What will I learn on this module?
On this module, you will develop three important skills;
•You will learn how to use computers for research in chemistry. This includes not only how to run advanced database searches to find chemical information, but also how computer programs can be used to analyse data, including quantum mechanical and statistical methods, and make sophisticated predictions about chemical properties.
•You will learn how to become an independent, creative and critical thinker. Although you will develop these skills within the particular ‘Chemical Information Science’ context of this module, you will find them useful in many other areas of life, from troubleshooting and problem solving to being able to spot poor and/or incorrect science in popular news feeds.
•You will learn how to effectively communicate with other scientists, by presenting your ideas and results to a professional level and by learning how to identify, summarise and present essential scientific information and ideas.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through lectures, computer-based hands-on exercises, guided study exercises, and your own independent learning. The lectures will cover the theories and concepts you need to tackle a series of problems and tasks. You will work on these during workshops and hands-on sessions in Northumbria’s computer labs, which have a variety of specialist chemistry software packages as well as access to industry-standard subscription chemical databases.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported by feedback from tutors during computer labs and tutorials. In addition, tutors will be available for consultations and feedback throughout the module, by email, telephone and/or face to face discussions as appropriate. General support that would benefit the whole class will be provided by eLP announcements and emails. You will also receive instant feedback from online exercises by receiving including you provisional mark at the end of the test.
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 learn how to use a range of industry-standard databases that use text and/or chemical information as search criteria.
2.You will learn how to use molecular modelling and statistics to obtain quantitative information about molecules.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3.You will develop your communication skills, particularly in the context of chemical science.
4.You will learn how to use and cite the scientific literature to a professional standard.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5.You will develop your abilities to analyse complex problems and achieve original and innovative solutions.
How will I be assessed?
You will receive informal formative assessment from staff during the seminars, practical classes and workshops. Staff will also provide formative feedback on a draft for an assessed piece of work.
You will be assessed by two summative components. Both of these target all five of the MLO’s.
•Component 1 (65%); this will take the form of continuous assessment using a range of task-based exercises and short reports. Some of these will be computer-based and provide instant feedback; others will involve electronic submission of coursework. Feedback on the latter will be provided by the return of an annotated copy of your work within the normal timescale.
•Component 2 (35%); this will take the form of a final written report, also submitted electronically. Feedback will be provided by the return of an annotated copy of your work within the normal timescale.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
For hundreds of years, research chemists from around the world have been adding to the sum total of human knowledge. We now have information on well over a million different molecules, as well as a huge number of facts, theories and ideas. All this information means that the skill of finding information, quickly and easily, is very important for the professional scientist. Chemists have therefore developed a range of specialist tools and databases whose capabilities go well beyond simple web searching tools like Google. ‘Chemical Information Science’ will teach you how to use a wide range of these tools to get the information you need. You will also learn how to ask the right questions in order to develop your own ideas and concepts, and how to present your results to a professional standard. This will help you develop into a creative and original, but also critical and professional thinker.
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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