Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aim of this module is to:

• train students to apply the scientific method to investigate hypotheses. Activities are investigative such
that students structure their experiments with minimal formalised instructions but while under supervision.
• train students in more advanced techniques of chemical synthesis used in research laboratories, for example,
using vacuum and performing reactions in anhydrous conditions.
• train students in more advanced techniques of chemical analysis used in research laboratories, for example,
NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
• train students in the formal process of risk assessment and recording of hazard mitigation actions.
• teach strategic aspects of experimental investigations, for example, where multiple steps of chemical
synthesis are required which may require detailed planning.
• Provide a “hands-on”, contextualised, tangible perspective on advanced chemical concepts taught elsewhere in
the curriculum.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module builds on knowledge and skills provided by the pre-requisite modules, Chemical Laboratory Skills Stage 1 and Stage 2.

This module differs from Chemical Laboratory Skills 3M in having a significant physical chemistry component. The experiments that students undertake may vary from year-to-year while being appropriate for the contextualisation of material taught within the Organic, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry modules.

The syllabus includes;

• detailed planning of control measures and risk reporting when considering the safety of experiments.
• strategic approaches toward challenges involving multi-step chemical syntheses.
• anhydrous and non-anhydrous experimental techniques
• interpretation of infrared, UV-Visible and fluorescence spectra to include detailed numerical and/or
graphical analysis of spectroscopic data.
• open-ended investigations where students choose between methodologies while testing hypotheses.
• teaching of how to use the scientific literature (i.e. peer-reviewed sources) to inform investigations and
interpretations and how to make comparisons with literature sources while aware of experimental accuracy.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

This module trains chemical laboratory skills that are important in the chemical industry and in many other sectors of employment. The skills taught span the sub-disciplines of physical, organic and inorganic chemistry. The module provides a tangible, “hands-on” contextualisation of topics encountered elsewhere in Newcastle chemistry degrees.

This module requires students to think strategically about experiments having multiple parts. It requires that students structure their own investigations and reporting in the absence of detailed instructions.

At the end of this module students will know:

• Principles of scientific inquiry: Knowledge of how experimentation and testing, observations and analysis
allow the testing of hypotheses. Knowledge of good practice in the reporting of observations and results.
• Know and identify appropriate calibration procedures in a wide range of experimental contexts.
• Know professional conventions for the completion of COSHH forms, where to find chemical
safety information, and the basic obligations of professional chemists in respect of chemical safety.
• Know how electrochemical and spectroscopic probes can be used to follow chemical and physical processes.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Key skills, able to:

• plan and organise course and laboratory work effectively.
• observe, summarise and report the results of laboratory experiments.
• collaborate effectively to complete practical tasks and investigations.

Subject specific or professional skills:

• able to identify risks through reference to a diverse range of sources of chemical safety information. Able
to propose and implement appropriate control measures and report on these.
• building on skills acquired during Chemical Laboratory Skills Stage 2, able to perform multi-step chemical
syntheses. Able to strategize appropriate experimental design and control measures while performing multiple
synthesis, purification and/or separation steps. Able to make strategic decisions about the method employed.
• able to evaluate and integrate a wide range of chemical analysis data while solving problems of chemical
synthesis and characterisation.

Cognitive or intellectual skills, able to:

• construct hypotheses, select appropriate methodology for testing hypotheses, and report on observations and
results while understanding and observing the conventions of professional research.
• identify graphical, numerical and computational analysis procedures that are appropriate to the
interpretation of data sets.
• quantify experimental uncertainties and the accuracy of data in unfamiliar situations.
• refine methods in response to problems encountered while performing experiments.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Competencies in practical classes, procedures, observation, record-keeping and report writing, will be taught, learnt and expected within these modules. Practicals will reinforce elements of the lectures and extend the practical techniques and experience that the students gained in Stage 2.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Assessment of laboratory practicals will be summatively assessed through the completion of practical reports. These are designed to examine the student’s ability to present scientific information and data in a concise way while following a specific presentation format.

Students will be expected to present notes of their practical work in their laboratory notebooks and use these notes to complete the summative and formative exercises.

General Notes

N/A