Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2021-2022 (archived)

Module CHEM2117: PRACTICAL CHEMISTRY 2 - ORGANIC

Department: Chemistry

CHEM2117: PRACTICAL CHEMISTRY 2 - ORGANIC

Type Open Level 2 Credits 10 Availability Available in 2021/22 Module Cap Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Practical Chemistry 1A (CHEM1087).

Corequisites

  • Core Chemistry 2 (CHEM2012) AND Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry (CHEM2087).

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To develop and promote the knowledge and understanding of synthetic organic chemistry through practical work

Content

  • Practical work in organic chemistry.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the intermediate chemical principles illustrated by the practical work carried out.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Prepare, purify and identify a range of compounds;
  • Understand the importance of experimental design and safety;
  • Perform experimental manipulation;
  • Evaluate results in terms of the theory underlying the experiment;
  • Write coherent scientific reports on obtained data;
  • Demonstrate time management skills and an ability to plan experimental work;
  • Interpret spectroscopic data (NMR, IR, Mass spectrometry).
Key Skills:
  • Problem solving;
  • Information retrieval and scientific writing, exercised through accounts of laboratory work;
  • Written communication, advanced through laboratory reports;

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

  • Laboratory classes teach students techniques in various aspects of organic chemistry. They are continuously assessed so that the student can learn from one session to the next.
  • Summative assessment will include assessment of pre-laboratory reports, laboratory work and laboratory reports. Reports will be marked in sequence and formative feedback will be given.
  • The module begins with an introductory workshop that includes a health and safety briefing, and so attendance at this, or an alternative briefing, is compulsory.
  • The first experiments in the module are formative and feedback is given through a feedback workshop.
  • Timetabling of this module is interleaved with other level 2 practical chemistry modules.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Practicals 20 4 per week in Term 1 3 Hours 60
Introductory workshop 1 At start of module 1 hour 1
Feedback workshop 1 After formative experiments 1 hour 1
Preparation and Reading 38
Total 100

Summative Assessment

Component: Laboratory Work Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
results of laboratory work 100% Six hour practical examination

Formative Assessment:

The first experiments that students perform are formatively assessed and a feedback workshop is given. Subsequent reports are summatively assessed and students will be given formative feedback.


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