PAU Chemistry (Aragón) study plan

Diagnose your starting level by working one full past-style PAU paper under timed conditions and logging every error by sub-topic (atomic structure, bonding, equilibrium, redox, organic).

Build a one-page formula and constants sheet covering gas laws, thermochemistry, acid-base, solubility and electrochemistry, and commit it to memory by writing it from scratch twice.

Re-derive the mole concept, empirical and molecular formula calculations, and stoichiometry with limiting reagent from first principles, solving at least 15 mixed problems.

Set up a weekly error log with columns for sub-topic, error type (concept, algebra, units, misread), and corrective action.

Master atomic structure and periodicity: electron configuration, quantum numbers, periodic trends in radius, ionisation energy and electronegativity, and explain anomalies such as the chromium and copper configurations.

Practise Lewis structures, VSEPR geometry, hybridisation and molecular polarity across at least 20 species, including exceptions like expanded octets and odd-electron molecules.

Apply intermolecular forces to rank boiling points, solubility and vapour pressure, and justify each ranking in writing.

Solve crystalline solid and unit-cell problems linking density, molar mass and lattice parameters.

Balance redox equations in acidic and basic media by the ion-electron method and assign oxidation states confidently in complex ions.

Compute cell potentials from standard reduction tables, predict spontaneity, and apply the Nernst equation to non-standard concentrations.

Solve electrolysis problems involving current, time, Faraday's laws and mass or volume deposited, including series cells.

Explain corrosion and the function of sacrificial anodes and applied potentials in protection methods.

Apply Le Chatelier's principle to predict shifts in concentration, pressure, temperature and volume for gas-phase equilibria, and justify each prediction.

Calculate equilibrium constants Kc and Kp, convert between them, and solve ICE-table problems including the small-x approximation and its validity check.

Handle acid-base equilibria: strong and weak acids and bases, buffers with the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, and titration curves with indicator selection.

Solve solubility product problems including the common-ion effect and prediction of precipitation.

Use Hess's law, standard enthalpies of formation and bond energies to calculate reaction enthalpy, and interpret calorimetry data with heat capacity and phase changes.

Predict the sign of entropy change and apply Gibbs free energy to determine spontaneity and the crossover temperature where a reaction becomes feasible.

Link Gibbs free energy to the equilibrium constant through the standard relation and interpret coupled reactions in biological and industrial contexts.

Calculate reaction rates, rate laws and half-lives for first and second order kinetics, and apply collision and transition-state theory qualitatively.

Name and draw organic compounds using IUPAC rules across alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatics, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, acids, esters and amines.

Identify functional groups and predict the main products of substitution, addition, elimination, oxidation and esterification reactions.

Distinguish structural isomerism from stereoisomerism, including cis-trans and optical isomerism with chirality identification.

Solve combustion and addition stoichiometry problems for organic compounds, including gas volumes at stated conditions.

Complete two full past-style papers under strict timing, with no notes, to build pacing and exam stamina.

Analyse each mock by sub-topic to identify the three weakest areas and target them with focused re-drilling.

Practise presenting answers with correct significant figures, units and clear reasoning so partial credit is maximised.

Rehearse the formula sheet and standard constants from memory before each mock.

Rework every item in the error log from weeks 1 to 7 until each is solved correctly without hints.

Complete one final timed mock and review only the highest-frequency error types.

Consolidate a two-page summary of the most error-prone concepts, formulas and exceptions for last-minute review.

Plan exam-day logistics: timing per section, order of attempted questions and what to do when stuck.