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CH10009: Foundation chemistry laboratory

[Page last updated: 05 August 2021]

Academic Year: 2021/2
Owning Department/School: Department of Chemistry
Credits: 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Certificate (FHEQ level 4)
Period:
Semester 1
Assessment Summary: CW 25%, PR 75%
Assessment Detail:
  • Practical (PR 75%)
  • Coursework (CW 25%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: You must have A level Chemistry or equivalent to take this module. After taking this module you must take CH10193.
Aims: This foundation course is designed to impart some of the essential basic techniques and skills in practical chemistry including basic mathematical skills that will be important throughout the degree course. Interpretation of results obtained in the light of theories and concepts developed in other units will also be an aim.

Learning Outcomes: After following the Unit, students should be able to:
* Assemble and use straightforward apparatus for preparative and analytical chemistry;
* Prepare standard solutions and perform straightforward purification techniques such as recrystallisation;
* Perform accurate analytical measurements using selected titrimetric and spectrophotometric methods;
* Perform straightforward preparative procedures in chemical synthesis;
* Accurately report observations and measurements made in the laboratory;
* Interpret results in terms of an appropriate theoretical framework and draw appropriate conclusions;
* Quantitatively assess the significance of measurements made in the laboratory;
* Use PCs for communication and basic data analysis and use Library sources for finding chemical information;
* Use a computational chemistry package to investigate and analyse molecular structure and properties;
* Use some mathematical techniques that are needed for the study and appreciation of chemistry;
* Apply basic mathematical methods to the solution of chemical problems.

Skills: A variety of basic practical skills (F,T,A), report writing (F,A), Mathematical skills (T,A).

Content: A series of quantitative and qualitative experiments and exercises will be performed. These will illustrate some basic principles of volumetric and spectrophotometric analytical chemistry. Methods used will include acid-base and redox titrimetry, absorption and fluorescence spectrophotometry. The accuracy and limitations of thermochemical measurements will be explored. The use of these techniques in "real" situations will be used to develop an understanding of precision and accuracy in chemical measurements. Basic manipulative techniques such as crystallisation and purification of compounds will be performed. An introduction to using PCs and spreadsheets for analysing results, for e-mail and chemical simulation will be covered as will Library sources of data. Students will undertake blended learning exercises to develop the necessary mathematical skills needed to study chemistry.

Programme availability:

CH10009 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:

Department of Chemistry
  • USCH-AFB01 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry (Year 1)
  • USCH-AAB02 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry with Study year abroad (Year 1)
  • USCH-AFB07 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery (Year 1)
  • USCH-AAB08 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Study year abroad (Year 1)
  • USCH-AKB08 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Industrial Placement (Year 1)
  • USCH-AKB02 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry with Industrial Placement (Year 1)
  • USCH-AFB03 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry with Management (Year 1)
  • USCH-AAB04 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry with Management with Study year abroad (Year 1)
  • USCH-AKB04 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry with Management with Industrial Placement (Year 1)
  • USCH-AFM02 : MChem(Hons) Chemistry (Year 1)
  • USCH-AAM03 : MChem(Hons) Chemistry with Study year abroad (Year 1)
  • USCH-AFM05 : MChem(Hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery (Year 1)
  • USCH-AAM06 : MChem(Hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Study year abroad (Year 1)
  • USCH-AKM03 : MChem(Hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Industrial Placement (Year 1)
  • USCH-AKM02 : MChem(Hons) Chemistry with Industrial Placement (Year 1)
  • USCH-AFM07 : MSci(Hons) Chemistry with Management (Year 1)
  • USCH-AKM07 : MSci(Hons) Chemistry with Management with Industrial Placement (Year 1)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2021/22.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.