What will I learn on this module?
You will learn about how to get the most out of the state-of-the-art computing facilities at Northumbria, and how to navigate the University’s eLearning Portal (eLP). You will learn study skills such as how to search the scientific literature, time management, and communication skills in how to report your discoveries, along with employability skills such as producing a CV and how to make your application stand out. This module serves as an introductory laboratory module where you will learn and develop a range of basic laboratory skills necessary to further study, research and a professional environment, and these will form the basis for more advanced laboratory procedures to follow in later years. You will undertake a variety of interesting investigational experiments which cover core areas of organic, inorganic, analytical and physical branches of chemistry and which will develop skills and techniques, whilst also illustrating key concepts of chemistry found in other parts of the programme. On completion of this module you will be able to: i) use a variety of laboratory techniques and skills in a safe and efficient manner; ii) interpret the results of laboratory investigations; iii) present the results of laboratory work in a coherent manner. You will also develop professional skills such as a basic understanding of Health and Safety protocols and good laboratory practice, problem-solving and analytical skills, team work, organisation, and communication skills.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through lectures, workshops, seminars, tutorials, laboratory exercises and independent learning. The lectures will cover theories and concepts that will enable you to tackle a series of guided exercises. You also will work on these during workshops and hands-on sessions in Northumbria’s excellent teaching laboratory facilities and submit your work through guided assessments via the eLP.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
We will guide you through exercises during the timetabled sessions. The eLP offers remote access to materials and aids for reinforcing your learning. Support will include feedback from tutors during small-group seminars and tutorials. You will receive instant feedback and suggestions to assessments posted through the eLP with tutors providing office hour surgeries should you need further guidance and support. Support will include assistance from tutors, demonstrators and technical support during all practical exercises. The tutors will be present in the room throughout the whole lab session and they will be happy to answer any questions you might have during the lab. In addition tutors will respond to questions via the module’s discussion board/email via the University’s eLP so that the whole group can benefit.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will be expected to use the eLP as your gateway to your studies and show your skill by completing assignments through this medium.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. You will enhance your general academic study skills in areas of numeracy, research and communication skills whilst working with minimal tutor intervention in the workshops. You will learn to look for examples of your skills and competencies throughout your degree and present these in your personal portfolio and on your CV.
4. You will develop your skills in a range of problem solving exercises. You will develop your skills in analysing and interpreting results of experiments. You will also understand health and safety requirements associated with work in a chemical laboratory.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. You will develop and reinforce the characteristics of a Northumbria graduate as you reflect on problems and challenge conventional solutions, and show innovation in applying concepts and theories to case studies and data.
How will I be assessed?
There will be 2 components for this module main
Component 1 (50%) (continuous)
Academic skills portfolio – a sequence of small competency/skills tasks based on generic academic skills MLO 1, 3, 5
On an on-going basis your tutors will give feedback on the exercises and you will record and track your progress through the eLP component of the module. You will be expected to participate in a series of formative exercises that will be peer-reviewed where you will have the opportunity for tutor feedback prior to the summative assessment.
ESAF submission and feedback process?
Component 2: (50%) Online reporting and interpretation/analysis of the results of experiments. (MLO 1,2,3)
Format will be a portfolio of individual reports of all lab experiments. Several sub-formats will be used for reports including written templates, results only submissions, oral, online submission, in-lab observation, abstracts.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
Through this module you will learn how to get the best out of your study, how to use the resources you have available and how to apply your knowledge and understanding to develop the skills to work effectively with the equipment in the teaching laboratory. You will apply your numeracy skills to the concepts taught and illustrate your understanding by executing practical experiments that match with the course content. You will also be introduced to employability skills and how to record your own development portfolio as you progress through your studies.
‘Academic skills’ will prepare you for all your later modules, making use of Northumbria’s state-of-the-art computing labs. You will apply the knowledge gained during lectures and workshops to a series of experiments in other modules as part of your research-rich learning. The 2 main submitted elements of assessment are by online submission of problem sets and assignments through the eLP.
Course info
UCAS Code F101
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Applied Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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