Contents

The course begins with the description of the atom and its components. The Bohr atomic model is used to explain the atomic electromagnetic waves absorption and emission spectra. The atomic orbitals and the electronic structure of the elements are further described on the basis of the Schrodinger equation and the quantum numbers. The physical and chemical properties of the elements and their evolution throughout the Mendeleev periodic table are described and the main reasons which lead to them are spelt out. In the second chapter, a great importance is attached to the description of the electrostatic interactions and to the chemical (polar and covalent) bond formation with particular emphasis on the hybridization phenomenon that possibly accompanies the formation of a simple covalent or a co-ordination bond. This concept of chemical bond is essential to enable an approach to the states of the matter (gaseous, liquid and solid) and to the description of the different types of solids reported in the following chapters. The directed exercise sessions and the laboratory work focus on some more concrete notions such as the quantification of matter (masses, volumes, stoichiometry), the proportions of components (molarity, fractions) in a thermodynamic system (gaseous, liquid and solid) and the processing of these components (preparation of solutions, extraction, reactions, …).

Required Reading

Note de cours - Eléments de Chimie physique - A. Decroly
Travaux Pratiques - Eléments de Chimie physique - A. Decroly

Required Learning Resources/Tools

The PowerPoint files shown during the course are converted into Flash files (non-editable but viewable with Internet Explorer) and made available onto the Moodle platform.

Recommended Reading

Recommended Learning Resources/Tools

Not applicable

Other Recommended Reading

« CHIMIE PHYSIQUE » Peter W. ATKINS Editions De Boeck Université Very comprehensive book, very rigorous (fall outside the scope of the ordinary course). Copy in French available at the library. « CHIMIE GÉNÉRALE » John W. HILL & Ralph H. Petrucci Pearson Education Book of a more accessible level (but also less complete).Very good illustrations (not available in the library).

Mode of delivery

• Face to face

Type of Teaching Activity/Activities

• Course
• Exercices
• Laboratory works

Term 1 Assessment - type

• Presentation and works
• Oral examination
• Quoted exercices
• eTest

Term 1 Assessment - comments

Two on-line tests (e-tests) are organized around the 3d-4th and the 10th-11th week, respectively (2.5 % of the mark for each). The first one consists of two exercises and one question about the theory. The second one consists only in answering questions about the theory. A written test based only on exercises is organized at the beginning of the 7th week after the half-day dedicated to tutorial support during the 6th week (20 % of the mark; maximal duration: 90 min). The written reports of the laboratory work are evaluated and a behavioural score is also attributed to each student (20 % of the mark). The oral exam in January verifies the theoretical knowledge. After receiving the question, the student write his answer on transparent slides that he will then present. The accent is put on the understanding of phenomena and concepts rather than on the memorization (55 % of the mark, maximal duration: 60 min).

Term 2 Assessment - type

• N/A

Term 2 Assessment - comments

Not applicable

Term 3 Assessment - type

• Oral examination
• Quoted exercices

Term 3 Assessment - comments

The second session (Q3), as well as the re-take examination in June (Q1(B1BA)) includes only a written and an oral test. The written test consists only in solving exercises (25 % of the mark; maximal duration: 90 min). As with the January session, the oral test consists only in answering questions about the theory presented during the course (same procedure, 55 % of the mark). The mark related to the laboratory work is carried over. The mark related to the e-tests is no longer taken into account.

Resit Assessment - Term 1 (B1BA1) - type

• Oral examination
• Quoted exercices

Resit Assessment - Term 1 (B1BA1) - Comments

The re-take examination in June includes only a written and an oral test (same as Q3). The written test consists only in solving exercises (25 % of the mark; maximal duration: 90 min). As with the January session, the oral test consists only in answering questions about the theory presented during the course (same procedure, 55 % of the mark). The mark related to the laboratory work is carried over. The mark related to the e-tests is no longer taken into account.