CHE-30037 - Topics in Chemistry
Coordinator: Martin Hollamby Tel: +44 1782 7 33532
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Satisfactory progression from FHEQ Level 5 Chemistry or equivalent

Barred Combinations

No barred combinations of modules

Description for 2020/21

This module comprises advanced topics that represent specific areas of academic and industrial significance in chemistry. Students have the opportunity to study all topics, but will be able to choose which aspects to focus on for assessment, allowing them to delve deeper into the aspects that particularly interest them. In addition, for their coursework they will assess the contribution made to a field of chemistry by the work of a chosen eminent chemist and the impact of his/her findings on contemporary chemistry. This range of learning activities is designed to initiate progress towards the development of Keele's Graduate Attributes with an emphasis on development of problem solving, information literacy, presentation and communication skills.

Aims
The module aims to allow students to achieve the following:
-To build on their understanding of the fundamental principles of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry
-To allow students to experience and explore advanced topics in chemistry of particular global importance.
-To develop analytical, problem solving and organisational skills.
-To develop skills in information retrieval and database / literature searching.
-To develop skills in poster-making, distilling information and giving a short presentation.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/che-30037/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

Interpret new terminology and describe the applications and/or goals of particular areas of contemporary chemistry: 3
Analyse, evaluate and distil the contribution made to a field of chemistry by the work of a given eminent chemist: Students will identify key contributions (journal articles) to an identified topic and analyse the impact of the chemist's work on the state-of-the-art in chemistry: 1,2
Produce, advertise and answer questions on a poster at an appropriate level that details the key contributions made by the eminent chemist and the impact of their findings on contemporary chemistry: 1,2
Integrate, apply and develop fundamental chemical principles to describe and explain phenomena and solve problems in the context of selected advanced topics within contemporary chemistry: 3

Study hours

Scheduled activities:
Lectures / problem classes: 6 x 6 hours options = 36 hours
Independent study:
Coursework preparation and delivery: 50 hours
Independent Study: 64 hours


School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Coursework weighted 20%
Poster (content)
Students will individually focus on the work of one eminent chemist. They will research the key work in chemistry that led to it being awarded and explore at least one significant development in contemporary chemistry that resulted from it. The chemist will be chosen from a list of individuals, in discussion with staff. Students will condense the results of their research into a poster, which will be assessed on its content.

2: Coursework weighted 15%
Poster (presentation)
Students will advertise their posters with a short presentation (one minute), then answer questions in front of their posters to test the depth of their knowledge and ability to confer scientific ideas succinctly.

3: Open Book Assessment weighted 65%
Open book assessment
A mixture of time limited short and long assessment problems employing a range of question and answer formats. The student effort is equivalent to that required to prepare for and complete a 2 hour examination.