This is a core module for chemistry degree courses. The module introduces various bonding models including the structure and bonding of inorganic solids. Trends in the periodic table are illustrated by coverage of the chemistry of Group 1, 13 and 17 elements. The module introduces you to atmospheric and aquatic pollution and goes on to cover the impact of pollutants on the environment.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
The curriculum is divided into four main themes. One of these themes will have a few introductory lectures and then will be taught using a project based learning (PjBL) approach involving group work. Key elements of effective group work will be taught. Groups will research and present a report on a particular environmental problem. A seen exam question will be set covering the topics investigated.
The three other themes will be taught using lectures and workshops. The workshops will supplement and illustrate the current lecture material in addition to providing the students with an opportunity to clarify any aspects of the topics being taught. Students will also be guided towards the use of appropriate Open-Learning Resources. The workshops will also be used to develop the students' skills in solving relevant numerical problems and tackling exam style problems. The workshops will provide opportunities for student to get feedback from staff on their progress. The practical sessions will provide guidance and experience of following written experimental procedures and help students consolidate their practical skills. The development of core practical skills will be supported by on-line videos and interactive simulations delivered through the University VLE.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 37 one-hour lectures 15 one-hour workshops 6 two hour PjBL sessions 12 two and a half hour practical sessions | 94 |
| Guided independent study | Recommended reading in advance of lectures l Review of lectures Pre-lab activities (videos and simulations) Independent study, Assessment preparation including formative assessment Research and group meetings for PjBL Exam revision | 206 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Practical performance will be assessed by evaluation of the quality of samples and data obtained, which are submitted in class at the end of the practical session, these components will contribute to a portfolio of in-class work. In class assessment of PjBL group work will also contribute to the portfolio. Typically the portfolio will consist of ten in-class submissions worth 2% each. In addition, students will write two full laboratory reports. The first report will only be formatively assessed so that students get relevant feedback on their report writing to act as feed forward for their summatively assessed full laboratory report. The full laboratory report on an environmental chemistry experiment will include questions related to environmental pollution. An assignment, designed to prepare students for exam-type questions will be set as a formative assessment. Overall the summative coursework will be made up of one full laboratory report with additional questions and a portfolio of assessment of practical work (quality of samples and data submitted at the end of the class).
An end of module examination (3 hours) will test students' knowledge of inorganic and environmental chemistry and their ability to solve chemistry-related problems. The 3-hour exam will require students to do MCQs and longer questions. The exam paper will include a seen question section assessing the curriculum covered in the PjBL sessions.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| Identify and explain the bonding, shape and reactivity of inorganic molecules, complexes and solids. and the trends within the periodic table | Formative assessment opportunities will be provided via problems set in workshops and a formative assignment. This will be summatively assessed by the examination paper |
| Solve numerical problems related to inorganic and environmental chemistry | Formative assessment opportunities will be provided via problems set in workshops. This will be assessed by the examination paper and/or the coursework elements |
| Describe the chemical and physical processes that occur after the release of chemicals into the environment | This will be assessed by a question in the full laboratory report coursework element and/or a section of the examination paper |
| Discuss the environmental consequences of the release of chemical species and potential solutions to environmental pollution | This will be assessed by in-class PjBL group work, which contributes to the portfolio and a section of the examination paper |
| Execute and report laboratory procedures according to given protocols | Practical work will be assessed by short laboratory forms and quality of data and samples produced. Students will also be asked to write two full laboratory reports; the first will be only formatively assessed and used to give feedback on how to improve report writing. The second full laboratory will be summatively assessed |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Written exam | Written exam | 60% |
| Portfolio of in class submissions from practical classes and PjBL sessions) | Coursework | 20% |
| Full practical report | Coursework | 20% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Chemistry: C. E. Housecroft & E. C. Constable, 4th edition, Prentice Hall, 2010.
Environmental Chemistry: Baird and Cann, 5th edition, Freeman, 2012.
Chemistry : Burrows, Holman, Parsons, Pilling and Price,2nd t edition, Oxford, 2013.
Inorganic Chemistry: Weller, Overton, Rourke, and Armstrong, 6th edition, Oxford, 2014.