Module CHEM1141: Experimental Chemistry II: Developing Laboratory Expertise

Department: Chemistry

CHEM1141: Experimental Chemistry II: Developing Laboratory Expertise

Prerequisites

• A-level or equivalent in Chemistry AND Mathematics.

Corequisites

• Foundations of Chemistry: Atoms, Bonding & Energetics (CHEM1032) AND Chemical Systems & Change: Structure & Dynamics (CHEM1131) AND Mathematical Methods for Chemists (CHEM1121).

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 Foundations of Chemistry: Atoms, Bonding & Energetics (CHEM1032).

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 Foundations of Chemistry: Atoms, Bonding & Energetics (CHEM1032).
• 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 mini 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

• 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.
• Pre-laboratory exercises ensure students gain understanding of the chemical concepts, safety information and practical procedures they will perform in the laboratory.
• Practicals are designed to develop skills in experimentation and specific practical techniques.
• Post-laboratory assignments develop students’ abilities to analyse data and communicate practical findings. Assignments are formatively or summatively assessed.
• Safety training is provided throughout the course during the laboratory sessions.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessment occurs continuously throughout the module. Modes of formative assessment include automated or verbal demonstrator feedback for pre-lab activities, verbal and written feedback in practical activity sessions, and verbal, automated or written feedback on assessed work. Feedback will be provided either to the individual, experiment group or via peer-review activities.

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.