This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)
Module CHEM4073: CHEMISTRY RESEARCH PROJECT
Department: Chemistry
CHEM4073: CHEMISTRY RESEARCH PROJECT
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 4 | 60 | Available in 2010/2011 | None. | Durham |
Pre-requisites
- One of Inorganic Concepts and Applications (CHEM3021), Advanced Organic Chemistry (CHEM3031) OR Molecules and their Interactions (CHEM3041).
Corequisites
- Research Skills (CHEM4081).
Excluded Combinations
- None.
Aims
- To provide an introduction to Chemistry research and to impart new experimental, analytical, theoretical and problem solving skills.
- The project includes laboratory or computational work, or both, and the writing of a research report.
Content
- Research investigation.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- On completion of level 4 studies, undergraduates should be able to demonstrate a conceptual understanding of chemistry built on the in-depth developments in level 3, an ability to evaluate current research critically, assess the relevance of their own research project and propose hypotheses and explanations for their results.
- describe and critically analyse the literature precedent and background of the research project;
- demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the specific topic of their research project.
Subject-specific Skills
- Demonstrate expertise in research by oral presentation and viva voce examination.
Key Skills
- Develop expertise in relating modern literature to a specific area of research;
- apply and develop problem solving skills (experimental and/or theoretical) appropriate to the particular research project identifying suitable techniques, methods and equipment;
- define key problems and the tasks needed for their solution and develop a timetable to undertake and complete these tasks developing and applying appropriate data analysis methods;
- develop interpersonal skills through working in a research group and calling on the assistance of others and interacting with service providers;
- demonstrate and apply written communication skills in writing an extended research report.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Continuous assessment will help to develop the problem solving skills necessary for the research project.
- The written report will show the communication skills learnt.
- Oral examination will test the knowledge of the undergraduate.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practicals | 75 | 4 Weekly | 4 Hours | 300 | Yes |
| Preparation and Reading | 300 | ||||
| Total | 600 |
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical work | 80% | chemistry research account | 50% | ||
| chemistry research laboratory | 50% | ||||
| Oral examination | 20% | oral examination by the supervisor and an assessor | 100% |
Formative Assessment
Literature review - presented orally before the project. Poster display following completion of the project.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.