University of Fort Hare UFH Department of Chemistry

Entry is through an approved BSc degree in which Chemistry was a major or one of the major subjects studied. Students are required to study all theory courses in Analytical, Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry.  Research seminars and a research project are a part of the curriculum and examinations are internally and externally assessed.

FIRST YEAR CHEMISTRY

All the BSc students majoring in Chemistry (single and double majors) register for PAC110 and are examined at the end of the first semester. They can then proceed to PAC121 and are examined in November. BAgric students register for PAC 101 and study over 2 semesters and write the examination in November.  BSc students majoring in Chemistry also register for MAT111 (or MAT112), plus students should register for MAT121 (or MAT123) and pass it by the beginning of their third year.

PAC 110:    Basic Chemistry. (Equivalent to PAC 101)

Purpose:      To lay the foundation in stoichiometry, structural chemistry, and solution chemistry.

Contents:     Basic  concepts  of  matter;  Gases;  Chemical  arithmetic;  Chemical analysis; Thermochemistry; Atomic structure; Chemical bonding; Solution chemistry; Acid-base equilibria; Redox equilibria.

Instruction:  Lectures, laboratory course, and tutorials

Credits:        16

Assessment: Major tests, laboratory reports, assignments, three-hour examination paper.

Entry is through an approved BSc degree in which Chemistry was a major or one of the major subjects studied. Students are required to study all theory courses in Analytical, Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry.  Research seminars and a research project are a part of the curriculum and examinations are internally and externally assessed.

CHE 501    Analytical Chemistry

Purpose:    To develop an in depth knowledge of advanced fundamental principles of instrumental techniques and to acquaint students with chromatographic and spectrometric procedures.

Contents:   Topics in separation techniques: solvent extraction, solid phase and solid micro  extraction,  supercritical  Fluid  chromatography  and  extraction, Liquid chromatography, Gas chromatography, Capillary electrophoresis, Gravimetry, Electrochemical Techniques: Polarography stripping, Voltammetry; atomic  fluorescence            spectrometry.            Molecular spectrometry; Infrared spectrometry, Mass spectrometry, Radiochemical methods in analysis, thermal techniques such as thermo gravity; Differential Thermal analysis and Differential scanning colorimetry; sampling and sample treatment and the role of computers and microprocessors in analytical chemistry.

Instruction: Formal lectures and assignments

Credits:      22 :

Assessment: Tests and a 3-hour externally moderated examination at the end of the year

CHE 502:   Inorganic Chemistry

Purpose:    To provide an in depth understanding of modern inorganic theories and fundamental principles of the various elements and groups in the periodic table, synthetic techniques of the various inorganic compounds with emphasis on their industrial and practical applications.

Contents:   d-block  metal  chemistry  (general  considerations),  bonding  in  d-block metal complexes (valence bond theory, crystal field theory, molecular orbital theory, ligand field theory), electrons in multi-electron systems, electronic spectra and magnetic properties of coordination complexes. The second and third row metals chemistry. Organometallic compounds of  d-block elements, chemistry of  lanthanoid and  actinoids, inorganic reaction mechanisms, catalysis and industrial processes, solid state chemistry (ionic solids, superconductivity, ceramic materials, CVD, inorganic fibres and carbon nanotubes); the trace metals of life, some specialized topics in modern inorganic chemistry.

Instruction: Lectures and seminars by students on specialized topics

Credit:        22

Assessment: Tests, assignments, term paper and 3hrs examinations. Prerequisite: PAC 211, 321, 314

CHE 503    Organic Chemistry

Purpose:    To  enable  students  to  develop  a  critical  understanding  of  Organic chemistry, extend their knowledge of organic compounds and to prepare them for research and further postgraduate studies.

Content:     Separation,   purification   and   determination   of   purity   in   organic compounds; Use of Organic Spectroscopic techniques for structure determination; Organic synthesis, synthetic planning, strategy, and protecting groups; Natural products-carbohydrates, proteins, steroids and terpenes; Synthetic materials-monomers and polymers, applications and current trends; Heterocyclic compounds and their chemistry.

Instruction: Formal lectures and assignments

Credits:      22

Assessment: Tests and a 3-hour externally moderated examination at the end of the year

CHE 504    Physical Chemistry

Purpose:   To enable students to develop a critical understanding of Physical chemistry, extend their knowledge of Physical Chemistry techniques  and to prepare them for research and further postgraduate studies.

Contents    Introduction.  Liquid  surfaces,    Thermodynamics  of  interfaces  ,  The electric double layer, Effects at charged interfaces, Surface forces, Contact   angle phenomena and wetting, Solid surfaces,   Adsorption, Surface   modification,   Friction;   lubrication;   and   wear.   Surfactants; micelles; emulsions; and foams. Thin films on surfaces of liquids.

Instruction:  Formal lectures and assignments