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Second term
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Prerequisites
Identical coursesFoundations of Chemistry (B-KUL-X0F43A)
Van Cleuvenbergen Stijn | Ghesquiere Melina (cooperator) | Sinnesael Arne (cooperator) Aims
Students can
- explain en rationalise the structure of atoms and molecules
- explain the organisation of matter in the different aggregation states and explain chemical reactions starting from the structure and bonding within molecules
- be able to derive and rationalise the principles of conversion of matter and apply them to new examples
This course also forms the theoretical basis for the components Bio-organic Chemistry (X9X03A) and Biochemistry (X0A97B).
Previous knowledge
The student should present with a basic scientific interest in chemistry.
The student is handy and able to maintain a steady working rythm
No knowledge of chemistry is required in advance, as the course starts from the very basics.
Nevertheless, the ability to deal with logarithms, integrals, basic wave-theory and electrostatics and Newtonian physics is expected.
Order of Enrolment
This course unit is a prerequisite for taking the following course units:
H0H53A : Technology of Building Materials
Is included in these courses of study
- Bachelor of Mathematics (Programme for students started in 2024-2025 or later) (Kortrijk) (Option towards Engineering KU Leuven) 180 ects.
- Bachelor of Physics (Programme for students started in 2024-2025 or later) (Kortrijk) (Option towards Engineering KU Leuven) 180 ects.
Activities
2 ects. Foundations of chemistry: Exercises 1 (B-KUL-X0B47a)
DutchFormat: Practical
17 
First termVan Cleuvenbergen Stijn | Ghesquiere Melina (cooperator) | Sinnesael Arne (cooperator) Content
8 theoretical exercise sessions are organised:
WZ 1: Conversion of concentrations + stoechiometry
WZ 2: Chemical equilibrium of gases
WZ 3: Atomic construction
WZ 4: Acids, bases, buffers and pH
WZ 5: Calculating acid-base titration curves
WZ 6: Sparingly soluble electrolytes/precipitation
WZ 7a: Redox part 1
WZ 8a: Thermodynamics
Course material
exercises, online preparation via presentations, videos, quizzes
Format: more information
Practice session
Is also included in other courses
4 ects. Foundations of chemistry: Theory (B-KUL-X0C33a)
Content
I Basic concepts
II Main rules of nomenclature in inorganic chemistry
III Chemical reactions and reaction equations
IV The atomic structure
V The periodic table of elements
VI Chemical bonding I : Binding types, Lewis model and molecular geometry
VII Chemical bonding II: Hybridisation and molecular-orbital theory
VIII Intermolecular forces
IX Gases
X Heat and the first main law of thermodynamics
XI Thermodynamics: second and third main laws
XII Chemical equilibrium
XIII Physical properties of solutions
XIV Acids and bases
XV Solubility of salts
XVI Redox reactions and electrochemistry
XVII Chemical kinetics
Course material
Course, slides on Toledo
Is also included in other courses
1 ects. Foundations of chemistry: Exercises 2 (B-KUL-X0E35a)
Content
WZ 7b: Redox part 2
WZ 8b: Thermodynamics part 2
WZ 9: Combined exercises and repetition
Course material
exercises, online preparation via presentations, videos, quizzes
Format: more information
online preparation combined with discussion during lesson time
Is also included in other courses
Evaluation
Evaluation: Foundations of Chemistry (B-KUL-X2F43a)
Explanation
Theory & Exercises:
Type : Exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Oral, Written
Type of questions : Open questions
Learning material : Formularium