Introductory description

N/A

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Each student will be allocated to two experiments (each worth 5 CATS) out of the nine available. The experiments are each related to a different theory module taught in terms 1 & 2, and students will be allocated based on their year 3 module choice. To help guide this process, a survey soliciting preferred options will operate, and experiments will then be allocated to students subject to any timetabling and /or laboratory space restrictions. No more than one experiment may be selected from any chemistry field (IOP).

COSHH assessments will be completed and checked for all texperiments before practical work is undertaken.

A report on the work completed in each unit is submitted at the end of each unit. This is
marked and the marker takes into account the quality of the write-up, the samples submitted,
and the competence of the student during the unit.

Students will also prepare and present a poster (5CATS) based around a piece of published research. This activity is supported by a specific lecture on presentation skills related to the poster presentation.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Complete individual COSHH assessments for a diverse range of experiments
• Design synthetic and measurement experiments on the basis of input from laboratory scripts, literature sources, previous experiments and advice from demonstrators.
• Perform advanced synthetic techniques such as column chromatography, manipulation of air sensitive compounds and emulsion polymerisation.
• Understand and assess the spectroscopic etc. properties of new or unknown organic, organometallic or natural products in relation to their identity, purity and physico-chemical properties as appropriate.
• Present the results of their experimental research activities using a range of report styles.
• Present an area of research in the style of a poster/talk.

Research element

The experiments are based around student-led research rather than the guided experiments taught in prior laboratory modules

Subject specific skills

Problem solving
Organisation and time management
Information literacy and research skills
Experimental design and data analysis

Transferable skills

Problem solving
Organisation and time management
Information literacy and research skills
Presentation skills