FOUNDATIONAL CHEMISTRY - 2026/7

Module Overview

This module introduces you to the core concepts of chemistry, including elements of inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Opportunities are provided for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and comprehension, core skills, and reasoned judgements in familiar and unfamiliar chemistry and chemistry-related contexts. The module additionally supports the laboratory sessions in a parallel module this term, which also contains the analytical chemistry content that Surrey is well known for. The module uses a combination of teaching strategies that encompass cross discipline learning, novel teaching strategies, and traditional lecture teaching. A synoptic assessment of the assimilation of knowledge is used, to examine your understanding across the main strands of study in the module. The content starts from a basic, general overview of the main strands of chemistry before diverging into more specific, in-depth topics towards the end of the course. The content here is then further built upon in ENG0023, Further Foundational Chemistry (semester 2), where themes are revisited in more detail.

Module provider

Chemistry

Module Leader

BINGHAM Nathaniel (Chst Chm Eng)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 3

Module cap (Maximum number of students): 70

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

The content for this module will build knowledge and understanding around the following areas in an integrated way: 
- Introduction to inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry 
- Atomic structure 
- Electronic configuration 
- Concentrations and calculations 
- Inter- and intramolecular bonding 
- VSEPR Theory 
- Periodicity and reactivity of the elements 
- Reaction mechanisms 
- Academic skills 
- Problem solving skills

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

NULL">

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to allow students to demonstrate that they have successfully met the learning outcomes of the module (see above). Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of: 
- 30 %, Online Test LO 1, 2, 3 
- 70 %, Short Answer Question Closed Book Exam LO 1, 2, 3 

Formative assessment 
Formative feedback is provided for all types of summative assessments mentioned above. For example, in tutorials where seen and unseen questions are discussed in preparation for the final examination (LO 1, 2, 3), and in lectures where opportunities for problem solving allow group work and discussion (LO 1, 2, 3). Practice tests and exams are also designed into the course time. 

Feedback 
Continuous feedback strategies are built into the module to capture the students¿ experiences and development of their: 
- Peer and tutor facilitated 
- Develop their interpersonal skills 
- Encourage engagement and communication skills

Module aims

• Be introduced to a range of chemistry and core scientific skills to prepare you with appropriate knowledge for access into a chemistry degree programme
• Develop cognitive skills that allow for critical thinking, problem solving, and analysis of information

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to: 
- Enhance the students learning experience 
- Encourage active student engagement 
- Adopt innovative approaches to learning and teaching 
- Offer high quality educational delivery 
- Create the ability to study independently with support 

During the course, a number of learning and teaching methods will be used, including: 
- Lectures and tutorials 
- Problem solving classes 
- Independent study 
- Revision tutorials 
- Self-directed learning 
- Problem based learning 
- Guided group work

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ENG0024

Other information

The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module is designed to allow students to develop a fundamental understanding of basic chemistry concepts, whilst starting to specialise into topic areas towards the end of the semester. All the concepts are discussed through a university chemistry degree level lens, removing some of the misconceptions at A-level (or equivalent) chemistry, and preparing students for a more streamlined transition to first year. This module leads onto Applied Chemistry and Biology and Further Foundational Chemistry in semester 2, and then the 1st year undergraduate chemistry degree courses and modules (CHE1041-1045).

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2026/7 academic year.