Module manager: Dr Stephen Gorman
Email: s.a.gorman@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
A' level Chemistry or equivalent, or registration on appropriate programme
CHEM1401 Practical, Professional and Research Skills for Chemists (in part)
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Students will develop practical skills in the teaching labs, undertaking a range of experiments which they then present as scientific reports in different formats. Students will also develop data analysis and other transferable skills through a series of lectures and workshops. The module is designed to incorporate key requirements as outlined by the RSC in accreditation of chemistry degree programmes.
To introduce students to the chemistry laboratory and equipment, and to develop appropriate IT, data analysis and other transferable skills. On completion of this module students will have:
- undertaken a selection of experiments in the organic, inorganic and physical chemistry laboratories appropriate to level 1 Chemistry and to the general development of good laboratory technique, and presented their results;
- designed a simple investigative procedure by undertaking an open-ended experiment;
- developed mathematical and data analysis skills via worked examples and take-home exercises;
- developed a basic understanding of ethical expectations of scientists and of the value of critical thinking in distinguishing science and pseudoscience.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:
1. Carry out a wide range of practical experiments that produce organic and inorganic compounds, and gain foundational skills in synthetic chemistry (F1).
2. Perform basic quantitative analysis and monitor and measure chemical properties and changes using simple instrumentation. Record, process and present simple experimental results (G1).
3. Interpret and follow risk assessments relating to low risk practical activities, enacting safe working practices and waste disposal (H1).
4. Perform basic algebraic manipulations and calculations, including applications of logarithms and exponents. Apply the principles of differentiation and integration to basic examples, including finding solutions to basic (1D) differential equations. Demonstrate competence in unit conversions and appropriate use of significant figures (I1).
5. Apply statistical methods to analyse and interpret experimental data. Select appropriate graphical representations of data. Demonstrate an awareness of experimental limitations and uncertainties. Perform calculations to propagate experimental uncertainties (J1).
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
6. Communicate effectively using written presentation methods including lab reports (Q1, Work-ready – communication, core literacies).
7. Organize independent study time and meet deadlines (R1, Work-Ready: Time management, Academic: Time management)
8. Choose between alternative approaches in a lab-based scenario. Critically analyze their own data in lab-based scenario (S1, Work-ready – critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving and analytical skills, decision making).
9. Identify and exhibit good academic practice. Demonstrate awareness of ethical issues and responsibilities including science vs pseudoscience (O1, Academic: Academic integrity, Ethics)
(1) Introduction to the chemistry laboratory and equipment and to safe working practices
(2) a selection of experiments in the synthetic and analytical teaching laboratory appropriate to level 1 Chemistry and to the general development of good laboratory technique
(3) a selection of experiments in the physical and measurement teaching laboratory appropriate to level 1 Chemistry and to the general development of good laboratory technique
(4) instruction and exercises to develop appropriate IT, mathematical and data analysis skills
(5) introduction to record keeping, the presentation of experimental results and academic and scientific integrity
(6) ethical expectations of scientists and of the value of critical thinking in distinguishing science and pseudoscience.
Methods of Assessment
Assessment for this module will consist of;
1 x Practical pre-labs, reports and in-lab assessments
Online Assessments
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory | 48 | 3 | 144 |
| Workshop | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Lectures | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Independent online learning hours | 30 | ||
| Private study hours | 196 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 174 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400 | ||
A proportion of experimental reports and of online assessments will be compulsory but formative. Students should receive formative feedback from demonstrators as they work in the laboratories.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Practical | Practical pre-labs, reports and in-lab assessments | 80 |
| Coursework | Online assessments | 20 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Students who have completed sufficient laboratory work will be able to submit reports for the summer resit period. Students who have not completed sufficient laboratory work will be given an opportunity to do so over summer but if they have missed too much, they may need to resit the module as an internal student in the following year. To pass the module, students must achieve: an average mark of 40% or higher on the experimental part conducted in the Synthetic and Analytical Chemistry laboratory, and; an average mark of 40% or above on the experimental part conducted in the Physical Chemistry and Measurement laboratory, and; an overall average mark of 40% or above.
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 1/30/2025
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