This course is no longer offered

20232 Molecular Chemistry 1

Credits: 6 intermediate credits in Chemistry

Prerequisites: none

Required: General Chemistry 2

Recommended: Atoms, Molecules and the Properties of Matter

Authors: Nava Ben-Zvi, Carla Heitner-Wirguin, Henry H. Selig, Shneior Lifson, Amatzia Meir, Ilana Fried, Ahuva Leopold

The course focuses on the examination of molecular structures and chemical reactions. It aims to describe Chemistry as a fascinating field of study rather than as a bounded body of knowledge. The student discovers that the contents of molecular chemistry transcend the boundaries of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, reaching theoretical physics and even Biology. While the course focuses on structure and binding principles, it presents selected topics in descriptive, organic and inorganic chemistry, enabling the student to become familiar with the extensive variety of materials, their properties and reactions.

Topics: Molecules – methods for studying structure; Chemical reactions; Stereochemistry – study of properties and their relation to three-dimensional molecular structures; Chemical reactions and their dependence on the quality of molecular bonds; Coordination chemistry; The Periodic Table of the Elements – organization, patterns.

The course includes two mandatory one-day workshops conducted at the laboratory on the Open University campus. Materials include an appendix on chemical data, a kit of molecular samples and computer software for the study of nuclear magnetic resonance.

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1There is some overlap in the content of this and other courses. For details, see Overlapping Courses.

2or Pathways in Chemistry (20108), which is no longer offered.