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 Key Skills for Chemists 1
Code CHEM180
Coordinator Professor G Sedghi
Chemistry
G.Sedghi@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2024-25 Level 4 FHEQ Whole Session 15

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

 

Aims

The aim of this module is:
(i) to equip students with the basic quantitative transferable skills required for the first year of a Chemistry degree programme.
(ii) to broaden a student's perspective of chemistry whilst developing general transferable skills focusing on communication and employability.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) To complete simple volumetric calculations required for titrations in analytical chemistry

(LO2) To complete basic algebraic manipulation and functions needed for kinetics, thermodynamics and quantum mechanics

(LO3) To understand elementary geometry required for the understanding of molecular shapes and solid state chemistry

(LO4) To represent data via graphs, particularly straight line graphs, and the manipulation of data in spreadsheet programs needed for data analysis

(LO5) To understand the basic idea of derivatives and integrals for use in physical chemistry

(LO6) To relate various aspects of chemical research needed in the development of our society

(LO7) To understand the importance of chemistry in the development of our society

(LO8) To use chemical databases required to identify and apply chemistry resources

(LO9) To understand the academic integrity required for ethically conducted chemistry studies and practice

(LO10) To develop transferable skills required for chemists

(S1) Mathematical and problem solving skills

(S2) Investigative, critical, writing and presentation skills

(S3) Chemical database skills

(S4) Employability skills


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Quantitative key skills (QKS):
The quantitative key skills will be taught via lectures followed by problem solving workshops.
The workshop questions cover pure maths and its applications in science focusing on chemistry.
Each workshop will involve a combination of written questions and online assessments.
Introductory spreadsheet analysis will be taught over two workshops using a workbook style script.
Learning outcomes are assessed by two class tests.
*workshops 9 x 2 hr + 2 x 3 hr = 24 h
*lectures 9 x 1 hr = 9 hr

General Key Skills (GKS):
The general key skills section will consist of a series of recorded lectures on different aspects of chemistry, given mainly by members of the Chemistry Department and Careers & Employability, to encourage students to look at the wider aspects of the subject.
Lectures will also be given to develop the investigative skills of the students within chemistry and to encourage career planning.
Students will be given a series of tasks, based where possible on material from the lectures to develop their key skills, particularly in writing and presentation.
These tasks will involve individual and team exercises with a variety of oral and written components.
To provide support for the tasks, students will receive tutorials (given by their academic advisors) in which the skills required for the tasks will be discussed and developed.
*tutorials 2 x 1 hr = 2 hr
*workshop 1 x 3 hr + 3 x 2 hr = 9 hr
*lectures 3 x 1 hr = 3 hr

Extensive use of Canvas and email will be made in this module, with students being expected to consult Canvas to view announcements, obtain information on presentations and tutorial tasks and submit assessments.

In total:
*Workshops: 33 hr
*Lectures: 12 hr
*Tutorials: 2 hr


Syllabus

 

Quantitative Key Skills (QKS):
•Calculation of molarity and concentration after dilution
• Simple re-arrangement algebra, the order of operations in brackets, quadratic equations, exponents and logarithms, the exponential function, trigonometric functions
•Calculation of volume, identification of (molecular) shape, trigonometry and geometry
•Drawing graphs, linearising data
•Data analysis with spreadsheet programs
•Derivative as gradient, rates of change
•Differentiation Rules
•Integration
•Stationary points of functions

General Key Skills (GKS):
This section of the module will involve lectures given mainly by chemistry staff and tutorials given by academic advisers.
Lectures:
•Introduction: Study skills, the importance of transferable skills, module organisation (Gita Sedghi)
•Careers & employability (James Gaynor & Careers service)•Chemical database skills (Neil Berry)
•UoL-XJTLU linked activities: Digital Storytelling (Gita Sedghi, Charlotte Ford and Dominique Mansley)
•EDI in Chemistry: Infographic and Trailer (Gita Sedghi, Charlotte Ford and Dominique Mansley)
•Academic Integrity (Gita Sedghi)
Tutorials:
•PDP and group discussion with academic advisers.
•A PowerPoint presentation on the impact of chemistry on society
•Chemical databases

Content provision
In addition to the face-to-face lectures, workshops and tutorials, module content will be provided on Canvas with extensive use of Canvas for consolidation material, lecture recordings, information on tutorials, workshops and assessments.


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 12

  2

    33

47
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 103
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
QKS class test 2 Resit: A single resit for both QKS class tests  60    10       
QKS class test 1 Resit: A single resit for both QKS class tests  60    10       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
QKS coursework maths workshops (problems completed during workshops) and online assessments. Exemptions: electronic submission 3.2a, 3.2b, mix anonymous marking 4.3e Resit: No separate resit, r    40       
GKS coursework tutorials, database workshop and assignments Exemptions: anonymous marking 4.3f Resit: A single resit for GKS coursework    40