Module: Chemistry Laboratory & Spectroscopy Workshop

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Chemistry Laboratory & Spectroscopy Workshop
Module Code	CHM1019 (ITS: CS257)
Faculty	Chemical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module has contributions from (a) laboratory work in organic, physical and inorganic chemistry, (b) focus on science education and (c) spectroscopic analysis. The laboratory component focuses on development of manipulative and observational skills through experimental procedures and problem solving which combine a wide range of analytical, classical, spectroscopic and synthetic techniques. An appreciation of the limitations of the methods employed will be developed by the continual use of error analysis. Science education section focuses on development of experiments of direct relevance to second level school science and addressing threshold topics in chemistry teaching Spectroscopy addresses development of a thorough grounding of all aspects of the practical interpretation of infra-red and proton (1H) NMR spectroscopy.

Learning Outcomes

1. Conduct procedures in experimental organic and inorganic chemistry, synthesis and spectroscopy and relate to reaction mechanisms, infra-red and 1H NMR spectroscopy.
2. Draw chemical diagrams, synthetic reaction mechanisms and prepare experimental reports
3. Adhere to, and be familiar with, the health and safety procedures in the laboratory as described in the laboratory manual and as detailed by the academic and technical staff.
4. Conduct experiments to develop knowledge in areas such as Spectroscopy, Kinetics, Electrochemistry and Thermodynamics
5. Record and analyse experimental data in order to make conclusions.
6. Analyse and interpret the infra-red and proton (1H) NMR spectra of simple organic molecules.
7. Develop and critique suitable activities for 2nd level science teaching

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Laboratory	40	Experimental practice during the allocated laboratory hours
Directed learning	20	Analysis of spectroscopic data
Directed learning	30	On-line lectures, assignments and directed learning associated with organic, physical and inorganic laboratories
Workshop	10	On-line workshops focused on aspects of science education
Independent Study	100	Analysis of spectroscopic data. Completion of laboratory reports and assignments
Total Workload: 200

Section Breakdown
CRN	10251	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Susan Kelleher	Module Teacher	Andrew Kellett, Hasim Ibrahim, John Gallagher, Mary Pryce, Nessan Kerrigan, Tia Keyes

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Laboratory Portfolio	Laboratory reports for each assigned activity (in laboratory or virtual/on-line) - Organic	16.5%	As required
Assignment	Portfolio of activities suitable for 2nd level teaching, addressing particular topics in chemistry Plan an investigative study	16.5%	Week 10
In Class Test	Interpretation and problem-solving in the spectroscopic workshop	34%	Sem 2 End
Laboratory Portfolio	Laboratory reports for each experiment / activity assigned - Inorganic	16.5%	As required
Laboratory Portfolio	Laboratory Reports for each experiment /activity assigned - Physical	16.5%	As required

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	a,
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

Organic
Experiments such as:

The preparation of sulphanilamide via the intermediacy of 4-acetamidobenzene sulphonamide. The preparation of stilbene via the intermediacy of 1,2-Diphenylethanol. Qualitative Organic Analysis: Precise identification of a number of unknown organic substances using combinations of screening tests, confirmatory tests for functional groups, derivative formation and spectroscopic analysis.

Inorganic
Preparation of transition metal complexes.

Qualitative inorganic analysis including flame tests.

Indicative reactions in inorganic chemistry.

Physical
Selected experiments in areas such as spectroscopy, kinetics, electrochemistry and thermodynamics.

Science Education
Experimentation suitable for schools. Simple experiments to show key chemical reactions e.g. oxidation reduction type reactions, properties of the elements, rates of reaction, effect of catalysts etc. Use of problem solving in laboratory exercises.

Spectroscopic workshop
Problem solving and analysis of infra-red and proton NMR spectra.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

0: Essential: The Laboratory Manual for each of the laboratory sessions.Supplementary:The 2nd Year chemistry Lecture Courses in Inorganic, Organic and Physical chemistry as well as the recommended textbooks for these courses.,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None

SK as new module coordinator for CS257 from September 2021.