Module Code & Title: CHEM2A Fundamental Techniques of Experimental Chemistry and Biological Chemistry
Availability: Semester 1
Academic Unit: 3
Pre-requisite: none
Module Description: Laboratory: 12 x 6 hrs
Content
Introduces the basic principles and techniques of synthesis and analysis and develops the laboratory skills and precision that are fundamental to experimental chemistry and Biological Chemistry. Students in this course will learn the various laboratory techniques for synthesis and analysis such as extraction, TLC, distillation, recrystallization, titration, acid-base work-up, synthesis of organic compounds, etc.
Objectives
This laboratory module trains the students the various techniques of synthesis and analysis and develops the laboratory skills and precision that is fundamental to experimental chemistry and Biological Chemistry.
Learning Outcomes
The students will be introduced to the various techniques for synthesis and analysis. After taking this course, they will be well prepared to tackle the more advanced laboratory courses in the chemistry.
Module Assessment
Students will be assessed by:
Continual Assessment (lab reports, lab techniques, preparation, etc) (100%)
Laboratory Exercises
1. Potentiometric Titration: to measure the pKa of some carboxylic acids
2. Recrystallisation: Organic technique
3. Calorimetry: the Oxidation of Magnesium thermodynamics
4. Simple and Fractional Distillation: Organic technique
5. Equilibrium: Test tube experiments that demonstrate le Chaelier’s principle
6. Thin Layer Chromatography: Organic technique
7. Solubility: measuring Ksp at different tempurates. deltaS can then be calculated
8. Acid-Base Extraction: organic technique
9. Preparation and Decomplexation of an Iron Complex: introduction to synthesis
10. Nucleophilic Substitution: testing predictions of rates of simple organic reactions.