Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)

Module CHEM4272: BIOACTIVE CHEMISTRY RESEARCH PROJECT

Department: Chemistry

CHEM4272: BIOACTIVE CHEMISTRY RESEARCH PROJECT

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 40 Availability Available in 2011/12 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to FGC0

Prerequisites

  • Bioactive Chemistry 3 (CHEM3211) AND Advanced Organic Chemistry (CHEM3031) AND Biological Chemistry (CHEM2051).

Corequisites

  • Biochemistry Research Project (20 Credits) (BIOL4031), Research Skills (CHEM4081).

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Core Chemistry 4 (CHEM4311) AND Contemporary Chemistry (CHEM4321).

Aims

  • To provide an introduction to the biological sciences chemistry research interface and to impart new experimental, analytical and theoretical skills.
  • The project includes laboratory work and the writing of a research report.

Content

  • Research investigation.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • describe and critically analyse the literature precedent and background of the research project;
  • demonstate an in-depth knowledge of the specific topic of the research project.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • demonstrate expertise in research by oral presentation and viva voce examination.
Key Skills:
  • develop expertise in the use of modern search engines for literature searching.
  • apply and develop problem solving skills 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
Lectures 2 Both in Week 1 1 Hour 2
Seminars 2 One per Term 1 Hour 2 ■
Practicals 76 4 Weekly 3 Hours 228 ■
Preparation and Reading 168
Total 400

Summative Assessment

Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 80%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
bioactive chemistry (40 credits) research account 50%
bioactive chemistry (40 credits) research laboratory 50%
Component: Oral Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
bioactive chemistry (40 credits) project oral 100%

Formative Assessment:

Formulation of the project's aims and objectives including health and safety aspects.

■ 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