Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2020-2021 (archived)

Module CHEM2127: PRACTICAL CHEMISTRY 2 - PHYSICAL

Department: Chemistry

CHEM2127: PRACTICAL CHEMISTRY 2 - PHYSICAL

Type Open Level 2 Credits 10 Availability Available in 2020/21 Module Cap Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Practical Chemistry 1A (CHEM1087) AND EITHER Mathematical and Experimental Tools required in Chemistry (CHEM1111) OR [Single Mathematics A (MATH1561) AND Single Mathematics B (MATH1571)] OR [Calculus I (MATH1061) AND Linear Algebra I (MATH1071)].

Corequisites

  • Core Chemistry 2 (CHEM2012) AND Properties of Molecules (CHEM2097).

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To develop and promote the knowledge and understanding of physical chemistry through practical work

Content

  • Practical work.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the advanced chemical principles illustrated by the practical work carried out.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Perform more complex experiments in physical chemistry.
Key Skills:
  • Group working, encouraged and developed through practical work in pairs.
  • Written communication, advanced through the use of laboratory reports.
  • Numerical skills applied through calculations required in practical experiments and in the analysis of data collected in laboratory assignments.
  • IT skills, improved through the handling of laboratory data.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Laboratory classes teach students techniques in various aspects of physical chemistry. They are continuously assessed, with feedback provided at the end of each term's sessions.
  • The module begins with an introductory lecture that includes a health and safety briefing, and so attendance at this, or an alternative briefing, is compulsory.
  • The first experiment is assessed formatively and a feedback lecture is given. Subsequent experiments are assessed summatively with students given formative feedback on their pre-lab work and laboratory reports.
  • Students will complete five 6-hour practicals, one per week, three in Michaelmas Term and two in Epiphany Term. Each 6-hour practical runs as two 3-hour sessions. For each practical students will be expected to spend an equal amount of time on data analysis, in non-timetabled sessions. Report writing, preparation and background reading is in addition to this.
  • Timetabling of this module is interleaved with other level 2 practical chemistry modules.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Practicals 10 2 per week in Term 1 (3 weeks) and Term 2 (2 weeks) 3 hours 30
Data analysis 10 2 per week in Term 1 (3 weeks) and Term 2 (2 weeks) 3 hours 30
Introductory lecture 1 At start of module 1 hour 1
Feedback lecture 1 After formative experiment 1 hour 1
Preparation and Reading 38
Total 100

Summative Assessment

Component: Laboratory Work Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
reports of laboratory work 100% Six hour practical examination

Formative Assessment:

The first experiment that students perform is formatively assessed and a feedback lecture is given. Subsequent reports are summatively assessed and students will be given formative feedback.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University