Module: Chemistry Lab & Spectros Workshop

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Chemistry Lab & Spectros Workshop
Module Code	CHM1055 (ITS: CS259)
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 and interpretation. The laboratory component focuses on development of manipulative and observational skills through experimental procedures and problem solving from a selection of relevant experiments in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry and interpretation of associated spectral data. Gaining knowledge for the practical interpretation of spectroscopy to include infrared and proton (1H) NMR spectroscopy is obtained through such laboratory experimental work and assisted by a dedicated spectroscopy workshop. Science education focus is also ensured through the development of experiments and activities of direct relevance to second level school science teaching and chemistry teaching.

Learning Outcomes

1. Conduct procedures in experimental organic and inorganic chemistry, involving synthesis and interpretation of spectroscopic data; such spectroscopy to include infrared and 1H NMR spectroscopy.
2. Conduct physical chemistry experiments to develop knowledge in areas such as spectroscopy, kinetics, electrochemistry and thermodynamics.
3. Prepare experimental reports to include chemical diagrams, reaction mechanisms and/or tabulated data as appropriate; record, analyse and critique the experimental data in order to make scientific conclusions.
4. Adhere to and develop an appreciation for the health and safety procedures in the laboratory as described in the laboratory manual and as detailed by the academic and technical staff in the lab.
5. Analyse and interpret the infrared and proton (1H) NMR spectra of simple molecules through experiments and an associated workshop in spectroscopy.
6. Develop and critique suitable activities including chemistry experiments for second level science teaching.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Laboratory	60	Experimental practice during the allocated laboratory hours
Directed learning	18	Group discussion and interpretation of spectroscopic data during the spectroscopy workshop hours
Directed learning	20	Science education-based lab experiments and activities including online/ blended activities to reflect second level science and chemistry teaching
Independent Study	27	Completion of lab reports and assignments including analysis of spectroscopic data.
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11966	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	David O'Connor	Module Teacher	Hasim Ibrahim, Mary Pryce, Susan Kelleher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Laboratory Portfolio	Laboratory reports for each assigned activity (in laboratory or virtual/on-line) – Organic Chemistry	16.5%	n/a
Laboratory Portfolio	Laboratory reports for each assigned activity (in laboratory or virtual/on-line) – Inorganic Chemistry	16.5%	n/a
Laboratory Portfolio	Laboratory reports for each assigned activity (in laboratory or virtual/on-line) – Physical Chemistry	16.5%	n/a
Assignment	Completed worksheets and evaluation reports on simple experiments suitable for leaving certificate students	16.5%	n/a
In Class Test	Interpretation and problem-solving in the spectroscopic workshop	34%	n/a

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

Organic Chemistry
Preparation of small organic molecules such as the reduction of benzophenone using sodium borohydride and the Cannizzaro reaction for the formation of alcohol and carboxylic acid; recrystallization, purification and filtration techniques as well as chemical analysis.

Inorganic Chemistry
Preparation of transition metal complexes. Qualitative inorganic analysis including flame tests. Indicative reactions in inorganic chemistry.

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

Science Education
Set up, complete and critique simple experiments to show key chemical reactions e.g. properties of the elements, rates of reaction, effect of catalysts etc. Use of problem solving and blended learning tools in laboratory exercises.

Spectroscopy workshop
Problem solving and analysis of infrared, UV-vis, Mass spectrometry and proton NMR spectra.

Laboratory Manual
Laboratory Manual to describe the appropriate experiments specific to this module

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Philippa B. Cranwell, Laurence M. Harwood, Christopher J. Moody; , 3rd Edition: 0, Experimental Organic Chemistry, 3rd Edition, 978-1-119-952
Mark J. Winter,John E. Andrew: 2000, Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry, Oxford University Press on Demand, 91, 9780198792888
John M. Brown: 0, Molecular Spectroscopy, OUP, 978019855785

Articles:
None

Other Resources

Website: https://virtual.edu.rsc.org/, https://virtual.edu.rsc.org/
Monograph: https://books.rsc.org/books/monograph/919/chapter/712453/The-Role-of-the-Laboratory-in-Chemistry-Teaching, https://books.rsc.org/books/monograph/919/chapter/712453/The-Role-of-the-Laboratory-in-Chemistry-Teaching