Enquiry for Science Major/Minor/Programme Requirements
CHEM1044 Mathematics in chemistry (6 credits) Academic Year 2026
Offering Department Chemistry Quota 80
Course Co-ordinator Dr A M Y Yuen, Chemistry < maiyan@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Dr A M Y Yuen,Chemistry)
(Prof S F Hu,Chemistry)
Course Objectives Mathematical calculations are necessary to explore important concepts in chemistry. This course aims to equip students with a basic knowledge of some of the mathematics that will be used in courses covered in the Chemistry-major curriculum to enable them to apply the mathematical skills to problems in chemistry. Students taking this course are expected to already have achieved level 2 or above in Module 1 or Module 2 of HKDSE Mathematics or equivalent, or a pass in MATH1011 University Mathematics I. As far as possible, the mathematical concepts covered in this course will be put in the context of chemical problems.
Course Contents & Topics Applying mathematical tools, such as Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Complex number, Vector, Matrix, Linear equation, Differential equation, in solving chemistry problems.
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the essential mathematics used in chemistry
CLO 2 apply mathematical skills to solve basic problems in chemistry
CLO 3 be more capable of coping with a higher level of mathematics required in relevant courses for chemistry major, in particular, in physical chemistry courses
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in CHEM1042 or already enrolled in this course; and
Level 2 or above in Module 1 or Module 2 of HKDSE Mathematics or equivalent, or
Pass in MATH1011 or SCNC1111
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2026 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
Course to PLO Mapping 2026 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,4,5 >
2025 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,4,5 >
2024 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,4,5 >
2023 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,4,5 >
2022 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,4,5 >
Offer in 2026 - 2027 Y        2nd sem    Examination May     
Offer in 2027 - 2028 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Demonstrate an excellent understanding of key concepts and ideas by being able to identify the appropriate theorems and their applications through correctly analysing problems, clearly and elegantly presenting correct logical reasoning and argumentation and being able to carry out computations carefully and correctly, and with some innovative approaches to solving problems.
B Demonstrate a good understanding of key concepts and ideas by being able to identify the appropriate theorems and their applications through correctly analysing problems, but with some minor inadequacies in arguments, identifying the appropriate theorems or their applications and presentation or with some minor computational errors.
C Demonstrate an acceptable understanding of key concepts and ideas by being able to correctly identify appropriate theorems, but with some inadequacies in applying the theorems through incorrectly analysing problems with poor argument and presentation or a number of minor computational errors.
D Demonstrate some understanding of key concepts and ideas by being able to correctly identify appropriate theorems, but with substantial inadequacies in applying the theorems through incorrectly analysing problems with poor argument or presentation or with substantial computational errors.
Fail Demonstrates poor and inadequate understanding by not being able to identify appropriate theorems or their applications, or not being able to complete the solution.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Lecture-based course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Lectures 36.0
Tutorials 12.0
Reading / Self study 100.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Assignments 30% Assignment 1 (poster presentation); 20% Assignment 2 (two short quizzes) 20.0 1,2,3
Examination 50.0 1,2,3
Test mid-term test 30.0 1,2,3
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 Graham Doggett, Martin Cockett: Maths for Chemists, 2nd Edition, RSC
Erich Steiner: The Chemistry Maths Book, 2nd Edition, Oxford University Press
Course Website NIL
Additional Course Information


Back  /  Home