NES8401 : Advanced Problem Solving
NES8401 : Advanced Problem Solving
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Johan Eriksson
- Lecturer: Professor Andrew Benniston, Professor Marina Freitag, Dr Lee Higham
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
CHY2201 Physical Chemistry
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
The module aims to review essential mechanistic principles and structural elucidation and the application of these to advanced chemical problems.
Outline Of Syllabus
The course will cover problem solving of macrocyclic ligand synthesis and the preparation of inorganic complexes, emphasising the use of NMR spectroscopy to solve structures.
This module consists of a series of advanced written problem exercises, designed to test the application of mechanism, reactivity, structure, and spectroscopy
The Written assessment assesses learning across the taught course material and conceptual understanding of primary literature in the subject area
The course involves a series of formative advanced problem exercises, which will be delivered and completed over the course of the semester. Formative feedback, based on the answers provided by the students will be given in the workshop sessions on each exercise in order to enhance the performance in the subsequent exercises
The key concepts are reinforced and skills practiced during problem solving seminars
Written assignments allow students to access and review representative primary literature adding depth to conceptual understanding.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
• enhanced knowledge and understanding of key mechanistic principles and structural elucidation
• The application of molecular modelling in chemistry for the understanding and prediction of molecular
properties involves a critical appreciation of the underlying principles.
• Facility in applying basic physical chemistry principles to solve unseen problems in applied areas.
Intended Skill Outcomes
Cognitive or intellectual skills, able to:
• assess a problem and identify those areas of chemistry which are most pertinent to its solution
• present a rational and coherent chemical argument in order to solve problems
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 14 | 1:00 | 14:00 | Pre-recorded lecture material on how to problem solving |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 24 | 0:50 | 20:00 | Revision for end of semester assessment |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | Problem solving exercises provided via Canvas |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 9 | 2:00 | 18:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Background reading and practice of problem solving exerciese |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The course involves a series of advanced problem exercises, which will be delivered and completed over the course of the semester. Formative feedback, based on the answers provided by the students, will be given on each exercise in order to enhance the performance in the subsequent exercises.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 180 | 1 | A | 100 | Open Book exam |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | problem solving exercises |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The exam assesses problem solving ability of an interdisciplinary nature whilst the formative problem solving exercises are used to enhance students performance in the four topics covered within the module.
Study Abroad students may request to take their exam before the semester 1 exam period, in which case the format of the paper may differ from that shown in the MOF. Study Abroad students should contact the school to discuss this.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NES8401's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- NES8401's past Exam Papers
General Notes
Original Handbook text:
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.