SYLLABUS FOR SCI - J153

CHEMISTRY

GENERAL OBJECTIVES
At the end of the series of courses, candidates should be able to:
1. provide a course of instruction and other facilities for the acquisition of knowledge in the
field of chemistry.
2. build on the knowledge and skills acquired in chemistry at the Senior Secondary School
level.
3.

4. enable candidates improve on and develop new laboratory skills including an awareness
of hazards and safety in the laboratory.
5. provide candidates with unique and sufficient academic and technical knowledge relevant
for professional careers in industries, governmental agencies, research institutes and the
academia.
6. make the study of chemistry enjoyable and satisfying by creating a sustained interest in
the subject.
7. deduce the electronic configuration of atoms and ions given the proton number.
8. explain qualitatively the periodic variation in atomic properties.
9. describe chemical bonding (ionic, covalent, coordinate metallic, etc.).
10. predict the shapes and bond angles in molecules using the valence shell electron pair
repulsion theory.
11. describe intermolecular forces and relate them to observed properties of compounds.
12. perform stoichiometric calculations.
13. differentiate between reaction types.

FIRST SEMESTER COURSES

CHM 001: GENERAL CHEMISTRY (3 units)
CHM 002: PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY (3 units)

SECOND SEMESTER COURSES

CHM 003: INORGANIC CHEMISTRY (3 units)
CHM 004: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY (3 units)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

CHM 001: GENERAL CHEMISTRY

Specific Objectives
At the end of this course, candidates should be able to:
1. apply scientific quantities and units.
 2. perform statistical analysis of data.
3. analyze mass spectra to determine relative abundances and relative atomic mases.
4. determine empirical and molecular formulae.
5. describe the development of the modern atomic structure.

Course content
S/N Topic Sub-topic Details & Notes
1 Measurement Units of Measurement Basic S.I. Units, derived units,
conversion of units, significant
figures.
Data analysis Precision and accuracy, errors
(systematic and random errors).
Error calculations (Standard
deviation, relative error, absolute
error and percentage relative error).
2 Mole concept Atomic masses Isotopy. Use of mass spectrometry
in the determination of Relative
Atomic Mass. Calculation of relative
abundances and isotopic masses.
The mole Definitions of the mole based on 12C

constant. Relative Molecular Mass.

Empirical and molecular Definition and calculations of
formula Empirical and Molecular formulae
from percentage composition by
mass and combustion data.
Stoichiometry Definition and calculations of
molarity, molality, mole fraction and
mass concentration.
Standard solutions Primary and secondary standard.
Preparation of standard solutions,
serial dilution.
3 Atomic structure Discovery of sub-atomic
particles theory. Various experiments that led
to the discovery of neutrons,
protons, electrons and nucleus
[Cathode ray, Millikans cathode ray,
Rutherford and Chadwick
experiment].
Planc Black body radiation, photoelectric
effect, quantisation of energy.
S/N Topic Sub-topic Details & Notes
Bohr s theory
of hydrogen and determination of
spectra lines, determination of
ionisation energy from line spectra
(when n= .
Wave theory of atom Particle wave duality.
Atomic orbitals, quantum numbers
(n, l, m, and s). Including relation to
energy level, degeneracy and
orientation of atomic orbitals.
Shapes of s, p and d orbitals only.
Electron configuration Aufbau

4 Periodicity Periodic Table Development of the modern periodic

table, building up periods,
identifying blocks and groups of
elements, Periodic law.
Atomic Properties Trends of atomic size, ionisation
potential, electron affinity,
electronegativity and ionic radii,
isoelectronic species.
5 Types of chemical Neutralisation Definition and identification of
reactions neutralization reactions.

Precipitation Predicting solubility. Identification

of precipitation reactions.
Oxidation and Reduction Various definitions of oxidation and
reduction reaction. Calculation of
oxidation numbers, balancing of
redox reactions using oxidation state
and half-reaction method (both in
acidic and basic media).
Disproportionation reaction.
Displacements Single and double displacement
reactions, metathesis.
6 Chemical Bonding Electrovalent/Ionic Describe ionic bonding using some
Bonding ionic compounds e.g. NaCl, energy
considerations of ionic bonding,
definition of lattice energy (no
derivation), properties of ionic
compounds.
Covalent bonding Describe covalent bonding using
some covalent compounds (e.g.,
CO2,) coordinate/dative covalent
bonding (e.g. in ammonium ion
S/N Topic Sub-topic Details & Notes
(NH4+), Al2Cl6 molecule), bond
energy, bond length and bond
polarity roperties of
covalent compounds, hybridisation
concept (sp, sp2, sp3, sp2d, sp3d,
sp3d2).
Molecular geometry Shapes of simple molecules (e.g.
H2O, NH3, CH4, PCl5, SF6, CO2)
using the valence shell electron-pair
repulsing theory.
Metallic bonding Describe metallic bonding in terms
of a lattice of positive ions
surrounded by delocalised electrons.

