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 CHEMICAL DATABASE SKILLS
Code CHEM385
Coordinator Dr N Berry
Chemistry
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2008-09 Level Three First Semester 7.5

Aims

Chemical database skills and molecular modelling are becoming resouces now in common use by practicing chemical scientists. This module aims to introduce students to these skills through lectures and computer based workshop sessions. In this module, students will will attend six lectures and six practical sessions in chemical database skills and database skills. The general aims of the module are:

  • To establish a close link with aspects of the lecture material covered in the Yr 3 course
  • To introduce students to chemical database skills, including on-line searching of literature, citations, chemical reactions and structures.

(students CANNOT take this module if they are taking CHEM375!)


Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to

  • Use scientific databases effectively for literature and citation searches.
  • Find relevant information from on-line chemical databases regarding chemical reactions and structures.

Syllabus
0  Chemical database skills: Students will be introduced to scientific literature and databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, Beilstein and Gmelin. They will apply search strategies using logical search combinations in on-line searching with citation searching and downloading references into a unique personal reference database. Students will learn how to search for particular compounds, reactions and physical properties using chemical databases such as Beilstein/Gmelin Crossfire. The students will use crystallographic databases for structure based searching for compounds and downloading of 3D structures for molecular graphics work. The information gathered from two searches, including the use of Endnote to collect references, will be used in the word-processed reports of two of CHEM355, or CHEM365 preparative experiments. These word-processed reports will be used in the assessment of CHEM385.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

The chemical database skills consists of 6 computer-aided lectures dealing with different databases and discussing search strategies, after which the students do 6 sets of assignment problems in their own time. Selected databases will be made available to the students in the Chemistry computer laboratory, and there will be six supervised sessions (1 hour each) where a member of staff will be on hand to assist students with database activities. It is recognised that self-study will be important for students to become well-practiced and competent chemical database users. The new computer room in chemistry will be an important resource for them in this respect.


Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 6
Database skills lectures / tuition
    6
Supervised database activities
    12
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 63
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
Chemical Database Skills  During semester one  First  100  none  Students will be informed at start of course about marking deadlines and late submission penalties.  6 sets of assignment problems dealing with the use of databases, database skills (5 sets) and x-ray diffraction (1set). The information gathered from two searches, including the use of Endnote to collect references, will be used in the word-processed reports of one or two of CHEM355, or CHEM365 preparative experiments - these will be assessed in CHEM385. The assessment of these word-processed reports will be split between the module teachers. This work is not marked anonymously.  

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