Module CHEM1061: Molecules in Action

Department: Chemistry

CHEM1061: Molecules in Action

Prerequisites

• A-level or equivalent in Chemistry.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Core Chemistry 2 (CHEM2012)

Aims

Content

• This module aims to provide students with understanding of key chemical concepts and their real-world applications, while developing essential academic skills in scientific writing, research, and communication.
• Fundamentals of nuclear chemistry and practical applications of radioactivity.
• Polymorphism and the structures and properties of different allotropes.
• Antibiotics, chemical warfare agents, and the chemistry of legal and illegal drugs.
• The evolution of chemistry from alchemy, highlighting key pioneers and transformative discoveries.
• Light and colour: understanding light sources, the visible spectrum, colour perception, mixing, pigments, and phenomena such as luminescence, fluorescence, and phosphorescence.
• The chemical industry's importance, including its economic, societal, and broad-scale impacts.
• The structure and behaviour of water: electronic configuration, hydrogen bonding, ice structure, and industrial water purification processes.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the fundamentals of nuclear chemistry, including how elements form in stars and why their abundances differ.
• Discuss radioactivity and its applications in dating, medicine, energy generation, and labelling.
• Explain polymorphism and describe the structure and applications of different allotropes, such as carbon, phosphorus, and oxygen.
• Describe the basic pharmacology of well-known biologically active molecules.
• Provide an overview of the evolution of alchemy into modern chemistry.
• Explain the structures and properties of fullerenes and the history of their discovery.
• Describe how molecules emit and interact with light and explain how these mechanisms are applied.
• Develop an appreciation for the economic importance of chemistry and its global scale.
• Give an overview of the major classes of chemicals and materials produced commercially and their relative quantities.
• Highlight the importance of global water resources and water purification.
• Explain the relationship between the structure of water and its unique properties.
• Describe and rationalize the phase diagram of water.

• Produce a scholarly essay on relevant chemical literature
• Conduct effective peer reviews of scientific writing
• Respond constructively to peer feedback on academic work
• Utilise appropriate scientific language in written communications
• Critically evaluate and synthesize information from scientific sources

• Developing skills in research, analysis, and synthesis of information.
• Enhancing scientific and academic writing for STEM and non-STEM contexts.
• Strengthening critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Building communication and collaboration skills through peer feedback and group discussions.
• Improving time management by balancing assignments and deadlines.
• Fostering self-reflection through peer review and response to feedback.
• Increasing adaptability and digital literacy through interdisciplinary engagement and online tools.

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

• Lectures are used to convey concepts, demonstrate what is required to be learned and to illustrate the application of theory to practical examples. When appropriate, lectures will be supported by written on-line material, or by information and relevant links on Blackboard Learn Ultra.
• Private study should be used by students to develop their subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation, through reading textbooks and literature. Students will be able to obtain further help in their studies by approaching their lecturers, either after lectures or at other mutually convenient times.
• Group workshops are where students will learn and develop skills about writing and communication.
• Assignments allow students to present information in their own words, synthesising ideas and demonstrating their ability to communicate effectively in written form.
• An initial short essay (worth 20% of the module mark) will develop academic writing skills. This assignment includes a peer feedback component, allowing students to provide and respond to constructive criticism.
• A final summative essay (worth 80% of the module mark) will build on the initial assignment, incorporating insights gained from the peer feedback process. This essay will require a deeper level of analysis and synthesis of information.
• Guidance will be provided throughout, including workshops on essay writing, effective literature searching, and maintaining academic integrity through proper citation practices.

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