Module: Chemistry topics through Laboratory Practicals

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Chemistry topics through Laboratory Practicals
Module Code	SG412 (ITS) / EDS1091 (Banner)
Faculty	DCU Institute of Education	School	STEM Ed, Innov, Global Studies
Module Co-ordinator	James Lovatt
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

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

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Laboratory	36	Laboratory Workshops
Independent Study	89	Preparation 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 Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Report(s)	Reports on laboratory activities demonstrating understanding of related chemistry	45%	n/a
In Class Test	Assessments on conceptual knowledge	25%	n/a
Assignment	Written 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: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
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