NWNR100002 Introduction to general chemistry, practical course

Type
course with continuous assessment
Semester hours
3
Lecturer (assistant)
Kastner, Bruna , Viehauser, Petra , Berthiller, Franz , Hann, Stephan , Steiner-Friedmann, Christina , Schuhmacher, Rainer , Troyer, Christina , Vasilieva, Viktoriya , Luef, Christoph
Organisation
Analytical Chemistry
Offered in
Wintersemester 2025/26
Languages of instruction
Deutsch
Content

Safety measures and rules in the laboratory

Classification of bond types based on conductivity, solubility, melting point; categorisation of selected substances

Attribution of periodic properties of elements based on the behaviour of element groups (oxidising effect, solubility)

Reaction equations for acid/base, buffer, precipitation, complexation, and redox equilibria, including equilibrium constants

Calculations related to these equilibria

Le Chatelier’s principle and coupled equilibria

Nomenclature of acids, bases, salts, and complexes

pH calculations for acids, bases, buffers, and salt solutions

Structure, formation, dissociation, and stability of complexes

Amphoterism

Application and interpretation of the electrochemical series using reactions of metals and metal salts

Coupled equilibria demonstrated via analytical detection reactions; flame tests

CONTENT of the Chemical Calculations Part:

Writing chemical reaction equations

Calculation of amount of substance; calculations of content (proportion, concentration, ratio)

Conversion of concentration units

Mixture calculations

Chemical equilibrium

pH calculations for acids/bases/buffers/salts

Calculations involving solubility product and complex formation

Calculations involving coupled equilibria

Redox reaction calculations
Previous knowledge expected

Basics in mathematics and chemistry: general arithmetic operations, exponents and logarithms, unit conversions, rounding, basic chemical knowledge

School-level knowledge in chemistry and basic arithmetic should be reviewed using the BOKUlearn course "Eine Frage der Chemie" (Moodle-based), password: "chemistryisawesome"

Attendance of the lecture "Introduction to Chemistry" (NRNW100001) is strongly recommended; exercises are scheduled in parallel with the lecture

Knowledge of the lecture and script contents for each exercise day is required (see self-assessments in BOKUlearn); expect related questions in the introductory session

The better you prepare, the more you will benefit from the exercises
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

After completing the course, students can:

Apply safety rules, properly use safety equipment, chemicals, and devices

Identify hazards using hazard symbols and reduce risks through appropriate behaviour

Organise and maintain a clean workspace

Estimate solubility in various solvents, determine approximate melting point, and assign substances to bond types based on these properties and conductivity; document results appropriately

Formulate reaction equations for chemical reactions (including acid/base, complexation, and redox reactions) performed in the lab, derive corresponding equilibrium constants/solubility products, and carry out related calculations

Assess reaction progress and equilibrium position through experiments (e.g. colour change, gas evolution); apply Le Chatelier’s principle to purposely shift equilibria

Prepare and dilute solutions, calculate pH, prepare buffers and observe buffer capacity, determine buffer range, calculate solubility product based on the pH of saturated hydroxide solution

Predict and experimentally verify pH (neutral, acidic, basic) of salt solutions based on their formulas; justify using reaction equations

Identify amphoterism using metal hydroxides and redox-amphoteric substances; assess relative stability of complexes based on observations; apply nomenclature rules to complexes

Perform simple ion detection tests, discuss potential errors, write reaction equations, and assess their dependence; apply flame test as basis for spectroscopy

Use the electrochemical series to classify and predict reactions of metals and metal ions; assign oxidation states, distinguish oxidation and reduction, and formulate redox equations

Translate written chemical descriptions into reaction equations

Convert between concentration units, define and calculate amount of substance, proportion, concentration, and ratio

Calculate yields in chemical reactions

Perform pH and equilibrium constant calculations for weak acids/bases, determine dissociation degrees and vice versa

Set up solubility products and complex equilibria; identify and calculate coupled equilibria

Set up redox reactions and carry out related calculations

Independently acquire content via an online course, organise group work, and use BOKUlearn functions
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.