Module overview
This module represents an advanced practical course designed to extend the practical skills developed in years 1 and 2 of the Chemistry degree programmes and extend them through the completion of a series of advanced/open ended experiments which enable students to develop and demonstrate their ability to conduct an independent investigation.
Linked modules
Pre-requisite: CHEM3048
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Work independently towards achieving well defined objectives.
- Work effectively as a member of a team, as required.
- Manage personal study time effectively to balance the different needs of practical and other course work.
- Identify key elements of the scientific literature that are relevant to a research area.
- Maintain a record of practical work to a professional standard.
- Communicate the results of an open-ended investigation with clarity, both verbally and in writing, using appropriate scientific terminology.
- Prepare risk assessments, for approval, in advance of any practical work.
- Collate and analyse data from a variety of sources.
Syllabus
The course is comprised of a minimum of 48 hours of laboratory time, in which the students will
- Complete of a series of open-ended laboratory and/or computational based experiments either independently or in groups.
- Submission of reports in a variety of formats, which may include formal written reports, posters, and oral presentations.
The topics covered by the practical sessions will vary from year-to-year, but may include
Chemical biology
Chemical simulations
Computational chemistry
Electrochemistry
Mass spectrometry
Materials chemistry
NMR
Organometallic chemistry
Supramolecular chemistry
Synthetic organic chemistry
X-ray crystallography
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Practical sessions
Workshops and short lectures will be used to present key knowledge, concepts and a general framework for the conduct of independent research.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Project supervision | 8 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 30 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 48 |
| Completion of assessment task | 45 |
| Lecture | 3 |
| Follow-up work | 8 |
| Wider reading or practice | 8 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Kirsty MacDonald. Key Skills for Scientists. RSC Publishing.
Howard M. Kanare. Writing the Laboratory Notebook. American Chemical Society.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Students repeating externally should ensure that they are able to elevate their marks sufficiently to pass the module without repeating practical sessions and without access to supervisory support.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Practical assessment | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Practical assessment | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External