Module: Chemistry topics through Laboratory Practicals

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Chemistry topics through Laboratory Practicals
Module Code	EDS1091 (ITS: SG412)
Faculty	DCU Institute of Education	School	STEM Ed, Innov, Global Studies
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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

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2. Undertake selected chemistry experiments relevant to chemistry education
5. 1
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7. Identify and develop strategies to deal with common student misconceptions in chemistry
10. 2
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12. Develop suitable investigations in chemistry
15. 3
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17. Discuss strategies specifically useful in chemistry teaching
20. 4
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22. Analyse assessments to determine the learning shown
25. 5

*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

Section Breakdown
CRN	10526	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	James Lovatt	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment 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; 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

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Indicative Reading List

Books:

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, 172, 0854049509
John R. Dean: 2011, Practical Skills in Chemistry, Prentice Hall, 569, 9780273731184

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None