AP0417 - Practical and Professional Skills for Chemists

On this module you will learn predominantly through hands-on laboratory classes and independent learning. Every lab session will contain an introduction which will cover theories and concepts of every practical experiment as well as the main aspects of risk assessments and good laboratory practice. Assessment is almost entirely by lab reports which will be continuously monitored. These lab reports will take various forms including written, on-line, and visual/verbal and will require an element of independent study in their formulation.

The entre module content (in terms of teaching materials, lab information) will be available through the eLearning Portal (eLP, Blackboard Ultra) in advance so students can prepare adequately for each practical session. 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.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. You will be expected to understand and be able to perform a range of manipulative and instrumental techniques used across chemistry.

2. You will be able to apply the concepts learned in spectroscopic techniques and demonstrate your understanding and proficiency in solving real problems in the topics covered.


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

3. 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):

4. You will also develop time management, communication and teamwork skills, as well as a curiosity and spirit of enquiry through experimentation.

Component 1: (50%) As this is a practical module, you will be summatively assessed by the 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.

Component 2: (50%) Online problem solving exercises based on spectroscopic techniques MLO 2, 4, 5

ESAF submission and feedback process.

Formative exercises in problem solving will be utilised in a workshop/practical/discursive group setting before the summative component.

Feedback:
The annotated lab reports will be returned at stages to allow a formative element to the module although there will also be tutor feedback usually during each lab session.

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Chemistry is a practical subject. In this popular module you will carry out a variety of interesting experiments which cover organic, inorganic, analytical and physical branches of chemistry. By doing these experiments, you will develop many practical skills required for your future studies and career and develop a curiosity in the subject area . You will understand the theory and practice a variety of laboratory techniques, you will interpret the results of the experiments and learn how to write up laboratory work in an appropriate manner. You will also develop professional skills such as problem solving, team work and communication skills.