Module CHEM4375: EXTERNAL RESEARCH PROJECT

Department: Chemistry

CHEM4375: EXTERNAL RESEARCH PROJECT

Prerequisites

• Core Chemistry 3 (CHEM3012) AND two from [Inorganic Concepts and Applications (CHEM3097), OR Advanced Organic Chemistry (CHEM3117) OR Molecules and their Interactions (CHEM3137)] AND two from [Practical Chemistry 3 - Inorganic (CHEM3107) OR Practical Chemistry 3 - Organic (CHEM3127) OR Practical Chemistry 3 - Physical (CHEM3147)].

Corequisites

• Core Chemistry 4D (CHEM4361).

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• The External Research Project is a module undertaken principally outside Durham. It is designed to provide an introduction to chemistry research and to impart new experimental, analytical and theoretical skills. The module incorporates elements of Research Skills. The project includes laboratory or computational work, or both, and the writing of a research report.

Content

• Extended Essay: a 3000-4000 word essay with a title assigned after the project aims and objectives have been specified and preliminary discussions with the external supervisor have taken place.
• Research Project: aims and objectives; host institution safety induction programme; consultation week in Durham including an oral presentation and discussion of the extended essay and review of progress in the project; production of a written report including a review of information published in the research field; oral and poster presentation of results.

Learning Outcomes

• 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 research project and propose hypotheses and explanations for their results.
• At the end of this module students will:
• describe and critically analyse the literature predecent and background of their research project;
• demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the specific topic of their research project.
• have gained experience of working in different environments (industry and/or abroad).

• be able to plan and undertake experiments of unknown conclusion.
• have acquired an appreciation of the issues of health and safety at work.
• have obtained results from experiments, and be able to rationalise these results and draw conclusions for further experimentation.
• demonstrate an awareness of the role of professional chemists in industry, the factors driving industrial research and productivity and the responsibilities of industrial chemists in responding to the needs of society.

• have developed the competence to present results in written and oral formats.
• be familiar with a variety of data search engines.
• be capable of preparing detailed written reports.
• have experience of remote working practices via interaction with local and Durham supervisors.
• have experienced the benefits and challenges of working in a group.
• have acquired a specialised set of research skills appropriate for the project work undertaken.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The module is project based hence the continuous assessment of performance.
• The project report includes information retrieval giving insight into the work the student has completed.
• The extended essay written halfway through the project provides feedback on information retrieval, writing techniques and oral presentation.
• This is then examined in the assessment period in May/June.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formulation of the project's aims and objectives including health and safety aspects, preparation of a draft review and its presentation at the consultation week in Durham.

■ 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