This is a laboratory-based module, extending the skills developed in Years 1 & 2 to cover advanced aspects of synthetic (inorganic and organic) chemistry, measurement, separation and analysis. Students take increased ownership in the design and planning of their laboratory work, some elements of which may involve group work. The students carry out a smaller number of more extensive practical investigations, allowing the areas to be studied in greater depth and providing the students with training in how to conduct project work. The module is also designed to develop and enhance their scientific communication skills, and associated skills such as searching the literature. These activities are closely aligned to the experimental work being undertaken, aspects of which are written up in the form of a research paper or presented orally. The module provides valuable training for students who will be undertaking a major research project at Masters level.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
20.1
Design and plan a scientific investigation
20.2
Demonstrate proficiency with a number of advanced synthetic and manipulative skills;
20.3
Collect, analyse and interpret data;
20.4
Present scientific observations in a coherent and sound manner, and to maintain a laboratory notebook;
20.5
Apply advanced spectroscopic and structure determination techniques to analyse molecules and materials.
20.6
Present the results of experimental investigations in the form of a scientific paper.
20.7
Present their findings in the form of an oral presentation.
