Fundamental Chemistry: The Building Blocks of Life and Matter

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to fundamental chemistry principles, exploring their significance in understanding the natural world and the sciences.

Key topics include atomic structure, bonding, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, and organic chemistry, with emphasis on minerals and environmental chemical cycles.

Designed for learners preparing for further study in Earth and Environmental Science, Pharmacology, and related fields.

Learning and teaching

Teaching includes lectures, discussions, and problem-solving activities over 12 weeks (3-hour sessions weekly).

Virtual simulations and interactive exercises replace lab work, ensuring engagement with healthcare-relevant chemistry through real-world scenarios and group projects.

Coursework and assessment

To award academic credits, it is essential to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you've acquired or enhanced through tangible evidence.

This is necessary not only to maintain our educational standards but also to ensure that these can be verified by external examiners across all courses and subjects.

Central to our assessment process is its ability to enhance your learning experience.

We are committed to developing assessment methods that build your confidence and align with the needs of adult learners who manage busy schedules.

Our aim is to create assessment experiences that are both enjoyable and practical, enhancing your educational journey while respecting your commitments.

Reading suggestions

• Chemistry: The Central Science by Brown et al.
• Organic Chemistry by Paula Yurkanis Bruice
• Pharmaceutical Chemistry by Barber & Rostron

Library and computing facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.

Accessibility

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.