CH2CC2-Chemical Concepts and Skills 2

Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Joanne Elliott
Email: j.m.elliott@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Dr Joanne Elliott
Email: j.m.elliott@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

On this module you will develop your research skills, problem solving skills, writing skills and oral communication skills. In addition you will be encouraged to plan a career path, and learn how to best present yourself both in print and verbally.

Aims:

This module provides an opportunity for students to develop a range of generic skills (research skills, problem solving skills, writing skills and oral communication skills) relevant to the workplace. In addition students will be encouraged to plan a career path, and learn how to best present themselves both in print and verbally.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students should be able to:

• Appraise information and identify the most important points;


• Approach unseen problems and develop a strategy for problem solving;


• Work effectively as a team member to solve a problem;


• Work independently;


• Research scientific literature;


• Write clearly and concisely;


• Speak confidently in a clear and concise fashion.

Additional outcomes:
The students should improve their team-working skills through the prepared activities, improve their numeracy skills through problem solving, and develop good oral, written and self presentation skills through discussion groups and delivering presentations.

Outline content:

Titan Project: A team based exercise developing skills in information analysis and presentation skills. Students will work in teams to manage the development of a fictitious chemical industry company following a takeover. Students will decide within their teams who plays particular roles.

Integrated Careers Seminars: A series of careers seminars and workshops introducing the skills required for personal development, career planning, job applications and interviews.

Undergraduate Conference: An introduction to how best to communicate scientific information and an opportunity to put individual communication skills into practice. Students will research a topic from the primary chemical research literature and give a short presentation on the area that they have researched.

Project Showcase – Applying for Final-Year Projects. An overview of research in the Department and opportunities for final year project work and an introduction to the research skills required for reviewing scientific literature and preparing for project work will be given.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

20 lectures

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	9	13
Guided independent study:	41	37
Total hours by term	50	50	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	25
Oral assessment and presentation	75

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Titan project:

Oral presentation: 25%

Written exercise: 25%

Undergraduate conference:

Presentation: 50%

Formative assessment methods:

Lecture and workshop sessions

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres 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 (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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will comprise of a written report based on the Titan exercise (50%) and a presentation on a directed piece of reading (50%). 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  

4) Printing and binding:  

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  

Last updated: 27 June 2023