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 PRACTICAL CHEMISTRY FOR MCHEM STUDENTS - SHORTER VERSION
Code CHEM355
Coordinator Dr A Steiner
Chemistry
A.Steiner@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (or general academic requirements):

Normally, completion of year 2 of either an MChem or a BSc (Hons) Chemistry programme  

Aims

The general aims of the module are:

  • To give the student practical experience and understanding of advanced practical techniques for Organic, Organometallic and Physical Chemistry.
  • To develop appropriate techniques for each type of experiment
  • To show the use of suitable characterisation techniques
  • To make valid deductions from acquired data
  • To familiarise the student with the preparation of written reports
  • To establish a close link with aspects of the lecture material covered in the Yr2 and Yr3 course   

Learning Outcomes

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

  • Carry out advanced practical techniques in the areas of Organic and either Inorganic or Physical Chemistry
  • Give a reasoned written exposition of experimental work and achievements
  • Make valid deductions from acquired data
  • Be capable of giving comprehensible written accounts of experimental work
  • Demonstrate an understanding of shortcomings, experimental errors or weaknesses in data
  • Further develop their time management skills via coordination of the synthetic and analytical components of their experiments
  • Show that they understand the wider social or technological relevance of their work

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Laboratory Work - Laboratory Work


Syllabus

Organic chemistry is compulsory (50 %) and the students have the option of either inorganic or physical chemistry (50 %).


Organic: Students carry out three organic experiments that are based on catalytic transformations (enzyme-catalysed resolution, metal-catalysed reactions) and give them experience of both flash chromatography and recrystallisation as purification techniques. The reaction products are analysed by NMR, IR, optical rotations and melting points. The stud ents are required to produce a written report for each experiment supplying the compounds they have made, full spectroscopic data and mechanistic details of the chemistry involved. Each practical is accompanied by a series of questions to which the student has to submit answers in their written report.

 

Inorganic: Students carry out three inorganic experiments in which they prepare and analyse compounds from the branches of organometallic and solid state chemis try. The background to these topics is taught in lecture modules CHEM214 and CHEM313. A written laboratory report is required for each experiment, which includes synthetic methods and the interpretation of analytical and spectroscopic results. In addition, each experiment includes several questions, the answers to which are submitted for marking as part of the written report.


Physical: Students carry out three physical chemistry experiments in the areas of spectroscopy, electrochemistry and surface science. The experiments serve as an introduction to subjects covered in semester 2 Physical Chemistry lectures and allow students to develop more sophisticated skills in data acquisition, analysis and fitting. A written laboratory report is required for each experiment and this includes both the description of experimental work and interpretation of the results. In addition, each experiment includes several questions, the answers to which are submitted for marking as part of the written report.

 


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List:

Organic, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry textbooks

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours       80
Laboratory Work
    80
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 70
TOTAL HOURS 150

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
Coursework  first  50  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Practical assessment There is no reassessment opportunity,  
Coursework  first  50  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Practical assessment There is no reassessment opportunity, Notes (applying to all assessments) Anonymous marking impossible. Work is marked in student's presence to allow for immediate feedback.