Module overview
This course follows on from CHEM1051 and teaches slightly more advanced basic skills, with the application of the Semester 1 skills and knowledge. More complex work-ups will be undertaken, with more emphasis on student input (or decision making) in the process. Students will also have the opportunity to learn how to use additional instrumentation (e.g. UV-Vis, Fluorescence Spectrometers).
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Apply theoretical knowledge of basic techniques to choose appropriate conditions or techniques for parts of experiments
- Use previously learnt techniques to complete procedures with concise instructions
- Duplicate more advanced chemical laboratory procedures by following instructions
Syllabus
Lab skills to be developed
- Apply previously learned skills (e.g. standard solutions) without detailed instructions
- Select appropriately sized equipment for procedures
- Consider the precision at which reagents, solvents etc need to be measured
- Make choices around experimental parameters including the scale at which procedures are carried out
- Expand range of spectroscopic techniques, with detailed instructions where new
- Explain the purpose of spectroscopic techniques that are applied
- Antisolvent crystallisation and base extraction
- Use of RF to choose solvent mix for TLC to assess purity
- Build a colorimeter and modify supplied code to make time dependent measurements
Information and data skills
- Error estimation and questioning of “reasonableness” with some guidance on when to apply
- Analyse data with some guidance and formulae given but without a step-wise breakdown
- Plot graphs correctly with errors with minimal instruction
- Keep an effective lab book without reference to a template
- Save/archive data with informative filenames and titles
- Use chemical drawing software
- Extract specific information from a provided scientific paper or self-found sources
Personal and written skills
- Plan timing of experimental work and data analysis based on lab script
- Write a concise lab report in a scientific style
- Present data in defined formats with informative labelling with minimal instruction
- Participate in a team working exercise
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Practical sessions, supported by pre-labs and some written assignments. Study 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 |
|---|---|
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 10 |
| Guided independent study | 20 |
| Seminar | 10 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 80 |
| Total study time | 120 |
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’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Laboratory Assignment | 25% |
| Laboratory work and associated tasks | 50% |
| Laboratory Report | 25% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal