2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

CHEM2401 Further Practical and Research Skills for Chemists

30 creditsClass Size: 224

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

Level 1 in Chemistry or equivalent

This module is mutually exclusive with

CHEM2410	Laboratory Work 2a
CHEM2415	Laboratory Work 2X
CHEM2420	Laboratory Work 2b
CHEM2620	Laboratory Work 2c

Module replaces

CHEM2410 Laboratory work 2a

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Students develop skills to:(i) undertake a selection of experiments in the synthetic and physical chemistry laboratories appropriate to the level 2 theory modules and to the general development of good laboratory technique.(ii) design simple investigative procedure by undertaking an open-ended experiment.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 skills. On completion of this module students will have:

- undertaken introductory experimental work, with due attention to safety, in the chemical laboratory;
- manipulated laboratory apparatus and record data for subsequent analysis;
- synthesized inorganic and organic molecules of relative structural complexity;
- for this level, competently handled air-sensitive materials and used them safely in synthetic methods;
- determined structure using spectroscopic data;
- undertaken independent experimental work, with due attention to safety, and demonstrate the ability to write clear, scientific reports
- experienced the design and implementation of an investigation into a simple chemical problem using modern experimental techniques;
- developed an awareness of the nature of investigative chemistry, and the ability to interpret and present experimental evidence;
- developed their practical and problem solving skills.
- keep an appropriate record of work in the laboratory and write laboratory reports in appropriate style;
- record data and physical measurements and comment on their precision and accuracy;
- use selected chemical apparatus and instruments in an appropriate manner;
- use PC-based spreadsheets, graphics and word-processing packages to manipulate and plot data and to prepare reports;
- perform basic mathematical manipulations as required for year 2 theory modules etc.

Learning outcomes
The practical component of the experiments incorporates the following themes, and students completing the module will be able to demonstrate:

(a) confidence in safely handling reagents/solvents, including those that are air-sensitive and/or pose a hazard;
(b) ability to undertake experimental work, with due attention to safety;
(c) ability to manipulate laboratory apparatus and record data for subsequent analysis;
(d) ability to synthesize inorganic and organic molecules of relative structural complexity;
(e) determine structure using spectroscopic data;
(f) an understanding of the most common practical techniques and their proper application in the laboratory situation;
(g) a knowledge of current techniques and methodologies appropriate to synthetic chemistry, with hands on practical experience of some of these
(h) an appreciation of some specialist areas through research-led teaching, reflecting the research expertise within the School;
(i) an ability to analyze, interpret and evaluate data; acquire and integrate information, and use information to solve problems appropriate for level 2;
(j) an ability to effective communication through a variety of media;
(k) an ability to record data and physical measurements and comment on their precision and accuracy;
(l) an ability to use selected chemical apparatus and instruments in an appropriate manner;
(m) the ability to use PC-based spreadsheets, graphics and word-processing packages to manipulate and plot data and to prepare reports;
(n) an ability to perform basic mathematical manipulations as required for year 2 theory modules etc.

Skills outcomes
Use of scientific instrumentation.
Development of practical skills.
Development of research/investigative skills.

Syllabus

Over the course of two semesters students will undertake a selection of experiments in the areas of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, appropriate to the level 2 theory modules and designed for the general development of investigative laboratory techniques. The experiments are designed to cover:

• safety in the laboratory, COSHH regulations and good laboratory practice,
• the preparation and characterisation of inorganic compounds, and the use of analytical techniques to investigate them,
• the synthesis of a selection of organic/inorganic compounds, and an introduction to the use of spectroscopic techniques to confirm their structure,
• a range of physical measurements and appropriate data analysis; an introduction to computational methods with relevance to modern chemistry; an introduction to mathematical methods required for chemistry,
• as an introduction to investigative chemistry

There will also be a series of lectures and workshops to support and extend those learning and research skills delivered through the laboratory experiments.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Laboratory	24	3.50	84.00
Workshop	13	1.00	13.00
Presentation	1	3.00	3.00
Computer Class	7	3.00	21.00
Supervised Practice	4	2.00	8.00
Seminar	1	2.00	2.00
Private study hours			169.00
Total Contact hours			131.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Private study

Each experiment has an online briefing and test which the students need to complete before starting the experiment.

Certain experiment require full reports which will involve private study to complete.

All practical modules have a series of preparatory training presentations/videos/tests which need to be completed prior to starting assessed experiments.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

In-lab progress will be monitored by providing formative assessment of experiments/data manipulation/handling without the need for writing full experimental laboratory reports.

Completion of computer-based assignments at intervals.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Practical	Continuous assessment of lab reports, group work and online tests.	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

To pass the module, students must achieve: an average mark of 40% or higher on the experimental part conducted in the Synthetic and Analytical Chemistry laboratory, and; an average mark of 40% or above on the experimental part conducted in the Physical Chemistry laboratory, and; an overall average mark of 40% or above. Students who have completed sufficient laboratory work will be able to submit reports for the summer resit period. Students who have not completed sufficient laboratory work will be given an opportunity to do so over summer but if they have missed too much, they may need to resit the module as an internal student in the following year.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 29/04/2024 16:12:08

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