Intermolecular Van der Waals forces, permanent

and induced dipoles, hydrogen
bonding. The effect of
intermolecular forces on the physical
properties of substances (e.g.
unusual high boiling, miscibility of
water with ethanol, nylon,
polyester).

CHM 001 Practical

1. Sensitivity of weighing equipment, Gradation of measuring equipment, and
determination of significant figures in readings.
2. Preparation of standard solutions: Serial dilution.
3. Volumetric analysis: Practice in volumetric analysis, acid-base, redox and
precipitation titrations. Acid base titrimetry involving NaOH, oxalic acid, HCl and
Na2CO3. Determination of percentage composition of iron using KMnO4 (redox
Titrimetry), Titrimetric analysis of mixtures, NaOH/NaHCO3 and Na2CO3/NaHCO3,
and gravimetric analysis.
4. Introduction to the statistical analysis of data: Use of supplied data to illustrate
elements of simple statistics.

CHM 002: PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

Specific Objectives
At the end of this course, candidates should be able to:
1. state the assumptions of the kinetic theory for ideal gases.
2. understand the difference between ideal and real gases.
3. apply Hess s Law to construct simple energy cycles and carry out calculations
involving such cycles.
 4. use redox equation to construct an electrochemical cell using relevant half equations.
5. use experimental data to deduce rate laws and order of reactions.

Course content
S/N Topic Sub-Topic Details & Notes
1 Nature of matter Phase and phase Interconversion between the three states
diagrams of matter. Interpretation of phase diagram
for one component system.
2. Kinetic Molecular Gas Laws Statement of and calculations involving
Theory of Gases

Lussac s law.
Ideal and Real Gases Kinetic theory of gases (assumptions
only). Calculations involving general and
Ideal gas equations. Gas densities and
molar mass. Boltzmann s distribution of
molecular speed. Real gases deviation

equation.
3. Solutions Ideal and Non-Ideal
Solutions Law and its Deviations.
Colligative Lowering of vapour pressure, depression
Properties of freezing point, elevation of boiling
point and osmotic pressure.
Determination of molar masses using
Colligative properties. (The derivation not
required).
4 Thermochemistry Enthalpy Change Exothermic and endothermic changes.
Definition of enthalpy changes for
processes (combustion, neutralization,
hydration, formation, solution and
atomization) under standard condition.

s Law State Calculation based on

-Haber
cycle for and carry out calculation of
lattice energy.

Use of bond energy to calculate energy

changes.
5 Thermodynamics First law of Calculations in first law of
thermodynamics thermodynamics: Internal energy, heat
change and work done (no derivations).
Concept of isothermal and adiabatic
processes.
S/N Topic Sub-Topic Details & Notes
Entropy and Definition of entropy changes.
free energy Calculations involving entropy change

Predicting the spontaneity of reactions

4 Electrochemistry Electrolysis second laws of
electrolysis and calculations based on
them.
Identify the substances liberated during
electrolysis based on the state of
electrolyte, position in electrochemical
series, concentration of electrolyte and
nature of electrodes. Industrial uses of
electrolysis.
Electrochemical Definitions of electrode potential,
Cells standard electrode potential, cell
potential. Calculations of e.m.f of a cell.
Application of Nernst equation. Use of
cell potential to predict the feasibility of
reactions.
Fuel Cells and H2/ O2 fuel cell, rechargeable batteries.
Batteries
5 Chemical Kinetics Rate Equations Define and explain rate of reaction, order,
molecularity and rate determining step
and reaction mechanism. Factors
affecting rate of reaction, rate constants.
Determination of orders of reaction (0, 1
and 2), half-life and, rate constants from
experimental data. Calculations of order
of reaction from experimental data.
Activation energy Simple collision theory. Definition of
activation energy. Arrhenius equation.
Catalysis Homogeneous and Heterogeneous
catalysis. Identify homogenous and
heterogeneous catalyst from equations.
6 Equilibrium State Mass Action Equilibrium changes, reaction quotient
(Q), equilibrium expressions
(homogenous and heterogeneous
equilibria). Calculations of equilibrium
constants in terms of concentration (Kc)
and partial pressure (Kp). Relationship
between Kc and Kp. Predicting
spontaneity using equilibrium constant

Le- Application of Le-

Principle deduce the effects of changes in
 S/N Topic Sub-Topic Details & Notes
temperature, pressure and concentration
on a system at equilibrium.

