Given as part of HEA STEM (Physical Sciences): Developments in Mathematics Support April 2014 http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/events/detail/2014/08_April_Developments_in_Mathematics_Support

1. Maths for Chemistry at Keele:
(R)Evolution
Dr Katherine J. Haxton
k.j.haxton@keele.ac.uk
Acknowledgements:
Dr David J. McGarvey, Dr Laura Hancock
Dr Simon Lancaster,

2. Keele Chemistry Degrees
Single Honours (SH)
Programme:
BSc Chemistry
Dual Honours (DH)
Programmes:
(includes the study of a 2nd
subject in 1st and 2nd year)
BSc Chemistry WITH/AND
BSc Medicinal Chemistry
WITH/AND

3. 6 Years of Change
Pre-2009: 12 x 10 credit 1st year modules
Maths for Chemistry Module
4 Chemistry Modules
2009: New Degree Structure Introduced,
All 1st year modules 15 credits,
4 Chemistry Modules - maths removed
Maths Diagnostic Test Introduced
Optional Maths Workshops (2 hrs/wk)

4. Maths for Chemistry 2009 - 2012
Diagnostic Test
G. Currell, http://calcscience.uwe.ac.uk/w2/sa/saIndex.htm
Recommendation made to students regarding attendance.
Identified need for numeracy skills over ‘harder’ maths skills.
2 hour workshops:
greater chemistry context,
more emphasis on ‘basics’
(equation rearranging, handling units, scientific notation,
equation of straight line).
Attendance declines as differentiation looms…

5. 6 Years of Change
2012:
Curriculum Revisions
BSc Accreditation Reintroduced by RSC
More Laboratory Hours Needed
Maths Re-embedded into Chem Module
Self-Study Resources Created

6. Screencasts
http://www.chemistryvignettes.net/mathematics-
for-chemists-screencasts/

7. 6 Years of Change
2013: SH Chemistry Introduced
(direct 2nd year entry, creation of 2 new
modules, timetable rearranged)
2014: SH Chemistry Expanded
(105 1st year credits - 6 core, 2 electives)
Maths for Chemistry Module

8. Mathematical Tools
& Concepts in
Chemistry
‘Advanced Topics’:vectors,
differentiation and
integration, power series
Teaching Style:
Combined self-study &
workshop based learning
Assessment:
Assessed problems (35%)
Class Test (35%)
Report (30%)
Scientific Numeracy:
sig fig, units,
unit conversions,
rearranging equations

9. properties of gases
chemical spectroscopy
equilibrium and thermodynamics
kinetics
quantum chemistry
electric properties of molecules
intermolecular forces

11. General Issues
Symbolic Language
- e.g. difference between frequency and wavenumber
Estimation, Magnitude and Sign
- e.g. general bond length, results of calculation
Use of Calculators
- e.g. ‘one step’ calculations, no working

12. General Thoughts
Reinventing The Wheel
Sharing Resources