CHE-20030: Spectroscopy and Analytical Chemistry

1. To develop, expand upon and connect fundamental principles of spectroscopic techniques and their application to organic and inorganic molecules.
2. To develop understanding of fundamental principles of analytical chemistry, instrumental analysis, errors and statistics
3. To develop understanding of the fundamental principles of solution chemistry.
4. To develop problem-solving skills through data retrieval, generation and analysis.
5. To develop experimental and analytical laboratory skills

Intended Learning Outcomes

Describe and explain the theoretical principles behind spectroscopic and analytical techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; mass spectrometry; chromatography and the reasons for the observed phenomena. will be achieved by assessments: 1,5
Predict and interpret detailed features of spin-1/2 NMR and mass spectra and chromatograms in organic and inorganic molecules, will be achieved by assessments: 1,5
Analyse and interpret spectral and analytical data obtained from various techniques (mass spectrometry; nuclear magnetic resonance, infra-red spectroscopy, chromatography, elemental analysis) to determine molecular structures. will be achieved by assessments: 1,3,4,5
Describe the electrostatic interactions present in electrolyte solutions and the phenomena these interactions give rise to.
will be achieved by assessments: 1,3,4,5
Apply and evaluate theories of electrolyte solutions through experiment and problem solving. will be achieved by assessments: 1,3,4,5
Describe and apply the principles of analytical chemistry through experiment, data analysis and problem solving. will be achieved by assessments: 1,3,4,5
Produce a CV and covering letter suitable for application for summer placement or graduate employment. will be achieved by assessments: 2
Communicate the results and interpretation of a practical investigation in a word processed formal laboratory report that complies with scientific writing conventions and standards. will be achieved by assessments: 3,4
Locate, analyse and apply information from literature, chemical databases, and scientific journal articles. will be achieved by assessments: 3,4

Study hours

Lectures: 23 hours
Class Tests: 1 hour
Laboratory practicals, problem classes and data handling work: 36 hours
Independent study, preparation of course work: 90 hours

Description of Module Assessment

01: Class Test weighted 10%

In-class Test
A 1-hour class test employing a variety of question styles, seen and unseen

02: Exercise weighted 5%

CV and Covering Letter
Identify a potential employer and produce a CV and a suitable covering letter for application for a summer placement or graduate employment.

03: Laboratory Practicals weighted 20% (min pass mark of 40)

Portfolio of work related to laboratory practicals
Portfolio of pre-laboratory exercises, COSHH risk assessments, observations and full data analysis for the laboratory practicals.

04: Laboratory Report weighted 15% (min pass mark of 40)

1500 word Laboratory Report
1500 word laboratory report based on one of the laboratory practicals and assessed for data analysis/evaluation, compliance with standards of writing, referencing and presentation in chemistry.

05: Unseen Exam weighted 50% (min pass mark of 40)

2-hours unseen examination
This paper is split into two sections with a degree of choice in each section: Part A short answer questions, Part B long answer questions

Version: (1.06B) Updated: 02/Oct/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.