Module CHEM3061: CHEMISTRY AND SOCIETY

Department: Chemistry

CHEM3061: CHEMISTRY AND SOCIETY

Prerequisites

• Core Chemistry 2 (CHEM2012).

Corequisites

• Core Chemistry 3 (CHEM3012) OR Bioactive Chemistry 3 (CHEM3211) OR Chemical Physics 3 (CHEM3411)

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Chemistry into Schools

Aims

• To provide a research-led capstone module in Chemistry, where BSc students in their final year can demonstrate the development of their own research, independent and group study skills, and expertise in chemistry, through lectures and discussion groups guiding independent study, and assessed through two oral and a poster presentations.
• 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.
• Commodity Chemicals.
• Two oral presentations.
• One poster.

Learning Outcomes

• 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;
• have an overview of the bulk chemistry industry and its role within society.

• Completion of the module will enhance skills in working as a group, information retrieval and scientific writing. Feedback being provided verbally and by comments written on work submitted and returned.
• Poster preparation and oral presentation skills will be developed.

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

• Lectures and discussion groups are used to convey concepts and will be assessed by the content of the oral presentations, executive summaries and the poster.
• Two 20 minute summatively assessed group presentations, where individuals in each group will be assessed independently, at the end of each of the Michaelmas and Epiphany Terms allow undergraduates to study a topic in greater depth and develop oral presentation skills.
• The preparation of a written executive summary for each group presentation, prepared by the group and assessed as a group, will develop skills in scientific writing and group work.
• The preparation of a poster will develop skills in presentation.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

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