Module overview
A practical based module to reinforce lecture material from other modules on unit operations and to develop understanding of spectroscopic methods of chemical characterisation.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Analyse data and prepared a written report to a brief.
- Evaluate the outcome of a practical and present the results orally.
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Compare methods and results from predicted outcomes to experimental findings and develop arguments based on those comparisons.
- Demonstrate different unit operations in practice and complete an experimental protocol from an outline set of instructions.
- Critique the effectiveness of operation or experimental strategy to accomplish the desired aim.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Apply theoretical understanding of spectroscopic methods to analyse spectra obtained under laboratory conditions.
- Apply knowledge of the theoretical concepts of unit operations in a practical setting.
Syllabus
Students will complete 8 practical exercises over the course of semesters 1 and 2. To demonstrate and enhance understanding of unit operations (complete 4 of these):
1.Sedimentation
2.Filtration
3.Liquid/liquid extraction
4. Absorption
5.Distillation
as well as the use of instrumental methods of chemical analysis:
1.Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry
2.UV-visible spectroscopy
3.Infrared and Raman spectroscopy
4.NMR spectroscopy
Lectures are provided to support the theory and data analysis aspects of the chemical analysis part of the module (8 lectures), provide health and safety training prior to use of the facilities in the laboratories, and a briefing session on the overall design of the module and the assessments.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Students perform eight practical activities in the teaching laboratories over Semesters 1 and 2. These form the basis of one outline report, five written laboratory reports and two face to face oral examination/interviews, which are submitted according to a personalised timetable. Marked reports carry individualised feedback. The unit is supported by a Blackboard site containing generic information and including a student discussion forum for each activity. Lectures provide additional coverage of theory, data analysis, and health and safety.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Wider reading or practice | 20 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 42 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 26 |
| Completion of assessment task | 52 |
| Lecture | 10 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Practical exerciseSummative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Individual Oral Presentation | 25% |
| Laboratory Report | 75% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal