Chemistry: further concepts and applications S315

Presentation pattern October to June

Module description

Chemistry is fundamental in our lives and this module explores chemistry in the context of the natural world, from its role in the environment, in both aqueous and atmospheric systems, to that in plants and animals, in proteins and metabolism. This online module, which includes experimental work, builds on key concepts in inorganic, physical, organic and biological chemistry, exploring the subtle interplay between molecular structure, chemical reactivity and their practical consequences. Application of this chemistry is considered, with topics ranging from materials, industrial and environmental catalysis and pollution control, to diagnostic and therapeutic medicine, as well as strategies for the synthesis and structural determination of organic molecules.

Person specification

The person specification for this module should be read in conjunction with the generic person specification for an associate lecturer at The Open University.

Tutors offering particular chemistry specialisms will be appointed to a tutoring team to facilitate full coverage of the chemistry concepts taught in the module. Whilst tutors with particular specialisms will provide subject specific support to students across the module at appropriate points, tutors will be also expected to support their own group of students generally throughout the module, across the breadth of chemistry.

As well as meeting all the requirements set out in the generic person specification, you should have: a relevant degree in chemistry or closely related subject postgraduate study in at least one of the following: inorganic, organic or physical chemistry demonstrable current knowledge of at least one of the following: inorganic, organic or

physical chemistry evidence of recent advanced level undergraduate teaching in chemistry proven ability to explain difficult chemical concepts evidence of ability to support students generally across the breadth of chemistry, and in

depth in at least one specialism (inorganic, organic or physical chemistry) willingness to engage with interactive on-screen materials and to support students using

them evidence of helping students to develop transferable skills within the context of chemistry experience of working online which demonstrates your potential to support student

learning effectively in an electronic environment.

It would be an advantage to have: relevant postgraduate qualification in chemistry proven ability and willingness to teach in at least one other specialism of chemistry other

than that covered by the essential criteria experience of teaching adult learners in chemistry experience of providing support for independent distance learners evidence of competence in the use of advanced communication tools such as

synchronous conferencing to facilitate student learning familiarity with accessing learning materials via handheld electronic devices experience of managing a student team engaging with group work.

Additional information There are six TMAs for this module: three ‘general’ TMAs which cover general areas in

chemistry and skills development and three more ‘specialist’ TMAs, covering the areas of inorganic, physical and organic chemistry.

All tutors will mark the three ‘general’ TMAs for their own group of students; note that one of these counts towards the examinable component for this module.

In addition tutors will mark one of the ‘specialist’ TMAs for their own tutor group and for another tutor group. The TMA marked will depend on the specialism indicated in the application process and decided by the module team.

The module is delivered entirely online via the study planner on its own dedicated website. It is expected that students will study the module materials on a computer although alternative formats are available for download to tablets.

Contact with students is expected to be predominantly through the online discussion forums on this site and S315 ALs are required to make use of these facilities regularly for maintaining contact with the students and the module team.

Tutors will be required to deliver online tuition (via tutorials and forums – both tutor-group and national) on specific topics at certain points during the year as well as providing support for group work. Tutors will be required to possess a headset with microphone for audio/video conferencing.

Assignments will be marked electronically via the OU eTMA system.

Module related details - a full explanation can be found on the website

Credits awarded to the student for the successful completion of a module:

60

Number of assignments submitted by the student: 6Method of submission for assignments: 2Level of ICT requirements: 3Number of students likely to be in a standard group: 15Salary band: 5Estimated number of hours per teaching week: 4.3