AP0308 - Inspirational Science

What will I learn on this module?

This module will teach you about important and inspirational areas of science, focusing on how chemistry and other sciences are embedded in the development of new technologies, medicines, materials and processes. The module is broken down into four main areas namely; Spectroscopy and Analysis; Drugs and Molecule, Material of the Future and Energy. Within each of these key areas you will learn about the fundamental science that underpins these important research areas, why these areas are so important to us all and how recent developments in these fields helped industry, research and understanding.

How will I learn on this module?

Learning within this modules will be predominantly based on interactive lecture and seminar sessions coving the key areas within this module. This will be supported by additional material to study independently such as books, journals and articles to read at home and expand your knowledge.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

All lecture materials will be made available on the e-learning portal including details of the module teaching team and their contact details should these be required. Additional questions will be made available to the students allowing them to test their own knowledge of the subjects they are learning. Reading lists and additional study material will also either be made available or guidance given as to how and where to source this information.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will gain an understanding of several important scientific topics that influence and steer the direction of our industries, innovations and research in the UK and worldwide. You will get to see how chemistry and those who chose to study and work in the chemistry field, play an important role in the development of new, ground breaking technologies and that chemistry is hidden in places you may never have thought of……

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Throughout this module you will gain intellectually from understanding the science that underpins the development of technology. You will develop skills in how to conduct independent and Tutor led research into these areas you are taught about and how to research new areas of science.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
3. Global and cultural awareness will be embedded in this course as you learn about technologies and areas of science that are critical to industry and that influence government policy. Developing your skills in independent research will increase your scientific curiosity.

How will I be assessed?

The main assessment will involve independently researching an area of Inspirational Science based either on the content of the module or on a subject that you are passionate about. You will research the area and create an electronic poster on your research topic which will be submitted via elp for assessment. Supporting MLOs KU1, IPSA 2 and PVA 3. Overall, this part of the assessment will constitute 70% of the overall mark (60% for the poster and 10% for the bibliography) for this module and will be marked according to the marking guidelines and score system in Appendix 1 of this Module Guide.


Formative assessment will be provided by an assigned academic staff member (personal tutor) who will support idea generation, research investigation, an initial review of draft presentation and appropriate feedback. Supported by MLOs KU1, IPSA2 and PVA3.

Practical sessions will be assessed through the use of on-line multiple choice assignments either as part of the practical session or to be completed afterwards to a specfic deadline. Attendance at the practical session is essential in order to have the opportunity to gain full marks as question are based on the learning and/or results gained during th practical sessions. Each practical session will carry equal weighting, with each making up 15% of the overall grade for the module (30% of marks in total).


Formative assessment will be provided by an assigned academic staff member (personal tutor) who will support idea generation, research investigation, an initial review of draft presentation and appropriate feedback. Supported by MLOs KU1, IPSA2 and PVA3.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

AP0306, AP0307 and AP0309

Module abstract

This module on Inspirational Science will give you the insight and knowledge to be able to discuss important areas of chemistry and science with your colleagues and peers, focusing on how chemistry and other sciences are embedded in the development of new technologies, medicines, materials and processes. The module is structured into four main areas of ‘Spectroscopy and Analysis’, ‘Drugs and Molecules’, ‘Materials of the Future’ and ‘Energy’. Within each of these key areas you will learn about the fundamental science that underpins these important research areas, why these areas are so important to us all and how recent developments in these fields helped industry develop through research and understanding.

Course info

UCAS Code Y002

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Applied Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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