Advanced Skills & Practical 2 - CHE00034I
Module summary
This module builds on the Stage 1 modules Introductory Skills & Practical 1, and Introductory Skills & Practical 2, and on the Stage 2 module Advanced Skills & Practical 1, in complementing the core theoretical content of the Chemistry degree programme by further developing the skills that students require in order to become a professional chemist.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2025-26 |
Module aims
Building on the Stage 1 modules Introductory Skills & Practical 1, and Introductory Skills & Practical 2, and on the Stage 2 module Advanced Skills & Practical 1, this module will continue the development of the skills that complement the core chemical knowledge of the degree programme. Specific aims are:
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To consolidate students’ understanding of practical work, and students’ practical laboratory skills, with practice of routine techniques and data acquisition
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To develop understanding of theoretical frameworks for reactivity, including reaction mechanisms
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To introduce students to more advanced scientific writing skills, in order to meet the standards of publication.
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To develop students’ knowledge of analytical techniques to a greater depth, and introducing more advanced characterisation methods.
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To further develop students’ transferable skills, such as planning, group work and problem solving, in the study of “real world” chemistry applications and in extended laboratory-based work.
Module learning outcomes
Students should:
- be able to deploy a range of complex experimental techniques in the practical laboratory, and describe and apply the theory that underpins the techniques and experiments
- prepare increasingly complex elements of scientific writing to a standard commensurate with publication including future project reports
- be able to analyse a broad variety of complex instrumental/spectroscopic data, in order to identify molecules and solve chemical problems
- further develop transferable skills, and be able to work in groups to plan work and solve problems and appreciate aspects of experimental design to underpin future project work.
Module content
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Success Academy
These sessions focus on developing employability, through a mixture of self-directed, guided, and taught material.
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Practical work
Building directly on the experience developed in the Stage 1 modules Introductory Skills & Practical 1 and Introductory Skills & Practical 2, and on the Stage 2 module Advanced Skills & Practical 1, this element introduces some advanced practical techniques, and consolidates students’ understanding of practical work, including data acquisition and processing. The laboratory exercises are overseen and taught by laboratory demonstrators. Information is provided in a variety of formats, including introductory lectures, instructional videos, experimental scripts, experimental briefings, notes and interactions with the demonstrators.
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Scientific Communication
Primarily using guided self-study, students are taught key ideas for the discussion and presentation of chemical information.
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Advanced Techniques for Structure Determination (II)
This component builds on the ATSD (I) component from module CHE00033I, consolidating prior knowledge and developing problem-solving skills, while introducing the theory and tools for characterising inorganic compounds. The lectures are supported with workshops so that students can practise hands-on interpretation with guidance.
The ATSD (II) component is divided into subsections:
Integrated Analysis of Organic Structures (ATSD II) [2 lectures, 2 workshops, self-study problems]
Physical Methods for Structure Determination (ATSD II) [6 lectures, workshop]
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Applications of Quantum Chemistry
Building on core work from Semester 1, these workshops develop students' understanding and application of quantum chemistry.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 50 |
| Essay/coursework | 50 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
The Advanced Techniques for Structure Determination 2 in-person open-book exam has two separate questions:
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One question will cover the Integrated Analysis of Organic Structures material
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The other question will cover the Physical Methods for Structure Determination material.
The two questions are equally credit-weighted.
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 50 |
| Essay/coursework | 50 |
Module feedback
Throughout the laboratory exercises, and associated workshop exercises, students will receive formative verbal feedback on their ongoing performance from demonstrators, to help them improve their understanding and skills.
The Applications of Quantum Chemistry course is delivered in workshops, in which students receive formative feedback on their work.
The Advanced Techniques for Structure Determination (II) lectures are supported with workshops, in which students receive formative verbal feedback on their work. Feedback on the assessment is provided after the Common Assessment Period.
General feedback on the Scientific Writing formative work, at the cohort level, is provided via a series of screencast discussions, after the mid-semester break.
Indicative reading
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Dean, Jones, Holmes, Reed, Weyers and Jones, “Practical Skills in Chemistry”
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Vogel, “Practical Organic Chemistry”
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Cranwell, Harwood and Moody, “Experimental Organic Chemistry”
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Burrows, Holman, Lancaster, Overton, Parsons, Pilling, Price, “Chemistry3”
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R. H. Hill & D. C. Finster, “Laboratory Safety for Chemistry Students”
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Sykes, “A Guidebook to Mechanism in Organic Chemistry”
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Clayden, “Organic Chemistry”