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CHEM2127: PRACTICAL CHEMISTRY 2 - PHYSICAL

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Open
Level 2
Credits 10
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Chemistry

Prerequisites

  • Practical Chemistry 1A (CHEM1087) AND EITHER Mathematical and Experimental Tools required in Chemistry (CHEM1111) OR [Single Mathematics A (MATH1561) AND Single Mathematics B (MATH1571)] OR [Calculus I (MATH1061) AND Linear Algebra I (MATH1071)].

Corequisites

  • Core Chemistry 2 (CHEM2012) AND Properties of Molecules (CHEM2097).

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To develop and promote the knowledge and understanding of physical chemistry through practical work

Content

  • Practical work.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the advanced chemical principles illustrated by the practical work carried out.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • Perform more complex experiments in physical chemistry.

Key Skills:

  • Group working, encouraged and developed through practical work in pairs.
  • Written communication, advanced through the use of laboratory reports.
  • Numerical skills applied through calculations required in practical experiments and in the analysis of data collected in laboratory assignments.
  • IT skills, improved through the handling of laboratory data.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Laboratory classes teach students techniques in various aspects of physical chemistry. They are continuously assessed, with feedback provided at the end of each term's sessions.
  • The module begins with an introductory lecture that includes a health and safety briefing, and so attendance at this, or an alternative briefing, is compulsory.
  • The first experiment is assessed formatively. Subsequent experiments are assessed summatively with students given formative feedback on their pre-lab work and laboratory reports.
  • Students will complete five 6-hour practicals, one per week. Each 6-hour practical runs as two 3-hour sessions and a one-hour computer session. Report writing, preparation and background reading is in addition to this.
  • Timetabling of this module is interleaved with other level 2 practical chemistry modules.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Practicals102 per week 3 hours30Yes
Computer Practical51 per week 1 hour 5 
Introductory lecture1At start of module1 hour1Yes
Preparation and Reading64 
Total100 

Summative Assessment

Component: Laboratory WorkComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
reports of laboratory work100Six-hour practical examination

Formative Assessment

The first experiment that students perform is formatively assessed and a feedback lecture is given. Subsequent reports are summatively assessed and students will be given formative feedback.

More information

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