Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2015-2016 (archived)

Module FOUD0648: Advanced Chemistry and Geology with Project

Department: Foundation Year (Durham)

FOUD0648: Advanced Chemistry and Geology with Project

Type Open Level 0 Credits 30 Availability Available in 2015/16 Module Cap Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Core Foundation Chemistry, Core Foundation Maths for Scientists

Corequisites

  • Introduction to Earth Science and Physical Geography.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Advanced Chemistry, Advanced Chemistry with Project, Advanced Physics with Project, Advanced Physics and Computer Science with Project, Advanced Physics and Engineering with Project.

Aims

  • To encourage students to develop confidence in their own abilities in a science subject
  • To develop students' independent learning skills
  • To extend the fundamental knowledge base in Chemistry to include physical processes and organic chemistry.
  • To extend the fundamental knowledge base in Geology in preparation for degree study in that area.
  • To develop basic fieldwork skills.
  • To introduce basic mapping and recording skills.

Content

  • Fundamentals of organic chemistry.
  • Alkanes, alkenes.
  • Alkynes, alcohols, arenes.
  • Plastics.
  • Carbonyl compounds.
  • Carboxylic acids, esterification reaction.
  • Amines, amino acids, proteins, optical isomersion.
  • Chemical equilibria.
  • Thermodynamics.
  • Electrochemical cells.
  • pH.
  • Ionic equations
  • Oxidation and reduction (including metal extraction)
  • Metals and non-metals
  • Fossil fuel energy sources.
  • Geological map interpretation
  • Geological data collection, scale sections and sedimentary logging
  • Field safety.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module students will have acquired the knowledge to be able to:
  • describe the structure and reactions of a range of homologous series.
  • define enthalpy, entropy and free energy and their relationship.
  • describe different types of isomerism in organic molecules, with examples.
  • state the origin, characteristics and uses of radiation.
  • understand and use pH in a range of applications.
  • understand the origin and recovery of fossil fuels.
  • understand how geological data is represented on maps.
  • Understand how to interpret common associations of rocks and structures in the field.
  • demonstrate an awareness of safety issues and risk assessment in geological fieldwork
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module students will have acquired the skills to be able to:
  • Deduce organic compound structure from systematic names.
  • Work confidently and effectively in a laboratory, with due attention to safety.
  • Relate observations and data to underlying theory.
  • Select and use basic lab equipment.
  • Carry out chemical calculations as detailed on the syllabus.
  • Interpret geological data to understand fossil fuel resource potential.
  • make observations and measurements from field activities, photographs, specimens and geological maps using geological knowledge and appropriate vocabulary.
  • prepare cross-sections, logs and basic geological maps.
  • be familiar with the process of risk assessment and the identification of strategies for minimising health and safety risks when undertaking field and laboratory work.
  • Undertake a practical or scientific research project with critical evaluation.
Key Skills:
  • By the end of the module the students will be able to:
  • communicate effectively in writing
  • apply number both in the tackling of numerical problems and in the collecting, recording, interpreting and presenting of data
  • demonstrate problem solving skills.

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

  • Theory, initial concepts and techniques will be introduced during lectures, demonstrations and seminars and through discussion of guided reading in tutorials
  • Much of the learning, understanding and consolidation will take place through the use of structured exercises during sessions and students own time.
  • Knowledge and ability to use and apply concepts will be tested by a series of portfolio tasks, and an end of module exam.
  • Knowledge, understanding and the ability to use concepts to undertake a piece of independent research will be assessed by a written research project.
  • Project will assess SS3, SS7, SS8, SS9, KS1, KS2, KS3,
  • Portfolio will assess SS3, SS6, SS7, SS8, SS9, SK6, SK7, SK8, SK9, KS1, KS2, KS3.
  • Written Exam will assess SS1, SS3, SS5, SS6, SS7, SK1, SK2, SK3, SK4, SK5, SK6, SK7, SK9, KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures (Advanced Chemistry) 11 Weekly 2 22
Seminars (Advanced Chemistry) 11 Weekly 1 11
Seminars (Geology) 9 2 18
Laboratory practical work (Advanced Chemistry) 3 3 9
Fieldwork (Geology) 2 5 10
Research Skills Seminars in TB1 10 Weekly 1 10
Supervised Project Research Sessions 11 Weekly 3 33
Independent Project Research 100
Preparation and Reading 87
Total 300

Summative Assessment

Component: Portfolio of Assessed Work Component Weighting: 10%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Portfolio of Assessed Work (Geology) 100% Resubmission
Component: Written Research Report Component Weighting: 30%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Research Report 100% Resubmission
Component: Written Examination Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Examination 3 Hours 100% Resit

Formative Assessment:

Weekly exercises and practice questions.


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