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 IIA
Code CHEM281
Coordinator Dr GR Darling
Chemistry
Darling@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 5 FHEQ First Semester 7.5

Pre-requisites before taking this module (or general academic requirements):
Completion of Year 1 of an MChem or BSc(Hons) Chemistry programme  

Aims
  1. To further develop the quantitative skills of a student, through more advanced skills in the application of mathematics, physics and information technology applicable to the second year of an undergraduate degree in chemistry. (60% of module)

     

  2.  To introduce students to the use of Molecular Modelling in Chemistry (30% of module)

  3. To further develop a students Key Skills in scientific presentation (10% of module).

Learning Outcomes
The overarching learning outcome is that students will gain the necessary key skills to perform well in their chemistry degree programmes.
Quantitative key skills:
Students will have improved their ability to:
  • perform basic calculus (integral and differential) as applied to kinetics, thermodynamics and quantum mechanics
  • use partial differentiation in general problems and to categorise stationary points in functions of more than one variable
  • apply algebraic manipulation in kinetics, thermodynamics and quantum mechanics
  • apply the algebra of complex numbers in quantum mechanics problems
  • use basic matrix vector algebra

Molecular Modeling skills 
By the end of this 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.

General key skills:

By the end of this module, a successful student will have improved:
  • knowledge of methods of presenting chemical research.
  • presentation skills

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Workshop - Quantitative Key Skills lecture and problem classes

1 hour lecture followed by 2 hour class

Lecture - Introduction to Molecular Modelling

Workshop - Optional support workshop for Molecular Modelling assignments

Tutorial - Effective Communication: preparing and giving talks

Syllabus
1  Quantitative Key Skills
This section of the module will be the responsibility of Dr George Darling who will ensure that activities build on the quantitative skills developed in Year 1. These skills will involve a selection from the following topics designed specifically to match the requirements of the one semester module CHEM261 Physical Chemistry IIA:
  • Revision of re-arrangement algebra, basic functions,  exponents and logarithms, the exponential function, trigonometric functions
  • Revision of basic calculus, rules of differentiation – chain rule etc. - basic integration
  • Calculus used in kinetics, thermodynamics and quantum mechanics
  • Partial differentiation, maxima and minima in several dimensions, saddlepoints
  • Complex numbers and their use in quantum mechanics
  • Basic matrix-vector algebra
  • Eigenvectors, eigenv alues, the matrix determinant and matrix inverses
  • More analysis with spreadsheet programs

Molecular Modelling Key Skills
 

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.

General Key Skills Tutorials   

This section of the module will be the responsibility of Dr George Darling

  • Produce and give a team-based PowerPoint presentation on a topical area of research in the Chemistry Department. 

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List:

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 2
Introduction to Molecular Modelling
  2
Effective Communication: preparing and giving talks
    21
Quantitative Key Skills lecture and problem classes
2
Optional support workshop for Molecular Modelling assignments
27
Timetable (if known)           1 hour lecture followed by 2 hour class
  		 
Private Study 48
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
Coursework  7 x 3 hr Quantitativ  Semester 1  60  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Problem solutions 
Coursework  2 x 2 hour assignmen  Semester 1  30  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Solutions to set Molecular Modelling problems 
Coursework  1 hour  Semester 1  10  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Powerpoint presentation Notes (applying to all assessments) Quantitative Key Skills (QKS) Workshops: problem based assessments to be completed by end of each workshop with demonstrator assistance. Marked by demonstrators and moderated by staff member in charge of QKS section of module. Molecular Modelling Key Skills (MMKS): assignments to be completed after the lectures with assistance available in the optional workshops. Powerpoint presentations assessed by the tutor during the tutorial. Students who fail this module will be given the opportunity to resubmit missing or failed exercises before the end of the semester. Note that PowerPoint slides associated with failed presentations can be resubmitted for marking but it will not be possible to gain any marks associated with the oral part of the presentations. The nature of this module is such that work cannot be marked anonymously as marking is either done within the timetabled sessions in front of students or via Vital.