Module overview
This course is an introduction to practical chemistry, involving direct laboratory teaching (with detailed instructions) of a range of basic skills to set foundations for further learning. It includes the teaching of common experimental techniques, use of laboratory instrumentation (e.g. NMR, IR Spectrometers); along with training in the analysis (and appropriate presentation) of data.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Collect data and compare it with expected properties of molecules or materials
- Duplicate a range of basic chemical laboratory procedures by following detailed instructions
- Report and explain experimental findings in terms of underlying theory
Syllabus
Lab skills to be developed
- Taking responsibility for equipment
- Consider quantities in synthesis (including molar equivalents) and scale-appropriate equipment
- Make and record accurate measurements
- Spectroscopic data collection and recognising a good vs a poor spectrum
- Weighing, recrystallization, titration, filtration and making solutions (from instructions)
- Understand the basic elements of code (variables, arrays and loops) used to run a piece of equipment e.g. colorimeter
- Basic thin layer chromatography
Information and data skills
- Guided risk assessment from given information
- Discuss rationale for conditions used in experiments carried out from a prepared script
- Effective lab book use introduced as a structured process from a template
- Carry out calculations with guidance from measured data and given formulae
- Use estimation to assess whether a result is reasonable
- Error estimation and propagation (worst case scenario)
- Correct graph plotting and axis labelling
- Basic spectral interpretation – Beer-Lambert and IR/NMR vs functional group tables
- Retrieve data (e.g. melting points) from provided sources for comparative purposes
Personal and written skills
- Prepare properly for lab sessions and manage time to complete work during the session – timing guidance will be given on lab scripts
- Writing components of a concise lab report
- Follow instructions to present data in defined formats with informative labelling e.g. graph axes, table headings etc
- Elements of team/group working, e.g. participate in an “ice breaker” exercise, and work as a group to plan and make a set of concentrations for UV/vis, giving a group presentation of analysed data
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Practical sessions, supported by pre-labs and some written assignments. Study skills and team skills delivered in some cases through separate sessions. This module formally carries zero effort since that is attributed to the three accompanying theory modules (3 x 45 h).
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Practical classes and workshops | 80 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 10 |
Lecture | 2 |
Guided independent study | 20 |
Seminar | 10 |
Total study time | 122 |
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Practical work, lab skills, written reports and presentations. This module formally carries zero CATS as the marks are attributed to the three accompanying theory modules.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Laboratory Report | 25% |
Laboratory work and associated tasks | 50% |
Laboratory Assignment | 25% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal