Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title CHEM495 - Advanced Key Skills for MSc students
Code CHEM495
Coordinator Dr JW Gaynor
Chemistry
J.W.Gaynor@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 7 FHEQ First Semester 7.5

Pre-requisites before taking this module (or general academic requirements):

 

Aims

This module aims to develop essential skills that MSc students will need for both the duration of the programme and beyond, whether this be further education opportunities (ie., PhD) or employment in a wide range of chemical and non-chemical based sectors.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) By the end of the molecular modelling section of the module, a successful student will have gained:
• a qualitative understanding of ab initio, semi-empirical and empirical models, knowing which model is suitable for a particular type of problem;
• some experience of modelling intermolecular forces and complexes .

(LO2) By the end of the employability section of the module, students will be able to
* self-evaluate their employability needs
* design the types of activities they need to complete for improving employability
* deliver a presentation
* construct a portfolio of evidence

(LO3) By the end of the module, students should be able to use scientific databases effectively for literature and citation searches and to find relevant information from on-line chemical databases regarding chemical reactions, structures and properties. They should be able to apply the database skills in writing a report drawing from scientific literature.

(S1) Communication skills

(S2) Lifelong learning skills

(S3) Organisational skills

(S4) IT skills

(S5) Commercial awareness


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Attendance will be recorded at all in-class sessions. There is a large element of working independently during this course.

Molecular modelling: Two lectures, two assignments and a feedback session. The two assignments to be completed after the lectures with assistance available in the optional workshops. Model answers to assignments will be released and individual feedback given.

Employability: Five core lectures plus additional optional lectures, one presentation and the completion of various employability related activities which will be evidenced in a reflective portfolio. Detailed rubrics will be available in advance and individual feedback given.

Databases: Eight e-lectures, two assignments and one report. The two assignments to be completed after a 4 e-lecture block of material with assistance available in an open-door hour with the coordinators (assignment 1) and the optional workshop (assignment 2). The report will be completed after the open-door and opti onal workshop sessions. General feedback will be released to all students and individual feedback will be offered.


Syllabus

 

MOLECULAR MODELLING: This section will be the responsibility of Dr Richard Bonar Law. The lectures and workshops will cover:
• Introduction: Summary of techniques covered in the course, and sources for further reading.
• Molecular Mechanics using force-fields
• Modelling non-covalent interactions: van der Waals, electrostatics, aromatic stacking, hydrogen bonding, cooperativity.

EMPLOYABILITY: This section will be the responsibility of Dr James Gaynor via three main types of activities.
• Lectures: A variety of lectures delivered by course staff, wider university colleagues and external speakers. Timings and content will vary from year to year based on available speakers but lectures possibly include, but are not restricted to, the following: an introduction to the careers & employability department; skill articulation for application preparation materials; interview technique; Intellectual property; industry lect ures; resilience and social media; commercial awareness, etc.
• Short Presentation using PowerPoint.
• Portfolio and VITAL exercises: These include collation and reflection on a variety of tasks that can be directed by the students. Possible options possibly include, but not restricted to: surveys; reflective writing; visiting the careers service; CV preparation; interview scenario critique; psychometric test; video interviewing software; peer review processes; commercial awareness, etc.

DATABASES: This section will be the responsibility of Dr David L. Cooper and Dr Neil Berry. The material will be covered mostly in a self-study process using up to eight e-lectures and online guidance. The material covered will progressively build in complexity to prepare students for their research projects during semesters 2/3, and will include:
• A general introduction to the literature, text-based search processes using databases such as Web of Science and Google Scholar, and academic referencing using Endnote.
• Structure and text-based combination searches using databases such as Reaxys with an initial focus on small molecules, inorganic salts and simple organometallics and searching using chemical properties, reactions, stereochemistry, generic groups and reagents
• Advanced structure-based searches using Reaxys with a consideration of more advanced molecules utilising atom mapping, non-standard bonding (e.g. cyclopentadiene) and variable atoms.
• The introduction of patents and additional databases such as SciFinder and Crytallographic databases.


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 8

8

        5

21
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 54
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Database assignments Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. There is a re-submission opportunity. This is not an anonymous assessment.  Two assignments + on    30       
Employability assignments Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. There is a re-submission opportunity. This is not an anonymous assessment.  short presentation a    35       
Molecular modelling assignments Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. There is a resubmission opportunity. This is not an anonymous assessment.  Two assignments    35