Basic Chemistry

Additional course evaluations for KE0071

KE0071 Basic Chemistry, 7.5 Credits

Grundläggande kemi

Syllabus approved

2018-11-21

Subjects

Chemistry Horticultural science

Education cycle

First cycle

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, entry requirements only from upper secondary school(G1N)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to
- Natural Science 2
- Mathematics 2a or 2b or 2c

Objectives

The course provides a holistic view integrating chemistry as a part of horticultural science. The student develops a chemical way of thinking as a base for further studies and for sustainable development for the professional role. Student takes part in an active and critical way in the public debate in the green sector.

On completion of the course, students will be able to:

- describe central chemical concepts and connections, especially those with importance on plant nutrition, environment and sustainable development
- orient in the chemical methods and way of working, and understand qualitative and quantitative problem solving as well as orient in the environmental management system (ISO)
- identify the most important chemical groups
- to give examples of the connection between chemical structures and their effects on organisms and the environment
- be informed about Swedish and UN Sustainability Goals and understand his/her professional role in the green sector in working towards sustainable development
- write an elementary laboratory report.

Content

In the course, different ways of teaching are applied to promote student activity and discussion: lectures and exercises, flipped class room, laboratory practicals and quizzes.


Lectures, seminars: Basic theory and concepts in chemistry, such as atom structure, the periodic system and chemical binding are taken up. Fundamental chemical laws, reaction formulas, calculations, simple redox processes, acids and bases, pH and pOH, and the meaning of buffer system are discussed. Characteristics and nomenclature of the most important chemical subject groups are studies. Examples of environmental pollution (e.g. halogenated organic substances, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), brominated flame retardants, heavy metals) and connections between the chemical structure and biological effects are discussed. Actual research results enlightening the chemical background to different environmental problems preventing sustainable development are discussed.

Action with the green sector and the society, and connections to the international research are taken up through guest lectures, presentations and demonstrations. Swedish environmental laws, UN Sustainability Goals (Agenda 2030) and other environmental and sustainability matters are discussed from a chemical, social and ethical point of views.

Calculation exercises: Problem solving with focus on different strategies is trained in minor tutorial groups.

Laboraty practicals: Adequate laboratory safety is taken up. Basic analysis techniques such as titration and gravimetry are trained. Students analyse own soil samples with the ISO 10390 method and relate to the acidification in different parts of Sweden. A scientific way of working and thinking is applied and writing a report adapted to the future professional role are trained.

Scheduled laboratory work, exercises and guest lectures are mandatory.

Formats and requirements for examination

Passed written exam, passed laboratory reports and approved participation in compulsory components are required.

• If the student fails a test, the examiner may give the student a supplementary assignment, provided this is possible and there is reason to do so.
• If the student has been granted special educational support because of a disability, the examiner has the right to offer the student an adapted test, or provide an alternative assessment.
• If changes are made to this course syllabus, or if the course is closed, SLU shall decide on transitional rules for examination of students admitted under this syllabus but who have not yet passed the course.
• For the examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the deadline. For more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor's and Master's level.

Other information

• The right to take part in teaching and/or supervision only applies to the course date to which the student has been admitted and registered on.
• If there are special reasons, the student may take part in course components that require compulsory attendance at a later date. For more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor's and Master's level.

Additional information

The used pedagogics takes to account the variable natural science skills students may have prior to the course.

Responsible department

Department of Plant Protection Biology

Further information

There are no Grading criteria posted for this course