Module CHEM1107: PRACTICAL CHEMISTRY 1B

Department: Chemistry

CHEM1107: PRACTICAL CHEMISTRY 1B

Prerequisites

• A-level or equivalent in Chemistry AND Mathematics.

Corequisites

• Core Chemistry 1 (CHEM1078) AND Practical Chemistry 1A (CHEM1087) AND Introduction to Materials Chemistry (CHEM1127).

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To further develop the basic skills in practical chemistry, building on pre-university study;
• To enhance the practical skills of chemistry students;
• To contribute towards the requirements of RSC accreditation;
• To build on and extend the practical work in Practical Skills in Chemistry 1A.

Content

• Introduction to practical work (1 week)
• Skills in Practical Chemistry (2 x 3 week blocks)
• Discovery in Practical Chemistry (3 x 3 week blocks)
• Open ended project ( 1 x 2 week block)

Learning Outcomes

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

• 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 any 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:

■ 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