Acid-Base Arrhenius, Bronsted-Lowry and Lewis

Equilibria concepts of acid and base. Auto-
ionisation of water. Acid strengths, pH of
acids and bases (strong and weak).
Indicator theory. Buffer solution:
Definition, types, pH (Henderson
equation).

Ionic Equilibra in Solubility product, common ion effect.

Aqueous System Selective precipitation of ions. Salt
hydrolysis.

7 Nuclear Chemistry Radioactivity Types of radiations, nuclear stability,

types of radioactivity. History of
Radioactivity. Types of radiations.
Radioactive disintegration. Balancing of
nuclear equations, half-life, radioactive
carbon dating. Detectors and applications
of radioactivity.

Energy changes in Mass defect, energy changes

nuclear reaction

CHM 002 Practical

1. Experiments to calculate` enthalpy changes.
2. Determination of molecular mass using freezing point depression.

CHM 003: INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Specific Objectives
At the end of this course, candidates should be able to:
1. describe the trends in physical and chemical properties of elements and their
compounds in period 3.
2. discuss gradation in properties across the period from metal through metalloid to non-
metals.
3. explain what a transition element is in terms of d block elements.
4. describe the tendency of transition metals to form variable oxidation states and write
their electronic configuration.
5. use valence bond theory to explain properties of coordination compounds.

Course content
S/N Topic Sub-Topic Details & Notes
1. Periodicity General Trends in General trends in physical and chemical
Properties properties of period III elements and their
compounds (chlorides, oxides and
hydrides). Solid structure of the elements,
e.g. face centered, body centered and
hexagonal closed packing.
Diagonal relationship. Anomalous
behaviour of period II.
2. Chemistry of Hydrogen Occurrence, isotopes, preparation and
Hydrogen reactions, hydrides.
3. s-block elements Group 1 Physical and chemical properties,
extraction of group 1 metals e.g. Sodium.
Trends in properties of their compounds
(chlorides, oxides, hydrides, carbonates,
hydroxides, nitrates and sulphates). Uses
of group 1 metals.

Group 2 Physical and chemical properties,

extraction of group 2 metals e.g. Calcium.
Trends in properties of their compounds
(chlorides, oxides, hydrides, carbonates,
hydroxides, nitrates and sulphates). Uses
of group 2 metals.

Group 14 Occurrence, allotropic forms of carbon

(diamond, amorphous carbon and
fullerene) and tin. Trends in physical and
chemical properties of the elements,
oxides, hydrides and halides. Uses of
group 14 elements.

Group 15 Occurrence, allotropic forms. Trends in

physical and chemical properties of the
elements, oxides, hydrides and halides.
Uses of group 15 elements.
Group 16 Occurrence, allotropic forms. Types of
oxides. Trends in physical and chemical
properties of the elements, oxides,
hydrides and halides. Uses of group 16
elements.
 Group 17 Occurrence, physical and chemical
properties, hydrogen halides, metal
halides and inter-halogen compounds.
Uses of group 17 elements.
5 Chemistry of the Environmental Greenhouse effect. Environmental
Environment impact impacts of greenhouse gases, NOx, SOx.
Acid rain, ozone layer depletion, global
warming.
6. d-block elements First Row Transition Definition of transition elements,
Elements electronic configuration. Periodic trends
in atomic radii, ionization potential and
variable oxidation states. Properties of
transition elements.
Introduction to Definition of metal complex and ligands,
Coordination types of ligands. Bonding in metal
Chemistry complexes (chain theory and its

bond theory (to explain properties of

coordination compounds). Study of
structure and magnetic properties of
octahedral and tetrahedral complexes.
Nomenclature of coordination
compounds.
7 Nanochemistry Introduction to Definition of nanomaterials and
dimensions of nanotechnology. Classification of
nanomaterials nanostructures. Sources of nanomaterials
and examples.

CHM 003 Practical

Qualitative Inorganic Practical
1. Flame tests and systematic analysis of mixtures containing two salts.
2. Identification of anions: preliminary tests for anions, preparation of Na2CO3 extracts
and confirmatory tests.
3. Identification of cations group I VI: Group separation and analysis of ions within a
group (group analysis).

CHM 004: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Specific Objectives
At the end of this course, candidates should be able to:
 1. interpret and use nomenclature and general formulae of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes,
aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, alkyl halides and carboxylic acids and their derivatives.
2. describe the synthetic routes to simple organic compounds and the reactions of the
above classes of compounds.
3. identify the monomer present in a given section of a polymer molecule.
4. relate chemical principles to industrial processes.
5. explain the various types of isomerism exhibited by organic compounds.

Course content
S/N Topic Sub-Topic Details & Notes

1. Separation and Separation Techniques Distillation, liquid extraction,

Purification sublimation, recrystallization and
techniques melting point. Chromatography (TLC
and Paper chromatography)
Determination of Sodium fusion test.
Elements Determination of empirical formula
and molecular formula.
2. Structure and Hybridization Tetravalency and hybridization of
Bonding in carbon. Sigma and pi bond formation.
Organic Classes and Nomenclature Homologous series, Functional
Compounds of Organic Compounds groups,
Naming of organic compounds
(IUPAC): alkanes, alkenes, alkynes,
aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, alkyl
halides, arenes, carboxylic acids (and
derivatives), amines and amides.
3 Organic Reactions Covalent Bond Cleavage Homolytic and heterolytic fission, free
radicals, Nucleophiles and
electrophiles.
Types of Reactions Addition, Substitution and Elimination
reactions. Differences between SN1
and SN2 SE1 and SE2.
Electronic Concepts in Inductive, steric, mesomeric and
Organic Chemistry electrometric effects.
4. Isomerism in Isomerism in Organic Constitutional; chain, position,
Organic Compounds metamerism and functional group
Compounds isomerism. Tautomerism.
Stereoisomerism; geometrical (Cis/
Trans, E/Z) and optical isomerism
(chirality and optical activity).
5. Organic Alkanes, Alkenes and Nomenclature, structure, synthesis,
Compounds Alkynes properties and reactions (for alkene
include Markovnikov
rules).
Alcohols Nomenclature, classes and structure.
Synthesis, properties and reactions.
Distinguishing tests for alcohols
(Lucas and Jones reagents).
Alkyl halides Nomenclature, structure, synthesis,
properties and reactions.
Carbonyl Compounds Nomenclature, structure, synthesis,
properties and reactions (including
reduction, reaction with HCN, NaCN,
reaction with aqueous I2). Tests for
aldehydes and ketones.
Carboxylic acids and their Nomenclature, properties. Preparation
derivatives (treat each and reactions.
separately).
Amines Nomenclature and classification of
amines.
Preparation of primary alkylamines.
Basicity of amines in terms of their
structure. Reactions of amines
(formation of diazonium salt)
Aromatic compounds Kekule structures. Aromaticity.
Reactions of benzene (Nitration,
sulphonation, halogenation, Friedel
Craft s). Nomenclature of benzene
derivatives (mono and di-substituted).
Effects of substituents on reaction of
benzene (o, m, p-directors).
6. Macromolecules Carbohydrates Classes of carbohydrates. Simple tests
(Open chain structures
only)
Proteins Amino acids. Reactions of amino
acids (formation of peptide bonds,
zwitterions). Classification of
peptides. Types of proteins.
 Polymers Types of polymerization reactions and
their differences. Simple structures of
polymers. Uses of common polymers.
Differences between thermosets and
thermoplastics.
7. Petroleum Industry Petrochemicals Constituents of crude oil, refining,
cracking. Chemicals derived from
crude oil.

CHM 004 Practical

1. Reactions of simple functional groups: Simple organic tests, solubility, sodium fusion
test, functional group identification (with emphasis on ketones, aldehydes and
carboxylic acids).
2. Re-crystallisation and determination of melting point of organic compounds.

RECOMMENDED TEXT
1. Ebbing, D., Ragsdale, R. O., & Gammon, S. D. (2005). Essentials of General
Chemistry (2nd Ed). Boston M: Houghton Mifflin College Div.
2. Lee, J. D. (1999). Concise Inorganic Chemistry (5th Ed.). New Jersey: Wiley
Blackwell.
3. Cann, P. & Hughes, P. (2015). Cambridge International As and A level Chemistry.
United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.
4. Madam, R. L. & Tuli, G. D. (2010). Inorganic Chemistry for Universities (Revised
Ed.) New Delhi, India: S. Chand.
5. Canhan, G. R. & Overton, T. (2013). Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry. New York: W.
H. Freeman and Co.
6. Matthews, P. (1992). Advanced Chemistry (Low Price Ed.). United Kingdom:
Cambridge University Press.
7. Ramsden, E.N. (2000). A Level Chemistry (4th Edition) Stanley Thornes.
8. Osuntogun, O. B., Familoni, O. B. & Alo, B. I. (2012). Basic Organic Chemistry
(Third Edition). Lagos: University of Lagos Press.
9. Tan, J. & Chan, K. S. (2009). Understanding Advanced Physical Inorganic Chemistry.
World Scientific.
10. Silberberg, M. S. (2010). Principles of General Chemistry (Second Edition), New
York: McGraw Hill.
11. Wong, Y. C., Wong, C. T., Onyiruka, S. O. & Akpanisi, L. E. S. (2002). University
General Chemistry, Inorganic and Physical. Africana FEP Publishers Ltd.