CH2PRAX-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: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Michael Piperakis
Email: m.m.piperakis@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Dr James Hallett
Email: j.e.hallett@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

In the 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 practicals, 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 preparation exercise 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;


• Interpret spectra to deduce chemical structure;


• Measure, analyse, interpret and understand the limitations of experimental data to determine physical properties of molecules and to test simple theoretical models;


• Understand aspects of sample preparation and instrument operation for a range of analytical instrumentation and interpret the results obtained;


• Write a coherent and literate account of an extended session of laboratory work in an appropriate style.

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:

During this course students will complete a range of experiments that span the breadth of organic, inorganic, and analytical chemistry. Experiments are designed to link with the lecture courses in Part 2, provide training in key practical techniques and give insight into real-life applications. Experiments will involve a combination of advance preparation, completion of COSHH/risk assessments, practical work, data analysis and presentation of findings.

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 provision of ample feedback.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	2	2
Practicals classes and workshops	110	110
Guided independent study:
Advance preparation for classes	4	4
Preparation of practical report	26	26
Group study tasks	8	8
Total hours by term			0
Total hours for module	300

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Set exercise	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 assessments. Blackboard tests may be used for some practicals.

The style, type and number of assessments will be outlined in the introductory lecture for each section. Students will be given ample guidance on preparing reports.  For 2023/2024, the assessments include 2 Analytical Reports (12.5% each), 4 Organic Reports (6.25% each), Pharmaceutical Group Presentation (25%), Pharmaceutical Lab Report (25%).

Submission dates will be communicated via the Blackboard site.

Formative assessment methods:

Students will receive continuous oral and written feedback on their performance throughout the course.

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 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):

1) Required textbooks: None

2) Specialist equipment or materials: None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None

4) Printing and binding: None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 27 November 2023