Module CHEM1087: PRACTICAL CHEMISTRY 1A

Department: Chemistry

CHEM1087: PRACTICAL CHEMISTRY 1A

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To develop the basic skills in practical chemistry, building on pre-university study;
• To provide a foundation in research-led practical chemistry for single honours, natural sciences, and others students;
• To contribute towards the requirements of RSC accreditation.

Content

• Introduction to practical work (1 week)
• Skills in Practical Chemistry (2 x 3 week blocks)
• Discovery in Practical Chemistry (3 x 3 weeks blocks)
• Research-led project ( 1 x 2 week block)

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the chemical principles illustrated by the practical work carried out.

• Demonstrate basic skills in planning and executing practical problems in Chemistry
• Perform safely basic experimental procedures such as titrations, synthesis, purification and crystallisation of organic and inorganic compounds.
• Use chemical apparatus with care and confidence.
• Use volumetric glassware and balances in the correct manner and obtain accurate results.
• Make careful observations of chemical reactions and explain them qualitatively in terms of balanced chemical reactions.
• Determine rate and thermodynamic properties experimentally.
• Interpret basic spectroscopic data (NMR, IR, Mass spectrometry)

• Work effectively alone, in a pair and in larger groups to solve practical chemical problems;
• Apply IT skills to laboratory reports and data analysis.

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

• Pre-laboratory exercises are used to ensure that students have a clear understanding of the practical concepts they will be following, prior to attending the laboratory. Pre-lab work is assessed summatively, and the student is provided with feedback.
• Laboratory classes teach students techniques in various aspects of practical chemistry. They are also essential because a chemist needs to be able to perform standard experiments competently. Students are continuously assessed in their practical skills whilst in the laboratory, and provided with feedback.
• Report writing demonstrates a student's ability to analyse their data and present in a consistent and coherent format, consistent with standard chemistry reporting methods. Reports are summatively assessed and returned with feedback.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment