2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

CHEM1402 Introduction to Practical Chemistry and Research Skills

40 creditsClass Size: 150

Module manager: Dr Stephen Gorman
Email: s.a.gorman@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

A' level Chemistry or equivalent, or registration on appropriate programme

Module replaces

CHEM1401 Practical, Professional and Research Skills for Chemists (in part)

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Students will develop practical skills in the teaching labs, undertaking a range of experiments which they then present as scientific reports in different formats. Students will also develop data analysis and other transferable skills through a series of lectures and workshops. The module is designed to incorporate key requirements as outlined by the RSC in accreditation of chemistry degree programmes.

Objectives

To introduce students to the chemistry laboratory and equipment, and to develop appropriate IT, data analysis and other transferable skills. On completion of this module students will have:

- undertaken a selection of experiments in the organic, inorganic and physical chemistry laboratories appropriate to level 1 Chemistry and to the general development of good laboratory technique, and presented their results;
- designed a simple investigative procedure by undertaking an open-ended experiment;
- developed mathematical and data analysis skills via worked examples and take-home exercises;
- developed a basic understanding of ethical expectations of scientists and of the value of critical thinking in distinguishing science and pseudoscience.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:

1. Carry out a wide range of practical experiments that produce organic and inorganic compounds, and gain foundational skills in synthetic chemistry (F1).
2. Perform basic quantitative analysis and monitor and measure chemical properties and changes using simple instrumentation. Record, process and present simple experimental results (G1).
3. Interpret and follow risk assessments relating to low risk practical activities, enacting safe working practices and waste disposal (H1).
4. Perform basic algebraic manipulations and calculations, including applications of logarithms and exponents. Apply the principles of differentiation and integration to basic examples, including finding solutions to basic (1D) differential equations. Demonstrate competence in unit conversions and appropriate use of significant figures (I1).
5. Apply statistical methods to analyse and interpret experimental data. Select appropriate graphical representations of data. Demonstrate an awareness of experimental limitations and uncertainties. Perform calculations to propagate experimental uncertainties (J1).


Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

6. Communicate effectively using written presentation methods including lab reports (Q1, Work-ready – communication, core literacies).
7. Organize independent study time and meet deadlines (R1, Work-Ready: Time management, Academic: Time management)
8. Choose between alternative approaches in a lab-based scenario. Critically analyze their own data in lab-based scenario (S1, Work-ready – critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving and analytical skills, decision making).
9. Identify and exhibit good academic practice. Demonstrate awareness of ethical issues and responsibilities including science vs pseudoscience (O1, Academic: Academic integrity, Ethics)

Syllabus

(1) Introduction to the chemistry laboratory and equipment and to safe working practices
(2) a selection of experiments in the synthetic and analytical teaching laboratory appropriate to level 1 Chemistry and to the general development of good laboratory technique
(3) a selection of experiments in the physical and measurement teaching laboratory appropriate to level 1 Chemistry and to the general development of good laboratory technique
(4) instruction and exercises to develop appropriate IT, mathematical and data analysis skills
(5) introduction to record keeping, the presentation of experimental results and academic and scientific integrity
(6) ethical expectations of scientists and of the value of critical thinking in distinguishing science and pseudoscience.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment for this module will consist of;

1 x Practical pre-labs, reports and in-lab assessments
Online Assessments

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Laboratory	48	3.00	144.00
Workshop	20	1.00	20.00
Lectures	10	1.00	10.00
Independent online learning hours			30.00
Private study hours			196.00
Total Contact hours			174.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			400.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

A proportion of experimental reports and of online assessments will be compulsory but formative. Students should receive formative feedback from demonstrators as they work in the laboratories.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Practical	Practical pre-labs, reports and in-lab assessments	80.00
Coursework	Online assessments	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 07/10/2024 15:40:42

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