DCU Home | Our Courses | Loop | Registry | Library | Search DCU

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Chemistry topics through lab practicals
Module Code SG412
School 78
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: James Lovatt
Semester 2: James Lovatt
Autumn: James Lovatt
Module TeachersJames Lovatt
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Coursework Only
Description

This module consists of part workshops and part laboratory workshops. The laboratory workshops focus on developing an understanding of particular concepts in chemistry through laboratory activities. Basic skills will be enhanced through their application in problem solving practical tasks. The focus of the workshops is on developing the pedagogical content knowledge necessary to communicate and teach chemistry. Common misconceptions will be explored and identified and strategies discussed to understand their development. Strategies to assess a range of learning outcomes will be explored. An integral part of this module will be exploring how concepts are linked and identifying threshold concepts. This module will link the theoretical education modules to classroom practice in chemistry.

Learning Outcomes

1. Undertake selected chemistry experiments relevant to chemistry education
2. Identify and develop strategies to deal with common student misconceptions in chemistry
3. Develop suitable investigations in chemistry
4. Discuss strategies specifically useful in chemistry teaching
5. Analyse assessments to determine the learning shown



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Laboratory36Laboratory Workshops
Independent Study89Preparation of assignments and portfolio, Reading on relevant module topics e.g. practical skills, visualisations, fundamental concepts, laboratory health and safety
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Laboratory workshops
Investigations in chemistry teaching - turning laboratory activities into investigations. Conducting mandatory 2nd level chemistry activities and turning them to investigations Developing project proposal and strategy.

Workshops
Topics will include: Review of teaching and learning strategies - applying theory to chemistry teaching. Experimentation in chemistry - experiment or investigation. When ideas are incomplete or wrong - developing strategies to determine them. Developing assessments - problems or exercises Specific issues relating to chemistry teaching

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Report(s)Reports on laboratory activities demonstrating understanding of related chemistry45%n/a
In Class TestAssessments on conceptual knowledge25%n/a
AssignmentWritten Assignments and presentations on tasks such as developing investigation tasks, completing literature reviews on societal use of chemistry.30%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Garcia-Martinez and Serrano-Torregrosa: 2015, Chemistry Education - Best practices, Opportunities and Trends, 978-3-527-336
  • Stuart W. Bennett,Katherine O'Neale: 1999, Progressive Development of Practical Skills in Chemistry, Royal Society of Chemistry, 0854049509
  • John R. Dean: 2011, Practical Skills in Chemistry, Prentice Hall, 9780273731184
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
SEBSc Science Education
Archives:

My DCU | Loop | Disclaimer | Privacy Statement