CH2PRAC-Extended Laboratory Skills for Chemists

Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 30 [15 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Dr Geoffrey Brown

Email: g.d.brown@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

In Part 1 practicals, you developed your basic experimental techniques; learnt good laboratory practice; gained an awareness of COSHH regulations; and were taught how to analyse data and work in teams. Now, in the Part 2 practical, you will have the chance to apply these experimental techniques; further your understanding of COSHH; and learn about scientific report writing and error analysis in a more independent setting. The Part 2 practical course is the perfect training for the fully independent open-ended research project that you will undertake in your final year, when imperfect “real-life” data must be used to generate new knowledge.

Aims:
The module aims to arm students with further skills in practical chemistry and underline the principles described in the accompanying second year chemistry modules.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students should be able to: Assess the risks involved in an experiment and carry out a COSHH risk assessment; carry out advanced laboratory procedures safely and carefully in order to produce pure products; make accurate observations and measurements and record them clearly; analyse experimental data and draw both qualitative and quantitative conclusions from these; and interpret proton NMR spectra of organic compounds in order to deduce chemical structure. In physical chemistry students shou ld be able to measure, analyse, interpret and understand the limitations of experimental data to determine physical properties of molecules and to test simple theoretical models. In analytical chemistry students should understand aspects of sample preparation and instrumental operation for the following analytical instruments: MS, GC, HPLC, UV-VIS and NMR. Students should be able to interpret the results obtained from a selection of the above instruments. Students should be able to write a coher ent and literate account of an extended session of laboratory work in the Royal Society of Chemistry format.

Additional outcomes:
Students will learn to work effectively in small groups, developing time management skills. Students will refine their numeracy and IT skills. Students will become familiar with using and citing the chemical literature and will develop written communication skills in preparation for completing the major project report in the final year.

Outline content:

Autumn Weeks 1-5. Practical Analytical Chemistry (accompanying module CH2AN3). Five full-day experiments for the following analytical techniques: MALDI mass spectrometry, gas chromatography; high performance liquid chromatography; ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy; and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Students will learn to write-up an experiment in the Royal Society of Chemistry format.

Autumn Weeks 7-11. Practical Physical Chemistry (accompanying module CH2PH 1). Experiments covering kinetics, spectroscopy and general physical chemistry relevant to material covered in module CH2PH1.

Spring Weeks 1-5. Practical Inorganic Chemistry (accompanying module CH2IN1). Five full-day experiments involving synthesis, purification, and analysis by spectroscopic, magnetic and wet-chemical methods of both main-group and transition metal compounds.

Spring Weeks 7-11. Practical Organic Chemistry (accompanying module CH2OR1). St udents will learn how to set-up, monitor and work-up organic reactions, carry out standard laboratory purifications then record and analyse, inter alia, NMR and infrared spectra of the compounds made.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The course involves regular practical sessions some of which are preceded by a short lecture/demonstration, backed up with feedback and drop-in sessions. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	2	2
Practicals classes and workshops	110	110
Guided independent study:	38	38
Total hours by term			0
Total hours for module	300

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
n/a

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

This module is assessed entirely by continual assessment of coursework. Practical work is assessed by performance in the laboratory (punctuality, good laboratory technique, health and safety awareness, time management, organisation) and the resultant reports. Blackboard Tests may be used for some practicals. Separate reports are required for the four different sections of the course: analytical, physical, inorganic and organic chemistry practical. The style and type of report required will be indicated in the handbook for each section of the course and described in the introductory lecture for each section. In addition, by linking to the professional skills module (CH2CC2) students will be given guidance on preparing reports. Relative percentage of coursework: 100% Weightings of individual components: Analytical practical 25% Inorganic practical 25% Organic practical 25% Physical practical 25%.

Submission dates will be communicated via the Blackboard site. 

Formative assessment methods:

Students will receive oral feedback on their performance throughout the course. Formal feedback sessions will be scheduled separately for each component. 

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall plus a minimum attendance record of 85% overall, with at least 60% attendance in each of the four components. 

Reassessment arrangements:

Students who fail to attain a 40% pass mark will be required to carry out a whole day practical examination in August. Familiarity with techniques in ALL the practical exercises (by attendance) will be required for success in the resit examination. Students whose attendance record is less than 85% are unlikely to succeed in the practical examination. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 April 2020