Module overview
This course is an introduction to practical chemistry, involving direct laboratory teaching (with detailed instructions) of a range of basic skills to set foundations for further learning. It includes the teaching of common experimental techniques, use of laboratory instrumentation (e.g. NMR, IR Spectrometers); along with training in the analysis (and appropriate presentation) of data.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Duplicate a range of basic chemical laboratory procedures by following detailed instructions
- Report and explain experimental findings in terms of underlying theory
- Collect data and compare it with expected properties of molecules or materials
Syllabus
Lab skills to be developed
鈥aking responsibility for equipment
鈥onsider quantities in synthesis (including molar equivalents) and scale-appropriate equipment
鈥ake and record accurate measurements
鈥pectroscopic data collection and recognising a good vs a poor spectrum
鈥eighing, recrystallization, titration, filtration and making solutions (from instructions)
鈥nderstand the basic elements of code (variables, arrays and loops) used to run a piece of equipment e.g. colorimeter
鈥asic thin layer chromatography
Information and data skills
鈥uided risk assessment from given information
鈥iscuss rationale for conditions used in experiments carried out from a prepared script
鈥ffective lab book use introduced as a structured process from a template
鈥arry out calculations with guidance from measured data and given formulae
鈥se estimation to assess whether a result is reasonable
鈥rror estimation and propagation (worst case scenario)
鈥orrect graph plotting and axis labelling
鈥asic spectral interpretation 鈥 Beer-Lambert and IR/NMR vs functional group tables
鈥etrieve data (e.g. melting points) from provided sources for comparative purposes
Personal and written skills
鈥repare properly for lab sessions and manage time to complete work during the session 鈥 timing guidance will be given on lab scripts
鈥riting components of a concise lab report
鈥ollow instructions to present data in defined formats with informative labelling e.g. graph axes, table headings etc
鈥lements of team/group working, e.g. participate in an 鈥渋ce breaker鈥 exercise, and work as a group to plan and make a set of concentrations for UV/vis, giving a group presentation of analysed data
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Practical sessions, supported by pre-labs and some written assignments. 黑料社 skills and team skills delivered in some cases through separate sessions. This module formally carries zero effort since that is attributed to the three accompanying theory modules (3 x 45 h).
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Practical classes and workshops | 80 |
Guided independent study | 20 |
Lecture | 2 |
Seminar | 10 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 10 |
Total study time | 122 |
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Practical work, lab skills, written reports and presentations. This module formally carries zero CATS as the marks are attributed to the three accompanying theory modules.Summative
This is how we鈥檒l formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Laboratory work and associated tasks | 50% |
Laboratory Assignment | 25% |
Laboratory Report | 25% |
Referral
This is how we鈥檒l assess you if you don鈥檛 meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal