Course content

The course gives an introduction to basic concepts and models used in chemistry. It includes chemical nomenclature; chemical formulas and chemical equations; chemical reactions and stoichiometry; chemical equilibrium; atoms, molecules, and crystalline compounds; atomic structure, electron configurations, and chemical bonds; molecular structures; the periodic system; introduction to organic chemistry; acids, bases, and buffers; properties of gases and solutions; intermolecular forces; basic thermodynamics; reaction kinetics; redox reactions; electrochemistry; and basic nuclear chemistry.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, the student can:

• Identify different chemical reactions and name common chemical compounds.
• Perform stoichiometric calculations and balance chemical reaction equations.
• Describe chemical equilibrium and how this is influenced by changes, e.g. in concentration, pressure, and temperature.
• Perform calculations for equilibria in gaseous mixtures and aqueous solutions, including calculations of pH, solubility, and colligative properties.
• Perform basic thermodynamic calculations based on knowledge about entropy, enthalpy, and Gibbs free energy, and relate these properties to chemical equilibria.
• Describe the principles for galvanic cells/batteries and electrolysis, use these principles in chemical calculations, including for chemical equilibria, and give examples of how electrolysis is used in industry.
• Describe different types of chemical bonding, explain how such bonds are formed, and explain the basis for the different structures and geometries of small molecules.
• Explain the kinetics for simple chemical reactions and recognize different types of reaction mechanisms from rate laws and reaction orders.
• Explain the concept of catalysis and how catalysis affects reaction rates.
• Recognize the most important compounds and functional groups in organic chemistry (alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids, esters, ethers, and amines), draw organic structures, find structural isomers, and name alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes.
• Give examples of reactions for the most important functional groups in organic chemistry.
• Explain the fundamentals of nuclear chemistry and understand and describe different radioactive processes.
• Execute simple chemical experiments in the laboratory safely and securely.
• Describe the results from laboratory work.
• Understand and interpret assessment of risks for simple laboratory experiments, in the form of standardized Safe Job Analysis-forms.
• Give examples of the central role of chemistry in the development of a sustainable society.
• Disseminate scientific knowledge.
• Collaborate in small groups.

The HSE lecture and HSE work throughout the semester will give a general understanding of how to work safely in the laboratory.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures (6 lectures per week), exercises (2 hours per week), and laboratory work.

The laboratory course is compulsory and must be completed to take the written exam. A compulsory HSE module (HMS0001), and a course-specific digital HSE lecture, must be completed before admission to the laboratory.

A certain number of the exercises (specific details will be given at the start of the course) have to be completed and approved to take the written exam.

A mandatory project has to be completed and approved to take the written exam. The topic of the project is adapted to the student's study programme.

Information about the start of lectures and compulsory activities will be given via Blackboard. Please contact the Department of Chemistry if you need more information.

Please note that the laboratory course is a prerequisite for admission to several other chemistry courses. It is therefore highly recommended to complete the laboratory course even if the other mandatory parts of the course are not completed.

Compulsory assignments

• Approved laboratory course
• Approved exercises
• Approved project

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Chemistry and mathematics from high school/upper secondary school.

Course materials

• Raymond Chang, Kenneth E. Goldsby, General Chemistry: The Essential Concepts, 7th edn, McGrawHill.
• Laboratoriekurs i KJ1002 Generell kjemi, Institutt for kjemi
• Supporting litterature: Bjørn Hafskjold, Arbeidsbok i KJ1000/KJ1002 Generell kjemi

Credit reductions