| Unit name | Introductory Practical Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Unit code | CHEM10004 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Chris Adams |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
A-Level Chemistry or its equivalent; A-Level Mathematics or its equivalent |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Chemistry |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This unit introduces safe and organised working practices within a laboratory environment and also some basic laboratory techniques.
Units aims:
To develop in students the first fundamental practical skills.
At the end of this course, students should be able to:
1. Identify procedural and chemical hazards and operate effectively, safely and efficiently to carry out an experiment within the allotted time.
2. Know when and how to:
o Maintain an up-to-date lab book with accurate calculations and experimental observations
o Interpret and follow experimental instructions
o Correctly weigh out chemicals
o Prepare solutions of accurately known concentration
o Assemble and correctly use simple laboratory apparatus
o Reflux solutions
o Separate liquids and extract suspensions
o Recrystallise impure solids
o Filter solids using gravity or vacuum (Hirsch and BĪchner) methods
o Evaporate liquids
o Titrate solutions
o Select appropriate glassware for use
3. Interpret and manipulate data sets using Excel and present results using Word
4. Analyse and interpret results and spectra from a range of analytical techniques including NMR, IR, UV-Vis, Melting point and TLC.
Laboratory sessions and independent study. The Dynamic Laboratory Manual provides important e-learning resource in advance of (and during) the laboratory sessions.
Students will be continuously assessed in laboratory work (summative and formative - 100%)
Continuous assessment of the laboratory skills detailed in the Intended Learning Outcomes (summative and formative - 100%).
Practicals in the first 18 weeks will be formatively assessed, giving the students the chance to learn and practice the skills, which will then be summatively assessed in week 19-24. Students will be allowed to discard the marks from two of the assessments, leading to the unit mark being composed of the best 4 of their 6 marks.
Supplementary or resit assessment of this unit is only possible through engagement in the following academic year.
None
