Module CHEM1107: Practical Chemistry1B

Department: Chemistry

CHEM1107: Practical Chemistry1B

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) OR {Analysis I (MATH1051) AND Dynamics I (MATH1607)}].

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To further develop the manipulative, procedural and soft skills required for practical chemistry, building on pre-university study.
• To build on and extend the practical work in CHEM1087 Practical Chemistry 1A.
• To contribute towards the requirements of RSC accreditation.

Content

• Further development of the basic manipulative, procedural and reporting skills required for practical chemistry, building on pre-university study.
• Reinforcement and extension of the skills and knowledge developed in CHEM1087 Practical Chemistry 1A.
• Essential skills contributing towards the requirements of RSC accreditation.
• Activities, including synthetic, measurement, procedural and analytical aspects of practical chemistry, and data analysis.
• Design and execution of an experimental investigation in the form of a project.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate further knowledge and understanding of the chemical principles illustrated by the practical work carried out.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of manipulative, procedural and reporting skills required for practical chemistry.

• Demonstrate basic skills in planning and executing practical work in Chemistry.
• Become familiar with and begin learning how to prepare procedural and chemical risk assessments.
• Perform safely basic experimental procedures such as titrations, synthesis, purification, crystallisation and analysis of organic and inorganic compounds.
• Use chemical apparatus correctly with care and confidence.
• Use volumetric glassware and balances in the correct manner and obtain accurate and precise results.
• Make careful observations of chemical reactions and explain them qualitatively including with balanced chemical reactions.
• Determine physical properties experimentally.
• Interpret basic spectroscopic data based upon the techniques NMR, IR and Mass spectrometry.

• Work effectively alone or collaboratively to solve practical chemical problems.
• Develop IT skills and apply these to laboratory reports and data analysis.
• Organise and manage workload by ensuring appropriate engagement with and preparation for practical activities (pre-lab work).
• Clearly communicate scientific data in verbal and written form using standard chemistry language, methods and styles.
• Plan, carry out, and adapt an extended project over several weeks.

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

• Introductory sessions on project topics, peer reviews and planning project experimental work. A further drop-in support session is provided on project plan preparation.
• Pre-laboratory exercises to ensure that students have a clear understanding of the chemical concepts, safety information and practical procedures they will be following, prior to attending the laboratory.
• Post-lab assignments prepare students for written communication of practical findings. 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 formatively or summatively assessed and returned with feedback.
• Safety training is provided throughout the course during the laboratory sessions.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessment occurs continuously by means of automated or verbal demonstrator feedback for pre-lab activities, verbal and written feedback in practical activity sessions, and via written feedback on assessed work.

■ 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