Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)

Module CHEM3061: CHEMISTRY AND SOCIETY

Department: Chemistry

CHEM3061: CHEMISTRY AND SOCIETY

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2011/12 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Core Chemistry 2 (CHEM2012).

Corequisites

  • Core Chemistry 3 (CHEM3012).

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To broaden the knowledge of chemical principles, particularly those that touch on science in industry and health.

Content

  • Nanotechnology and metals in medicine.
  • Pharmaceutical chemistry.
  • Industrial case studies.
  • Polymers and biopolymers: classification, structure and properties.
  • Chemical processing and the environment.
  • Chemistry of the atmosphere.
  • Two essays.
  • One poster.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Display familiarity with the likely mode of action of a number of metal-based compounds used in the treatment of disease;
  • be aware of the principles behind diagnostic imaging methods and the importance of metal complexes or nanoparticles in such techniques;
  • classify a number of important drugs according to their site and mechanism of action;
  • appreciate some of the methods by which drugs may be discovered and their efficacy optimised;
  • discuss how manmade pollutants interact with the natural chemistry of the environment, explain the reasons for their environmental impact and/or toxicity and appreciate the complex issues involved in reducing the harmful effects of pollutants;
  • understand the basic concept, classification, synthesis and structure/property relationship of polymers and biopolymers;
  • understand the durability and degradability of polymers;
  • observe the impact of polymers on the environment in terms of pollution and learn more about the solutions such as recyclability, biodegradability; their advantages and disadvantages.
Subject-specific Skills:
    Key Skills:
    • Completion of the module will enhance skills in information retrieval and scientific writing, feedback being provided verbally and by comments written on work submitted and returned.
    • Poster preparation skills will be developed.

    Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

    • Lectures are used to convey concepts and will be assessed by the content of the essays and the poster.
    • Two 2500 word summatively assessed essays, at the end of each of the Michaelmas and Epiphany Terms allow undergraduates to study a topic in greater depth.
    • The preparation of a poster will develop skills in presentation.

    Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

    Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
    Lectures 32 2 per week 1 Hour 32
    Poster Session 1 2 1.5 Hour 1.5 ■
    Preparation and Reading 166.5
    Total 200

    Summative Assessment

    Component: Continuous Assessment Component Weighting: 30%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    Continuous Assessment 100%
    Component: Essays Component Weighting: 70%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    Essay 1 2,500 50%
    Essay 2 2,500 50%

    Formative Assessment:

    ■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University