A course covering the fundamentals of chemical theory and practical laboratory skills.

22 weeks of four or five lectures per week at 10.00 am or 3.00 pm; weekly laboratory (3 hours) starting at either 10.00 am or 2.00 pm; workshops and tutorials as arranged at normal lecture times.

Science Fundamentals 1X/Y

End-of-course examination (2 h in April/May) (50%), Class Examination (2 h in December) (30%), Class Tests (4 × 1 h during lecture time) (10%), Laboratories (10%).

The end-of-course exam covers the full course, including material that may have been examined in the December Class Exam and/or in Class Tests.

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

No reassessment opportunities are available for the Class Tests and the December Class Exam. If a Good Cause claim is approved in respect of the Class Exam, the weight of 30% is transferred to the end-of-course exam.

Laboratories cannot be repeated or reassessed.

To broaden students' knowledge of the facts, theories, concepts, applications, development and importance of chemistry; to enhance skills in - handling numbers, units, equations, diagrams and abstract ideas; analysing data; prioritising information; making deductions; taking decisions; making and justifying proposals; and in communicating and reporting clearly; to provide a sound basis for those students who may decide to proceed to Honours in Chemistry or a related science; to encourage interest in the subject and its interaction with other sciences; to give experience in the safe and accurate handling of chemical substances and apparatus; to encourage development of learning strategies.

By the end of this course students will be able to

■ demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the basic facts and experimental basis of modern chemistry

■ solve elementary problems of a numeric or logical nature in the chemistry context

■ demonstrate practical skills in chemical techniques.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the summative assessment (including examinations).

Minimum 75% attendance in Laboratory sessions. Minimum pass rate of 75% in the Maths for Chemists e-learning units (except for students who have at least Higher Maths at grade B or an equivalent qualification).