Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024 (archived)
Module CHEM3161: CHEMISTRY BSC DISSERTATION
Department: Chemistry
CHEM3161: CHEMISTRY BSC DISSERTATION
| Type | Tied | Level | 3 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2023/24 | Module Cap | Location | Durham |
|---|
| Tied to | F100 |
|---|---|
| Tied to | CFG0 |
Prerequisites
- Core Chemistry 2 (CHEM2012).
Corequisites
- Core Chemistry 3 (CHEM3012) OR Bioactive Chemistry 3 (CHEM3211) or Chemical Physics 3 (CHEM3411)
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None
Aims
- To provide a research-led capstone module in Chemistry, where BSc students in their final year can demonstrate the development of their own research and independent study skills, and expertise in chemistry through a literature survey.
- To provide students with an opportunity to collect, read and analyse data from primary sources
- To enable students to develop the transferable skills of critical analysis, advanced literacy and presentation
Content
- Dissertation allocated to the student in Year 2 by a member of the Board of Studies in Chemistry.
- Progress is monitored by the Dissertation Supervisor through a series of tutorials.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- describe and critically analyse the topic of their dissertation at an advanced level
Subject-specific Skills:
- produce a scholarly and critical review of the relevant literature
- show relevance and depth in their study of a topic
- produce a critical summary of their review
Key Skills:
- enhanced skills in chemical information retrieval, scientific writing, editing and proof-reading, oral presentation and discussion of scientific results;
- self-motivation, in self-guided learning.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- During year 3 students will meet with their dissertation supervisor, as needed, to discuss the student's progress.
- A draft chapter must be submitted during Michaelmas term
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorials | 2 | One in Term 1 and one in Term 2 | 1 hour | 2 | ■ |
| Preparation and Reading | 198 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Dissertation | Component Weighting: 100% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Written report | 6000 words | 100% | |
Formative Assessment:
Formative assesment of a peer review and response.
■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University