The Chemistry of Periodic Elements
Why should I take this Trinity Elective?
This course will provide an accessible education in the chemical sciences for all. The course will cover the history of the discovery and identification of the elements that make up the modern periodic table, we will explore the elements in a literary context (through Levi’s Periodic Table), and we will dive into the modern roles of the elements and chemistry in society. The course will also introduce you to the practical aspects of the sciences through hands on experimentation, observation, analysis, and reporting. If you want to explore the central science (chemistry) and its applications, then this is the elective for you!
What will I learn?
- A fundamental introduction to the chemical sciences for non-chemists.
- History of the development of the periodic table and the discovery of the elements.
- The influence of chemistry and the elements on anthropogenic eras.
- Modern applications of chemicals (and the elements) in life and industry.
- How to perform a chemical reaction, analyse the outcomes, and write a scientific report.
What will I do?
- Attend interactive lectures and explore online resources to explore the history and properties of the elements, atoms, and molecules.
- Download and explore a periodic table app to discover the elements.
- Be exposed to chemistry in a literary context (Levi’s Periodic Table)
- Perform reactions and syntheses to understand the properties of chemicals and the elements.
- Give presentations and write scientific reports on the properties/applications of the elements.
How will this be delivered?
- 34 direct contact hours: 22 lecture hours; 8 experimental hours (3 x 2 hour experimental demonstrations, 2 hour at home experiment); 4 tutorial hours.
- Project/Group work (25 hours).
- Reading of online material, online problem-solving, assessment preparation (29 hours).
How will this be assessed?
- 1 essay (20%), 1 group presentation (20%), 4 experimental demonstration reports (scientific reports, 15 % each).
- All assessments will occur during the semester ensuring students obtain feedback in a timely fashion.
Who can take this Trinity Elective?
- Any student eligible to take a Trinity Elective can select this Trinity Elective except for the students from the following programmes: TR032 Engineering, TR038 Engineering with Management, TR053 Physiotherapy, TR055 Radiation Therapy, TR056 Human Health and Disease, TR060 Biological and Biomedical Sciences, TR061 Chemical Sciences, TR062 Geography and Geoscience, TR063 Physical Sciences, TR072 Pharmacy.