BSc Chemistry (Education)

This module covers the fundamental principles of infra-red, ultra-violet, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy; develops competence in the interpretation of spectra and the your  awareness of the role of spectroscopic techniques. It will also develop your knowledge of reactions, understanding of mechanisms and appreciation of the role of reactivity in organic chemistry.

This module provides a broad knowledge of the important concepts in fundamental physical chemistry, covering thermodynamics, kinetics, electrochemistry and energy resources. The emphasis is on the useful application of knowledge to real examples and this 20-credit module covers both semesters. Topics include:

• enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs energy
• determining reaction feasibility from thermodynamic relations
• phase changes
• the importance of reaction rates in chemical systems
• studying reaction mechanisms from kinetic data
• equilibrium electrochemistry
• electron transfer kinetics
• batteries, fuel cells and corrosion science
• the composition & utilisation of fossil fuels with reference to their environmental pollutants
• renewable energy sources

This module provides fundamental concepts of separation science and outlines its importance in obtaining information about analytes in a sample. Also covers the fundamental concepts of recovery of trace evidence and treatment of materials to provide identification. You're taught how to handle, examine and assess errors in chemical measurements.

In this laboratory module, you'll receive practical training in topics contained in the organic chemistry lectures. You'll develop basic laboratory skills in preparative chemistry and analysis and gain experience in the applications of spectroscopy and common instrumental techniques. This module also includes a Graduate and Employability Skills component.

You'll conduct experiments and gain practical experience of the theoretical aspects covered in your physical and analytical chemistry lectures. You'll also develop skills in:

• the measurement of physical chemistry phenomena
• observation
• the use of statistical methods
• interpretation of data
• the writing of laboratory and court reports

This module introduces you to the core concepts of modern educational theory, incorporating different styles of learning and their related pedagogies. The importance of reflective practice in teaching and learning is emphasised.

The course will cover three main areas:

• mechanics
• waves
• electrostatics

It will be delivered through directed reading, recorded lecture videos, quizzes and problem-solving activities.  We will have on-campus/online tutorials to work through problems together.  This 10-credit module is taken in the summer period between years two and three of the course.

This module provides an understanding of intermolecular forces and their importance in defining key aspects of chemical behaviour and molecular organisation. It introduces:

• surface chemistry and the common systems in which it plays a major role
• the electronic structure of atoms and molecules through the prism of quantum chemistry
• group theory and how it can be applied to the determination of the symmetry of molecules and their properties
• the principles of bonding in molecules as described by valence bond and molecular orbital theories

You'll conduct experiments and gain practical experience of the theoretical aspects covered in lectures. You'll also develop skills in:

• the demonstration of physical chemical principles
• observation
• the use of statistical methods
• interpretation of data
• the writing of laboratory and court reports

This module covers the fundamental analytical methods and advanced theories in chromatography, mass spectrometry and electroseparations.

It introduces the concept of experimental design and its application in analytical, forensic and preparative chemistry, and how to perform analytical calculations and interpret data. The analytical procedures used to identify substances controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, the Medicines Act 1968 and the World Anti-Doping Agency.

You're introduced to methods of clandestine synthesis and how drug profiling can identify the synthetic route used. The pharmacology of drugs of abuse and the various biological matrices used in drug screening will also be described.

This module teaches you modern NMR spectroscopy as it is applied to chemistry. It covers:

• skills for handling and interpreting NMR data for the purposes of chemical structure elucidation
• theoretical basis of the NMR experiment using the vector formalism
• reactivities of organic molecules
• organic syntheses using the disconnection approach
• synthesis and reactivities of electron-poor and electron-rich heterocyclic molecules

It provides an insight into the role of computational chemistry in chemical research and training in the use of modern computational chemistry software.

Learning objectives:

• Research and manage a wide range of information about education and learning
• Identify key issues and questions in the fields of education and learning
• Draw logical and justified conclusions about key aspects of education and learning
• Think critically and analyse situations and information in relation to education and learning
• Enquire and pursue critical questions in the fields education and learning
• Reflect on your own experience of education and learning

Module assessment:

Students will write an essay of around 2500 words.