AP0417 - Practical and Professional Skills for Chemists

What will I learn on this module?

This is a laboratory based module where you will learn and develop a range of basic laboratory skills necessary to further study, research and a professional environment, and these will form the basis for more advanced laboratory procedures to follow in later years. You will undertake a variety of interesting investigational experiments which cover core areas of organic, inorganic, analytical and physical branches of chemistry and which will develop skills and techniques, whilst also illustrating key concepts of chemistry found in other parts of the programme. On completion of this module you will be able to: i) use a variety of laboratory techniques and skills in a safe and efficient manner; ii) interpret the results of laboratory investigations; iii) present the results of laboratory work in a coherent manner. You will also develop professional skills such as a basic understanding of Health and Safety protocols and good laboratory practice, problem-solving and analytical skills, team work, organisation, and communication skills.

How will I learn on this module?

On this module you will learn predominantly through hands-on laboratory classes and independent learning. Every lab session will contain an introduction which will cover theories and concepts of every practical experiment as well as the main aspects of risk assessments and good laboratory practice. Assessment is almost entirely by lab reports which will be continuously monitored. These lab reports will take various forms including written, on-line, and visual/verbal and will require an element of independent study in their formulation.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The entre module content (in terms of teaching materials, lab information) will be available through the eLearning Portal (eLP, Blackboard Ultra) in advance so students can prepare adequately for each practical session. Support will include assistance from tutors, demonstrators and technical support during all practical exercises. The tutors will be present in the room throughout the whole lab session and they will be happy to answer any questions you might have during the lab. In addition tutors will respond to questions via the module’s discussion board/email via the University’s eLP so that the whole group can benefit.

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 be expected to understand and be able to perform a range of manipulative and instrumental techniques used across chemistry.

2. You will be able to apply the concepts learned in spectroscopic techniques and demonstrate your understanding and proficiency in solving real problems in the topics covered.


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

3. You will develop your skills in analysing and interpreting results of experiments. You will also understand health and safety requirements associated with work in a chemical laboratory.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

4. You will also develop time management, communication and teamwork skills, as well as a curiosity and spirit of enquiry through experimentation.

How will I be assessed?

Component 1: (50%) As this is a practical module, you will be summatively assessed by the reporting and interpretation/analysis of the results of experiments. (MLO 1,2,3)

Format will be a portfolio of individual reports of all lab experiments. Several sub-formats will be used for reports including written templates, results only submissions, oral, online submission, in-lab observation, abstracts.

Component 2: (50%) Online problem solving exercises based on spectroscopic techniques MLO 2, 4, 5

ESAF submission and feedback process.

Formative exercises in problem solving will be utilised in a workshop/practical/discursive group setting before the summative component.

Feedback:
The annotated lab reports will be returned at stages to allow a formative element to the module although there will also be tutor feedback usually during each lab session.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Chemistry is a practical subject. In this popular module you will carry out a variety of interesting experiments which cover organic, inorganic, analytical and physical branches of chemistry. By doing these experiments, you will develop many practical skills required for your future studies and career and develop a curiosity in the subject area . You will understand the theory and practice a variety of laboratory techniques, you will interpret the results of the experiments and learn how to write up laboratory work in an appropriate manner. You will also develop professional skills such as problem solving, team work and communication skills.

Course info

UCAS Code F101

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 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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