Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title KEY SKILLS FOR CHEMISTS
Code CHEM192
Coordinator Dr SM Barlow
Chemistry
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2008-09 Level One Whole Session 7.5

Aims

The aim of this module is to broaden a student's perspective of chemistry.


Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module a student will have been exposed to:

  • The importance of Chemistry in the development of our society
  • The future of chemistry
  • The representation of chemistry in the media
In addition they will have developed their investigative, critical, writing and presentation skills.

Syllabus
all 

Presentations

The presentations will be chosen to encourage students to consider:

  • Introduction: What module is about, how it works (Dr Barlow)
  • Historical aspects of Chemistry (Dr Higgins)
  • Chemistry and nantotechnology (Professor Brust)
  • Chemistry and medicinal chemistry (Professor O'Neill)
  • Library resources (Clair Sharpe, Library)
  • Careers (careers service)
  • Chemistry within the University (e.g. Dean of Science)
  • An aspect of research within the Chemistry Department (e.g. Chirality, Professor Raval)

Assessed Tasks

Students will be expected to complete six assessed tutorial tasks as part of this module and attend and comment on/ review the lectures.

The tutorial tasks will be :

  •  A short oral presen tation (no Powerpoint) and group discussion on why they chose to study chemistry.
  • Writing a newspaper article based on a current research topic in the news (e.g. malaria, global warming).
  • A debate on a topic of current scientific interest. (e.g. nuclear power)
  • A library-based exercise to introduce them to the library catalogue and encourage them to visit the library.
  • A Powerpoint presentation on the impact of chemistry in society, medicine or nanotechnology.
  • A final written essay on the impact chemistry in society, medicine or nanotechnology.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

This module will consist of a series of presentations on different aspects of Chemistry, given mainly by members of the chemistry department, to encourage students to look at the wider aspects of the subject, including its history and its relationship to other areas such as nanotechnology and medicine. Presentations will also be given to develop the investigative skills of the students within Chemistry and to encourage career planning. Students will be given a series of tasks to complete based, where possible, on material from the presentations, that will develop their key skills, particularly in writing and presentation. These tasks will involve individual and team exercises with a variety of oral and written components. To provide support for the tasks, students will receive tutorials (to be given by their personal tutors) in which the skills required for the set tasks will be discussed and developed.

Extensive use of Vital and email will be made by this module, with students being expected to consult Vital to view announcements, obtain information on presentations and tutorial tasks and submit assessments.


Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 8

   6

       14
Timetable (if known) Mon 1-2. even weeks
  		  4 tutorials arranged by tutors for weeks 4/5, 7/8, 10/11 in Semester 1, weeks 6/7 in Semester 2. Two other tutorial exercises in semester 2 arranged by module leader via Vital
  		       
Private Study 61
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
lecture reviews    whole session  10  none  Standard penalty for late submission applies - see Departmental handbook for details.  Anonymous marking impossible  
assessed tasks    whole session  60    Standard penalty for late submission applies - see Departmental handbook for details.  Students will be allowed to resubmit assessed tasks that have not reached the correct standard at the first attempt for obtaining at maximum a pass mark. This work is not marked anonymously  
final report    whole session  30    Standard penalty for late submission applies - see Departmental handbook for details.  Students will be allowed to resubmit a Final Report that has not reached the correct standard at the first attempt for obtaining at maximum a pass mark. This work in not marked anonymously  

Recommended Texts

Students will be direted towards relevant articles in the media.