This module trains students to use a variety of research methods and techniques applicable to catalysis, thus equipping them with a range of skills, which they can apply to modern laboratory and industrial scale research.

The module will comprise practical work in each of the three delineated areas of catalysis – namely heterogeneous catalysis, homogeneous catalysis and biocatalysis

Knowing(these are things that all students will need to be able to do to pass the module):

• use equipment appropriate to the experiments in a safe and correct way;
• obtain and act upon safety and hazard information for chemicals;
• use and apply some of the techniques necessary for the preparation of heterogeneous catalysts;
• use and apply simple techniques for the isolation of an enzyme from a natural source and assess its concentration;
• prepare selected organometallic complexes and employ them as homogeneous catalysts;

Acting(Performance in this area will enable students to achieve more than a basic pass):

• assess the activity of different types of catalyst isolated from various sources;
• interpret experimental data and make deductions in the light of an existing model for a system;
• put new experimental data into the context of what was already known;

Being(Performance in this area will enable students to achieve more than a basic pass):

• appreciate the context of the experiments and research undertaken;
• prepare a concise account of previous work on a topic from a survey of the literature.

This module will be practical based and so will be delivered as a series of experiments taking place either in the School’s teaching laboratories or in some of the research laboratories.

Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:

1. The student will acquire new skills in the area of practical synthesis within a modern laboratory environment.
2. There will be enhancement of previous spectroscopic knowledge through further study and experiment application.

Transferable Skills:

1. Experience of team working;
2. Experience of presenting and assessing data in front of a critical audience;
3. Writing an account of research in a format suitable for publication in a peer reviewed journal.

The module will be assessed by a combination of written reports and oral presentations.

Preparation and analysis of heterogeneous catalysts – this will include a literature investigation with students giving an oral presentation of their findings.

Extraction and analysis of biocatalysts from natural and commercial sources.

Preparation and analysis of homogeneous catalysts.