Comparison of the course syllabus of the theory subject "Chemistry" in chemistry grade and in engineering studies

Abstract

The aim of the chemistry-related subjects, taught in the first academic year of several grades at the University Jaume I, is to provide a broad overview about general chemistry. However, these defined subjects are adapted to the structure, objectives and curricula of each grade. In this paper, a comparison of the course syllabus of the Chemistry subjects taught in the "Chemistry grade" and in several "Engineering grades" (Agricultural, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Technology and Chemical) is detailed. The differences and similarities of the subjects are discussed: general characteristics, justification, semester of teaching, involved teachers, departments and areas of knowledge, structure, content, competences, learning outcomes, number of credits, grouping of students, housework, numerical problems, didactic units and evaluation. The course syllabi of the subjects have been found similar, but they have been adjusted to the interests of the student, the importance of the subject within the whole curricula of the grade and the expected utility in the future career of the students. In "Chemistry grade", the content is wider and deeply explore the theoretical concepts and to strongly improve the chemistry background, which would be essential for the understanding of the following academic years. In the "Engineering grades", the content is limited to providing a basic knowledge of chemistry, focusing on the application in practical situations and the resolution of numerical problems by approaching the correct mathematical equations.