thermodynamics; kinetics; the synthesis of organic compounds; spectroscopic methods of determining structure; bonding theory; periodic trends and non-metals. Multimedia materials provide interactive teaching of key concepts. Nine case studies cover topics of current interest including polymers, batteries, catalysis, drug design, liquid crystals, and forensic science.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course in Science.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | S205 |
| Credits | 60 |
| OU Level | 2 |
| SCQF level | 9 |
| FHEQ level | 5 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 6 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| 2 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs) |
| Examination |
| No residential school |
Register for the course
This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees and financial support may vary by country.
What you will study
The course provides a broad foundation in chemistry, introducing its fundamental ideas, principles and techniques. It also demonstrates the central role of chemistry in science and the importance of a molecular approach in biology and Earth sciences. The course develops an integrated approach, with themes in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry set in the context of chemistry as a whole. The examples have been chosen to illustrate the importance of chemistry in the natural world and in industry. Nine case studies show how chemistry impinges on topics of social and scientific interest.
Books 1 and 2, Introducing the molecular world, survey the role and scope of chemistry and illustrate its central role in science and its application to diverse areas, from biological systems to new technology.
Book 3, The third dimension, explores the arrangements of atoms in molecules and in different types of solid. The concepts of lattices and unit cells are introduced. Metal structures are discussed in terms of close-packing of spheres, and this is extended to show how simple ionic structures can be built up from close-packed structures. It looks at molecular structures and the stereochemistry of organic molecules.
Book 4, Metals and chemical change, opens with the structure and reactions of metals. The industrial extractions of mercury, tin and aluminium are discussed, and the concept of an activity series of metals is introduced. This idea is also examined quantitatively using thermodynamic concepts. Enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs free energy are discussed, and Born-Haber cycles, lattice energies, and redox potential also play a part in the analysis.
Book 5, Chemical kinetics and mechanism, considers the role of the rate of reaction, and starts with an introduction to chemical kinetics. The rate equations are developed as an activity on a DVD-ROM. It goes on to introduce the functional group concept of a group of atoms within a molecule that display particular chemical properties, and the common reaction mechanisms of organic substitution and elimination reactions are discussed.
Book 6, Molecular modelling and bonding, asks why molecules adopt particular shapes and whether we can predict what shape a molecule will adopt. Atomic and molecular orbitals and band theory are covered. We take a pictorial rather than a purely mathematical approach to quantum mechanics.
Book 7, Alkenes and aromatics, continues the examination of organic reaction mechanisms started in Book 5, with a discussion of addition reactions. This is followed by a detailed look at aromatic substitution reactions. The book ends with a first look at organic synthesis, in which the planning and execution of the synthesis of the drug pseudoephedrine are considered in some detail.
Book 8, Separation, identification and purification, looks at methods for separating and purifying chemical compounds, then discusses the spectroscopic techniques used to determine the nature and structure of a compound. The techniques include mass spectrometry, infrared and Raman spectroscopy and NMR. Vibrational spectroscopy and NMR are taught using DVD-ROM programs.
Book 9, Elements of the p Block, covers the descriptive chemistry of the non-metallic elements, beginning with hydrogen, the halogens, and the noble gases. The book explores trends in the Periodic Table, both down groups and across periods, and uses elements from Groups III–VI: boron, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, aluminium, silicon, phosphorus and sulfur as illustration. The role of these elements in agriculture, industry, and everyday life is used to illustrate their chemistry.
Book 10, Mechanism and synthesis, pursues possible strategies for synthesising (mainly) organic compounds, particularly those of interest to the pharmaceutical and related industries. You learn how to plan a set of reactions that will lead to a desired product; for example, the compound responsible for the scent of a flower. The importance of overall yield reaction and the cost of starting materials are emphasised.
Entry
This is a Level 2 course and you need to have a good knowledge of the subject area, obtained either through Level 1 study with the OU, or by doing equivalent work at another university.
You are expected to have some background knowledge of chemistry, biology, physics and Earth sciences. Our key introductory Level 1 course, Exploring science (S104) would be ideal preparation for this course.
It is essential that you establish whether or not your background and experience give you a sound basis on which to tackle the course, since students who are appropriately prepared have the best chance of completing their studies successfully. The Science Faculty has produced some interactive material Are You Ready For S205? to help you to decide whether you already have the recommended background knowledge or experience to start the course, or whether you need extra preparation. This can be viewed as an interactive program for PC or printed as a PDF from the Are you ready for Science? website.
Your regional or national centre will also be able to tell you where you can see reference copies of S104. Even if you have some background scientific knowledge, we advise you to read the chemistry in Book 4 of S104.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Preparatory work
If you would like to do some background reading, these introductory textbooks are helpful:
P. W. Atkins, L. Jones (4th edition 2000) Chemistry: Molecules, Matter, and Change, W. H. Freeman
Peter Atkins and Loretta Jones, (4th edition 2007), Chemical Principles: The Quest for Insight, W.H.Freeman
J. C. Kotz, P. Treichel, G.C. Weaver, (8th edition 2011) Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity, Saunders College Publishing
If you have a disability or additional requirement
If you have severely impaired sight or manual dexterity, you may find some parts of the course challenging. You can obtain the voice-over on each DVD-ROM as a text file on the screen. The study materials are available in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). Components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and mathematical, scientific, and foreign language materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. Written transcripts are available for the audio-visual material. The written study material is available in comb-bound format. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
You will need to spend considerable amounts of time using a personal computer and the internet. If you have concerns about taking this course please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service for advice.
If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our publication Meeting your needs.
You can also find information about accessible study materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Study materials
What's included
Course books, other printed materials, website, DVD-ROMs, molecular model kit.
You will need
Scientific calculator.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave. Some of your course software will be provided on disk.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new Windows computer since 2005 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual. Please note that you cannot use an Apple Mac or Linux computer unless it is running Windows using Boot Camp or similar dual-boot system.
You will need a headset, with a microphone and earphones, to talk to your tutor and other students online during some of the course activities.
Materials to buy
Set books
- Northedge, Andy The Sciences Good Study Guide, Open University £14.99 - ISBN 9780749234119
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. Your tutor will also offer support through email and online discussion forums.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with the OU before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) online through the eTMA system unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment on paper.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in October 2012. We expect it to be available once a year.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course in Science.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | S205 |
| Credits | 60 |
| OU Level | 2 |
| SCQF level | 9 |
| FHEQ level | 5 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 6 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| 2 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs) |
| Examination |
| No residential school |
Study explained
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about distance learning with the OU.
Student Reviews
A thoroughly enjoyable course with lots of interesting areas covered. A lot of work, but is very rewarding, and gives ...
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I enjoyed S205 immensely. The course books are all very good. Invariably there will be some areas that you enjoy ...
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Your questions
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Or contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90+44(0) 845 366 60 35
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