IF0CH1: Foundation Chemistry 1

Module code: IF0CH1

Module provider: Global Academy

Credits: 20

ECTS credits: 10

Level: F

When you’ll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Miss Natalie Drake, email: n.drake@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s): IN THE SAME YEAR AS TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE IF0CH2 (Compulsory)

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2026/7

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 25 March 2026

Overview

Module aims and purpose

Students will learn how to predict the properties of molecules from their structures and gain an understanding of how and why reactions happen. After studying the material covered in the lectures, students will apply what they have learnt in the laboratory, also developing their practical skills and learning how to work safely in the lab environment.  

This module will equip the students with a comprehension of the chemical principles that provide the foundations for many scientific disciplines at undergraduate level. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:  

1. Describe the fundamentals of chemical bonding, properties and reactions and apply this knowledge to explain unfamiliar scenarios. 
2. Explain chemical processes, including redox reactions, in terms of atomic structure. 
3. Carry out chemical calculations to answer questions designed to strengthen fundamental knowledge and prepare them for undergraduate study.
4. Be able to identify, name and draw organic molecules from the main functional groups. Work safely and effectively in the laboratory and be able to record results accurately, critically evaluate errors and draw logical conclusions. 

Module content

Topics in IF0CH1 include: 

• Bonding and Properties 
• Atomic Structure 
• Chemical Calculations 
• Redox Reactions 
• Introduction to Organic Chemistry 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Weekly lectures introduce students to the principles of the subjects studied. Follow-up seminars provide opportunities for further exploration of lecture topics, enhanced by self-directed study to review lecture material and include background reading. 

Practical classes in each semester will introduce students to laboratory work, provide experience in gathering and analysis of data. Data analysis and interpretation will be integrated into the assessments. 

Study hours

At least 66 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or a DAS-agreed extension as a reasonable adjustment indicated in your Individual Learning Plan): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each calendar day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three calendar days;
• where the piece of work is submitted up to three calendar days after the original deadline (or a DAS-agreed extension as a reasonable adjustment indicated in you Individual Learning Plan), the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three calendar days after the original deadline (or a DAS-agreed extension as a reasonable adjustment indicated in your Individual Learning Plan), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three calendar days after the original deadline (or a DAS-agreed extension as a reasonable adjustment indicated in your Individual Learning Plan): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three calendar days of the deadline (or a DAS-agreed extension as a reasonable adjustment indicated in your Individual Learning Plan): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three calendar days after the original deadline (or a DAS-agreed extension as a reasonable adjustment indicated in your Individual Learning Plan): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

Where a piece of work is submitted late after a deadline which has been revised owing to an extension granted through the Assessment Adjustments policy and process (self-certified or otherwise), it will be subject to the maximum penalty (i.e., considered to be more than three calendar days late). This will also apply when such an extension is used in conjunction with a DAS-agreed extension as a reasonable adjustment.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Online mid-semester formative test. 

In-person exam-style formative test held during the last teaching week. 

Reassessment

Additional costs