Module: Chemistry Laboratory

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Chemistry Laboratory
Module Code	CHM1008 (ITS: CS151)
Faculty	Chemical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The purpose of this module is to give students an opportunity to develop and apply manipulative and technical skills in the Chemistry laboratory and to develop a positive and safe approach to experimental work and practical skills. The module is supported by module CS113.

Learning Outcomes

1. Use safe working practice within the Chemistry Laboratory.
2. Show a range of fundamental laboratory skills relevant to experimental work in Chemistry.
3. Apply a broad range of investigative techniques and analytical procedures to a variety of experiments including a Problem Based Learning Laboratory .
4. Devise and conduct experiments in order to draw conclusions.
5. Record and report observations and results (tabulate, graph, calculate and conclude when necessary).
6. Present, discuss and defend experimental results.
7. Synthesise organic molecules such as aspirin.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Laboratory	72	Experiments
Assignment Completion	53	Pre-laboratory/post laboratory exercises
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10246	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Patrick O'Malley	Module Teacher	Darren Fayne

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Laboratory Portfolio	Weekly: Pre-lab Quiz (on-line moodle), Pre-lab Assignment, Conduct Laboratory practical (record / present results in notebook); Post-lab Assignment (on-line moodle). One Practical Exam per Semester	100%	Sem 2 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Introduction to the Chemistry Lab
Intro to Chemistry lab; Lab safety; Lab Skills and techniques.

Qualitative Inorganic Analysis
Identification of cations / anions; Forensic analysis of unknown compounds. Metal-Ligand complex stoichiometry.

Analytical/Inorganic Chemistry
Cocept of the 'Mole'; Molar solutions; concentrations; Standardisation of an unknown soln; Determination of Vit. C in 'Rubex'. Investigation of water hardness in different water samples

Physical Chemistry
Devise and conduct an expt to consider the relations ship between Temperature, Pressure and Volume of a gas. Determination of the ideal gas constant 'R'. Spectrophotometry. Dissociation constant of a weak acid. Equilibrium constant. Acids, bases, pH.

Organic Chemistry
Extraction of Trimyristin from nutmeg; Hydrolysis of Trimyristin; Alcohol dehydration . Synthesis of Aspirin; Identification of Organic functional groups. Develop the skills of Extraction, Recrystallisation and Thin Layer Chromatography.

Problem Based Laboratory
Application of skills and techniques learned in order to plan and conduct experiments and tests and draw conclusions on a real life scenario involving contamination in rivers.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

DCU School of Chem Sciences: 0, DCU Chemistry Lab Manual,
Browm LeMay: 0, Chemistry The Central Science: a broad perspective, Australian edition, Pearson,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None