Basic Chemistry (5cr)

Objectives (course unit)

After completing this course student understands the basic laws of chemistry, can write chemical formulas and is able to balance chemical equations. Student can solve problems related to chemical quantities, such as mol, molar mass, molecular formula. Student knows the gas laws, the properties of liquids and solids, can calculate concentrations and is able to solve problems related to gas laws and exothermic and endothermic processes. Student passes the Occupational Safety Card Training as a part of the course.

Content (course unit)

Measurements; atoms and elements; molecules and compounds; chemical quantities; chemical reactions; structures of solids and liquids; gases; solutions; Occupational Safety Card Training.

Prerequisites (course unit)

No prerequisities.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

Overall the achieved competence is sufficient but narrow. Student shows throughout the course (assignments, classroom discussions, laboratory exercises and exam) that is familiar with the basic concepts and phenomena related to the subjects discussed during the course: atoms and elements, periodicity, chemical bonds, chemical quantities. Student can write and balance chemical equations and can solve model exercises correctly. In addition student can perform simple laboratory measurements and soil sample analysis under supervision and has basic skills in reporting the results of the analyses.

Student manages the assigned tasks under supervision. Student knows diverse courses of action, but cannot justify his/her choices. Completion of the tasks is based on routine and pre-learned performance.

Student can give and receive feedback, and considers and assesses things from his/her viewpoint. Student can work in a group and recognises his/her interaction skills. Student takes responsibility for his/her own work.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

Overall the achieved competence is structural. Student shows throughout the course (assignments, classroom discussions, laboratory exercises and exam) that he/she is fluent in explaining and applying the basic concepts and phenomena related to the subjects discussed during the course. Student shows that he/she can solve model exercise and new exercises correctly, can perform simple laboratory measurements and soil sample analysis independently. In addition, reporting of the laboratory results shows that the student attends to apply the theoretical knowledge in explaining the results.

Student can select the most appropriate course of action from diverse options and justify his/her choices when solving the problems. Student is able to make plans and apply his/her knowledge when solving the problems.

Student can give and receive feedback actively and constructively, and considers and assesses things both from his/her and the close community's viewpoint. Student can cooperate responsibly and is ready to develop his/her interaction skills. Student recognises and follows the important courses of action in the field. Student takes responsibility and commits to the group activities in addition to his/her own work.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

Overall the achieved competence is wide. Student shows throughout the course (assignments, classroom discussions, laboratory exercises and exam) that is fluent in the basic concepts and phenomena related to the subjects discussed during the course. Student can solve model exercises and new exercises correctly and shows creativity in solving the tasks. Student can perform simple laboratory measurements and soil sample analysis independently and understands the background of the used analytical method. Reporting of the laboratory results shows that the student can apply the theoretical knowledge in explaining the results.

Student can search for diverse courses of action and solution alternatives, justify his/her choices and try new courses of action. Student assesses diverse solution alternatives.

Student uses feedback systematically as a professional growth tool in his/her own work and the community. Student considers and assesses himself/herself and his/her professional community or task. Student can cooperate responsibly, flexibly and constructively, and develops his/her own and the group's interaction. Student works responsibly and in a committed manner considering the community and field requirements and needs.

Assessment methods and criteria

Grading scale is 0-5. The course grade will form according to the points collected as follows:
-6 short assignments (max 5 points/assignment), containing the home exercises which are given weekly max.30 points
-Three laboratory reports (max 15 points/total)
-Exam max.50 points (30 + 20 points) and safety exam max. 5 points
Grading: grade 0: 0-29 points; grade 1: 30-44 points; grade 2: 45-59 points; grade 3:60-74 points; grade 4: 75-89 points; grade 5: 90-100 points

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Contact teaching, exercises, self-study, assignments, laboratory exercises

Learning materials

Materials and guidances posted in Tabula and discussed during the lectures.
Textbook: Karen Timberlake & William Timberlake: Basic Chemistry, Pearson international edition

Student workload

Contact lessons, discussions, 40h, laboratory exercises 9 h, self-study 81 h, exam and feedback 5h. Total 135 h.

Content scheduling

Atomic structure, Periodic table, chemical bonds, chemical quantities, chemical reactions, concentrations, laboratory safety, three laboratory exercises

Practical training and working life cooperation

Occupational Safety Card Training 8 * 60 minutes, contact teaching 2 * 4 hours (an hour defined as 60 minutes, standard coming from Centre of Occupational Safety). To pass the subsection you need to be present on the contact sessions and to pass a test which will be arranged in the end of the session. After fulfilling the requirements of mandatory presence and passing a specified exam , you will receive an Occupational Safety Card (registered trademark), which you are able to utilise in your CV and when applying work in Finland.

Further information

At least 60 % attendance to courses+ exercise sessions required
-Laboratory works and reporting are compulsory
-Before starting the laboratories each student has to pass a safety exam (Week 44 in period II)
-Exam is compulsory (in two parts or retake)

Assessment criteria - fail (0) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student might have passed the safety exam before starting the laboratory work and participated in the laboratory work and did the laboratory reports. Student might have participated in the exam.
Overall the achieved competence is insufficient. Student shows throughout the course (assignments, classroom discussions, laboratory exercises and exam) that:
-is not familiar with the basic concepts and phenomena related to the subjects discussed during the course
-cannot write and balance chemical equations and cannot solve model exercises correctly
-can perform simple laboratory measurements and soil sample analysis under supervision
-has basic skills in reporting the results of the analysis

Assessment criteria - satisfactory (1-2) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student passed the safety exam before starting the laboratory work and participated in the laboratory work and did the laboratory reports. Student participated in the exam.
Overall the achieved competence is sufficient but narrow. Student shows throughout the course (assignments, classroom discussions, laboratory exercises and exam) that:
-is familiar with the basic concepts and phenomena related to the subjects discussed during the course: atoms and elements, periodicity, chemical bonds, chemical quantities.
-can write and balance chemical equations and can solve model exercises correctly
-can perform simple laboratory measurements and soil sample analysis under supervision
-has basic skills in reporting the results of the analysis

Assessment criteria - good (3-4) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student passed the safety exam before starting the laboratory work and participated in the laboratory work and did the laboratory reports. Student participated in the exam.
Overall the achieved competence is structural. Student shows throughout the course (assignments, classroom discussions, laboratory exercises and exam) that:
-is fluent in the basic concepts and phenomena related to the subjects discussed during the course: atoms and elements, periodicity, chemical bonds, chemical quantities.
-can solve model exercise and new exercises correctly
- can perform simple laboratory measurements and soil sample analysis independently
-the reporting of the laboratory results shows that the student attends to apply the theoretical knowledge in explaining the results
-student is clearly motivated and interested in the subjects discussed

Assessment criteria - excellent (5) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student passed the safety exam before starting the laboratory work and participated in the laboratory work and did the laboratory reports. Student participated in the exam.
Overall the achieved competence is wide. Student shows throughout the course (assignments, classroom discussions, laboratory exercises and exam) that:
-is fluent in the basic concepts and phenomena related to the subjects discussed during the course: atoms and elements, periodicity, chemical bonds, chemical quantities
-can solve model exercise and new exercises correctly, shows creativity in solving tasks
- can perform simple laboratory measurements and soil sample analysis independently
-understands the background of the analytical method
-the reporting of the laboratory results shows that the student can apply the theoretical knowledge in explaining the results
-student is clearly motivated and interested in the subjects discussed, eventually brings up new subject of interest