CHE-40048 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

N/A

Description for 2024/25

This module contains a range of optional advanced topics in chemistry and medicinal chemistry taught in an interactive seminar-based style. You will be asked to prepare material, such as completing a problem sheet or may be given directed reading of scientific papers to enable you to contribute to the discussions. This module will focus on the evolution of chemical understanding through the correct interpretation (or reinterpretation) of experimental data, as well as the design of new experiments to probe alternative/competing theoretical hypotheses. Examples will include important historical breakthroughs as well as nascent state-of-the art projects. The range of topics will provide a degree of choice to allow you to specialise in your favoured areas.

To expand understanding of the essential principles of the main branches of chemistry/medicinal chemistry and the impact they have in different fields.
To explore and develop topics at the cutting edge of chemistry and medicinal chemistry, and expand knowledge and understanding of how the scientific method is applied to relevant research.
To further understanding of how experiments are designed in order provide meaningful research data, whilst developing analytical and problem solving skills to solve unfamiliar problems.
To further develop skills in the interpretation of data sets in the context of corroboration/refutation of chemical hypotheses, and increase awareness of the importance of critical scrutiny of research results in order to discover errors, misinformation and incorrect conclusions.

Intended Learning Outcomes

describe and explain concepts in advanced topics at the forefront of chemistry/medicinal chemistry and how they impact on related fields: 1
evaluate, interpret and synthesise chemical information in theoretical and applied contexts: 1
analyse chemical data sets and interpret the results in the context of corroboration/refutation of a particular theoretical hypothesis: 1
propose new experiments that will allow new data to be collected in order to further test scientific hypothesis: 1
identify weaknesses/errors in reported scientific research or conclusions drawn from it (e.g. miscalculations, flaws in logic/arguments), including critically appraising the suitability of techniques used for research and published work: 1

Study hours

Active Learning Hours (Total 85 hrs):
Seminars/workshops - 60 hrs
Preparation for seminars - 25 hrs
Exams: 2 x 3 hrs = 6 hrs
(assuming students take minimum of 5 topics)
Independent Study Hours: 215 hrs

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment