This is a module of practical work, designed to familiarise learners with advanced research techniques used for experiments of a synthetic and/or instrumental nature, and with professional applications of information technology. 

The module will also include exercises designed to develop critical analysis, problem-solving, oral and written communication, and to enhance students’ employability. 

• Use equipment appropriate to the experiments in a safe and correct way; 

• Obtain and act upon safety and hazard information for chemicals and chemical procedures; 

• Recognise the relationship between spectroscopic properties (NMR, IR, UV/vis and XPS) and molecular structure and symmetry; 

• Critically assess the experimental results in relation to the chemical principle behind each experiment; 

• Write a concise report on all results obtained; 

• Critically review primary literature chemistry articles.   

Approximatively 60 h (20 x 3 h) laboratory classes, plus approximatively 6 h of seminars / workshops. 

Students will undertake several tasks in synthetic, instrumental and computer laboratory. For each one, performance in the laboratory and understanding of underlying concepts will be tested by one or more written reports, submission of samples and spectra, or online tests.  

Intellectual skills 

a) Draw conclusions about reaction mechanisms from the combination of experimental and spectroscopic data; 

b) Relate the experimental data to the underlying theory; 

c) Analyse problems and identify the critical decisions needed in designing approaches to solutions. 

Chemistry-specific skills 

a) Prepare, isolate and purify organic and inorganic compounds using standard procedures; 

b) Manipulate air-sensitive compounds under an inert atmosphere; 

c) Prepare and isolate aqueous coordination compounds; 

d) Obtain and interpret IR and UV/vis spectra of organic and transition-metal compounds; 

e) Interpret IR and NMR spectra of organic compounds and hence assess critically the outcome of a reaction; 

f) Determine kinetic of reaction and reaction mechanism by interpreting experimental data;  

g) Use of experimental data to calculate an unknown value; 

h) Assess the risks associated with the use of chemicals and apparatus; 

i) Record experimental data in an organised manner and present a written report and oral discussion clearly and concisely; 

j) Determine the most appropriate format for presentation of experimental data; 

k) Show scientific judgement and ability to select appropriate experiments to tackle a problem. 

Transferable skills 

a) Write a concise and accurate report on a specified topic; 

b) Use appropriate software in calculation and modelling of structures and properties of substances; 

c) Analyse information critically and provide a critical report; 

d) Work more effectively in a team; 

f) Orally present solutions to problems, and argue cases for a particular outcome. 

Formative assessment: an online test, consisting of numerical and multiple-choice answers, will be assessed formatively and will help students to ensure that they are performing and interpreting calculations correctly for the applications of information technology part of the module. 

Summative assessment: The learning outcomes will be assessed continuously on the basis of written reports, samples of compounds prepared, spectroscopic and analytical data, performance in the laboratory. Consistent attendance of practical sessions is essential.  

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period.  

Practical work cannot be repeated after the scheduled time for the module is over. Reassessment involves completing the written assessments based on the student’s own data. Students who need to repeat or do the laboratory work will be required to resit as an internal student in the next academic session.  

Type of assessment                %  Contrib   Title                                                     Duration    Approx. date of Assessment

Practical-Based Assessment    90                  Laboratory work and written reports   N/A             N/A 

Written Assessment                  10                  Key skills exercise                              N/A             November 

Synthetic chemistry will include the preparation of a range of compounds on small and medium scale. Reactions will involve organic, organometallic and coordination compounds, manipulation of air-sensitive compounds, and characterisation and analysis using NMR, IR, UV and other techniques as appropriate. 

Physical chemistry will involve accurate measurement of physical properties and recording, interpreting and using experimental data to calculate an unknown value.  

Application of information technology in chemistry – application of theoretical methods and calculations to probe molecular structure, bonding and reactivity.  

Key Skills - critical analysis of the primary chemical literature