This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2024-2025 (archived)
Module CHEM3161: CHEMISTRY BSC DISSERTATION
Department: Chemistry
CHEM3161: CHEMISTRY BSC DISSERTATION
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tied | 3 | 20 | Available in 2024/2025 | Durham |
Tied To
Pre-requisites
- Core Chemistry 2 (CHEM2012).
Corequisites
- Core Chemistry 3 (CHEM3012) OR Bioactive Chemistry 3 (CHEM3211) or Chemical Physics 3 (CHEM3411).
Excluded Combinations
- 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 level 2 by a member of the Board of Studies in Chemistry.
- Progress is monitored by the Dissertation Supervisor through a series of meetings.
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, to discuss the student's progress.
- A draft chapter must be submitted during term 1.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supervisor meetings | 2 | One in Term 1 and one in Term 2 | 1 hour | 2 | Yes |
| Preparation and Reading | 198 | ||||
| Total | 200 | ||||
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 100% | Written report | 6000 words | 100% |
Formative Assessment
Formative assesment of a peer review and response.
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.