HEA Maths for Chemistry April 2014

Maths for Chemistry at Keele:

(R)EvolutionDr Katherine J. Haxtonk.j.haxton@keele.ac.uk

Acknowledgements: Dr David J. McGarvey, Dr Laura Hancock

Dr Simon Lancaster,

Keele Chemistry Degrees

Single Honours (SH) Programme:BSc Chemistry

Dual Honours (DH) Programmes:(includes the study of a 2nd subject in 1st and 2nd year)BSc Chemistry WITH/ANDBSc Medicinal Chemistry WITH/AND

6 Years of Change

Pre-2009: 12 x 10 credit 1st year modulesMaths for Chemistry Module4 Chemistry Modules

2009: New Degree Structure Introduced, All 1st year modules 15 credits, 4 Chemistry Modules - maths

removed

Maths Diagnostic Test IntroducedOptional Maths Workshops (2 hrs/wk)

Maths for Chemistry 2009 - 2012Diagnostic Test

G. Currell, http://calcscience.uwe.ac.uk/w2/sa/saIndex.htm

Recommendation made to students regarding attendance.

Identified need for numeracy skills over ‘harder’ maths skills.

2 hour workshops: greater chemistry context, more emphasis on ‘basics’ (equation rearranging, handling units, scientific

notation, equation of straight line).

Attendance declines as differentiation looms…

6 Years of Change2012:Curriculum RevisionsBSc Accreditation Reintroduced by RSCMore Laboratory Hours NeededMaths Re-embedded into Chem Module

Self-Study Resources Created

Screencasts

http://www.chemistryvignettes.net/mathematics-for-chemists-screencasts/

6 Years of Change

2013: SH Chemistry Introduced (direct 2nd year entry, creation of 2 new

modules, timetable rearranged)

2014: SH Chemistry Expanded (105 1st year credits - 6 core, 2

electives)Maths for Chemistry Module

Mathematical Tools & Concepts

in Chemistry

‘Advanced Topics’:vectors, differentiation and integration, power series

Teaching Style:Combined self-study & workshop based learning

Assessment:Assessed problems (35%)Class Test (35%)Report (30%)

Scientific Numeracy: sig fig, units, unit conversions, rearranging equations

properties of gases

chemical spectroscopy

equilibrium and thermodynamics

kinetics

quantum chemistry

electric properties of molecules

intermolecular forces

General Issues

Symbolic Language - e.g. difference between frequency and wavenumber

Estimation, Magnitude and Sign - e.g. general bond length, results of calculation

Use of Calculators - e.g. ‘one step’ calculations, no working

General Thoughts

Reinventing The Wheel

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