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CHEM40860

Academic Year 2024/2025

Chemistry Outreach: Development and Practice (CHEM40860)

Subject:
Chemistry
College:
Science
School:
Chemistry
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Demetra Achilleos
Credit Split by Trimester:
Autumn 1.5
Spring 1.5
Summer 2
Trimester:
Year-long (12 months)
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Distinction/Pass/Fail (GPA Neutral)

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module, designed for postgraduate students, introduces them to the subject of outreach, whereby they learn how to interact with and disseminate basic chemistry knowledge to the general public. Importantly, this module teaches postgraduates how to build and present public presentations and chemical demonstrations. In particular, postgraduates will have a chance to visit local Dublin area secondary or primary schools and present their research to a young audience. Moreover, in group session work, discussions on the public’s ideas and attitudes towards chemistry are examined. Finally, an outline of how to utilize basic outreach concepts to construct a positive public image is given.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

• Understanding the public image of chemistry through popular media.
• Developing effective communications skills, both through presentation and interaction.
• Building presentations for different audiences.
• Designing and running chemical demonstrations for schools.
• Identifying hot topics within chemistry.
• Building a public profile.
• Constructing and analyzing public attitudes through surveys

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

2
Conversation Class

16
Laboratories

3
Specified Learning Activities

44
Autonomous Student Learning

40
Total

105

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
In this module, you will undertake outreach development and practice activities. Activities will take place in-person and online. You will take part in School of Chemistry, College of Science and UCD open days, recruitment events and information sessions.
A significant part of the course is to prepare informative content for Leaving Certificate-age students, covering areas of the LC curriculum. Students will be expected to undertake individual research in outreach strategies and in group delivery of activities.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

None

Learning Exclusions:

None

Learning Recommendations:

None


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Group Work Assignment: Lab demonstrations and School/University tours for secondary school students visiting UCD School of Chemistry. These School visits are scheduled during the Autumn and Spring Trimesters. Week 9 Autumn, Week 10 Autumn, Week 11 Autumn, Week 12 Autumn, Week 14 Autumn, Week 15 Autumn, Week 1 Spring, Week 2 Spring, Week 3 Spring, Week 4 Spring, Week 5 Spring, Week 6 Spring, Week 7 Spring, Week 8 Spring, Week 9 Spring, Week 10 Spring, Week 11 Spring, Week 12 Spring, Week 14 Spring, Week 15 Spring Pass/Fail Grade Scale No
30
 No
Group Work Assignment: Spectroscopic lab demonstrations during secondary school visits in the Dublin area. These visits are usually carried out during the Spring Trimester. Week 1 Spring, Week 2 Spring, Week 3 Spring, Week 4 Spring, Week 5 Spring, Week 6 Spring, Week 7 Spring, Week 8 Spring, Week 9 Spring, Week 10 Spring, Week 11 Spring, Week 12 Spring, Week 14 Spring, Week 15 Spring Pass/Fail Grade Scale No
30
 No
Group Work Assignment: Participation in College of Science, School of Chemistry, and other University Outreach activities (e.g., UCD Festival) and information sessions during the academic year. Week 9 Autumn, Week 10 Autumn, Week 11 Autumn, Week 12 Autumn, Week 14 Autumn, Week 15 Autumn, Week 1 Spring, Week 2 Spring, Week 3 Spring, Week 4 Spring, Week 5 Spring, Week 6 Spring, Week 7 Spring, Week 8 Spring, Week 9 Spring, Week 10 Spring, Week 11 Spring, Week 12 Spring, Week 14 Spring, Week 15 Spring, Week 1 Summer, Week 2 Summer, Week 3 Summer Pass/Fail Grade Scale No
40
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

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