Form 20
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
Module Title
Chemistry – Practical Work 1
School
Engineering and Physical Sciences
Module
Co-ordinator
Dr J.H. Cameron
SCQF
Level
9
1. Pre-requisites
Module
Code
B19LM
Semester
1
On or OffCampus
Credits
On
15
None
2. Linked Modules
(specify if synoptic)
3. Excluded Modules
4. Replacement Module
6. Degrees for which this
is a core module
7. Aims
Code:
Date Of Replacement:
BSc with Chemistry as the Main Subject
5.
Availability as an
Elective
Yes

No
The module aims to :
 provide experience of practical work in chemistry at the appropriate level
 give additional experience of the use of spectroscopic methods for the identification of compounds
 give experience of the use of computational chemistry in the analysis of molecular structure and bonding
 develop the use of ICT in the preparation of formal laboratory reports
 develop the skills of accurate recording of data, manipulation of data and the correct drawing of conclusions from data
 develop the mathematical tools and the use of appropriate IT methods of handling numerical data
8. Syllabus
Students undertake a series of experiments in Chemistry, taken from the series of experiments included in the Stage 3 Laboratory Manuals for Chemistry,
designed to give experience of a broad range of laboratory synthesis, separation and spectroscopic analysis techniques.
1/3
Form 20
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
Module Title
Chemistry – Practical Work 1
School
Engineering and Physical Sciences
Module
Co-ordinator
Dr J.H. Cameron
SCQF
Level
9
Module
Code
B19LM
Semester
1
On or OffCampus
Credits
On
15
9. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness)
Subject Mastery
Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive Skills
Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research-Informed Learning)
On completion of this module, the learner will be able to:
 Demonstrate greater competence in the manipulative skills required in synthetic chemistry and in chemical measurement
 Display more familiarity with both the theory and practical execution of some important chemical reactions
 Feel more familiar with the use of instrumentation used in a chemical laboratory
 Carry out with greater ability the identification of compounds
 Analyse spectroscopic data, particularly NMR data, at a higher level and with greater confidence
 Produce an accurate record of experimental operations, of the type that would be required in chemical industry
 Present experimental data in a logical ordered format
 Use fundamental principles to solve practical problems of an advanced nature
 Integrate previous knowledge from across all of chemistry with the operations carried out in this module
 Use fundamental principles to solve numerical problems
 Analyse and evaluate possible models against experimental data
 Display a critical understanding of the concepts, theories and principles described in the experiments of the module
Personal Abilities Industrial, Commercial & Professional Practice
Autonomy, Accountability & Working with Others Communication, Numeracy & ICT
Personal abilities are embedded in the module. The module provides the opportunity to :
 Critically review and consolidate knowledge, skills and practices in chemistry
 Interpret, use and evaluate a wide range of data to solve problems of both a familiar and unfamiliar nature
 Communicate effectively with professional level colleagues
 Manage time effectively, work to deadlines and prioritise workloads
 Use a range of techniques to support and enhance work at an advanced level
 Use ICT skills to produce records of tasks accomplished and data obtained
 Exercise initiative and independence in carrying out practical activities
 Work with groups of peers to discuss chemical problems and identify solutions
 Develop the skills of team working
 Record laboratory information in a professionally recognized way
 Critically use mathematical methods to model and analyse numerical data
 Interpret, use and evaluate a wide range of data to solve problems of both a fundamental and analytical nature
10. Assessment Methods
11. Re-assessment Methods
Method
Duration of Exam
Weighting (%)
(if applicable)
Laboratory work and reports
Synoptic modules?
Method
Duration of Exam
(if applicable)
100%
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Form 20
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
Module Title
Chemistry – Practical Work 1
School
Engineering and Physical Sciences
Module
Co-ordinator
Dr J.H. Cameron
SCQF
Level
9
Module
Code
B19LM
Semester
1
On or OffCampus
Credits
On
15
12. Date and Version
Date of Proposal
27 August, 2007
Date of Approval by
School Committee
Date of
Implementation
15 September, 2008
Version
Number
1.0
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