KJM1130 – Physical Chemistry I - Thermodynamics and Kinetics

Course content

Does renewable energy really exist? To understand interactions down to the molecular level and up to global climate changes, we need to study physical chemistry.

The course provides an introduction to basic principles of thermodynamics and properties such as energy, enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy. The course is based on examples from all branches of chemistry, from the energy production in cells to atmospheric chemistry. We will go through the three laws of thermodynamics, activity, chemical equilibrium, phase transitions, and phase diagrams as well as properties of solids, gases, liquids, and solutions. Furthermore, the course introduces chemical kinetics, rate laws, and reaction mechanisms.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, you can

  • determine if a physical or chemical process is spontaneous or not

  • produce and read phase diagrams for systems consisting of up to two components

  • make calculations for phase equilibrium (using barbell rule)

  • make calculations by red-ox processes and electrochemical processes (galvanic cells)

  • set up speed expressions for reactions based on a given mechanism

  • carry out experiments in the laboratory according to a written procedure, and report the purpose and results by keeping a journal, including making error estimates in results based on measurement errors

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Special admission requirements

In addition to fulfilling the Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:

  • Mathematics R1 (or Mathematics S1 and S2) + R2

And in addition one of these:

  • Physics (1+2)
  • Chemistry (1+2)
  • Biology (1+2)
  • Information technology (1+2)
  • Geosciences (1+2)
  • Technology and theories of research (1+2)

The special admission requirements may also be covered by equivalent studies from Norwegian upper secondary school or by other equivalent studies (in Norwegian).

Formal prerequisite knowledge

Completed laboratory course in one of the following (or similar) courses: KJM1101 – Generell kjemi, KJM1100 – General chemistry (continued)KJM1121 – Inorganic ChemistryKJM1120 – Inorganic Chemistry (continued) or MENA1001 – Materials, Energy and Nanotechnology

Before you can attend the mandatory laboratory courses in KJM1130, you have to have passed the following courses:

KJM1100 – General chemistry (continued) or KJM1101 – Generell kjemi and MAT1100 – Calculus MAT1012 – Mathematics 2 (discontinued) or equivalent.

Overlapping courses

Teaching

The course duration is one semester. The teaching consists of:

  • Lectures
  • Open group seminar
  • A mandatory laboratory course consisting of 4 separate exercises (a total of 20 hours). Please note that the lab course in KJM1130 is offered in alternating weeks with the laboratory course in KJM2400 – Analytical Chemistry I, for students who are taking both courses.
  • 1 mandatory assignment (can be divided into subtasks)

The laboratory course and the mandatory assignment must be approved prior to the final examination

A completed and approved laboratory course is valid for six semesters after completion. After this period you must re-take it in order to sit for the final exam.

You must be able to show documentation that you have passed the HSE courses on the first lab exercise.

It is mandatory to attend the first lecture (including students on the waiting list). If you are unable to join the first lecture, you must notify the Department of Chemistry before the start of the lecture, otherwise your course registration will be cancelled.

Attendance at the laboratory course is mandatory. If you are prevented from meeting, you have to show documentation that you were legally absent (medical note from a doctor or similar).

As the teaching involves laboratory and/or fieldwork, you should consider taking out a separate travel and personal risk insurance. Read about your insurance cover as a student.

A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.

Examination

  • Final written exam (4 hours), which counts 100 % towards the final grade.

The laboratory course and the mandatory assignment must be approved before you can take the final exam.

Examination support material

Calculator. The calculator must fulfill the requirements specified by The Department of Mathematics (only in Norwegian).

Language of examination

The examination text is given in Norwegian. You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

This course offers both postponed and resit of examination. Read more:

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Common Student System) Mar. 19, 2024 9:46:37 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Bachelor
Credits
10
Teaching
Autumn
Examination
Autumn
Teaching language
Norwegian