Module CHEM4494: CHEMISTRY RESEARCH PROJECT

Department: Chemistry

CHEM4494: CHEMISTRY RESEARCH PROJECT

Prerequisites

• One of [Practical Chemistry 3 - Integrated (CHEM3451) OR Practical Chemistry 3 - Measurement (CHEM3467) OR Practical Chemistry 3 - Synthetic (CHEM3447)].

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To provide an introduction to Chemistry research and to impart new experimental, analytical, theoretical and problem-solving skills through a capstone project including laboratory or computational work, or both, and the writing of a research report containing work of potentially publishable novelty and quality.

Content

• Health and Safety Induction programme
• Development of Research Skills
• Poster Presentation Workshop
• Independent Research Investigation

Learning Outcomes

• Read, appreciate and critically evaluate primary research papers.
• Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of practical and/or theoretical chemistry built on the foundations from levels 1 to 3.
• Demonstrate 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

• Construct risk assessments for proposed research in collaboration with project supervisor.
• Show skill in designing a poster presentation of the project that will communicate key aspects clearly and concisely.
• Construct a well-structured abstract and report.
• Demonstrate an awareness of the role of professional chemists, the factors driving research and the responsibilities of chemists in responding to the needs of society.
• Demonstrate expertise in research by oral examination.

• 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.
• Search the scientific literature using both paper-based and online facilities.
• Use appropriate specialist databases.

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

• Teaching will begin with a compulsory general introduction and Health and Safety course. This will be followed by a series of short, formative, Research Skills courses that develop skills learnt in earlier years, and which are applicable to either the specific project or broadly enhance students' research expertise - students will attend two from four courses offered. Project supervisors will arrange appropriate additional formative research training.
• Once ethics and risk assessments have been completed and approved, students will undertake a research project within a research group led by a member of the Board of Studies in Chemistry.
• During the project students will submit and receive formative feedback from their supervisor on their draft thesis chapters. Students will also receive regular formative feedback, usually verbal, from their supervisor on the progress of their project.
• Students will normally have the opportunity to attend, and present at, research group meetings, developing their presentation skills introduced in Level 3. A poster presentation workshop will be given.
• The project will be assessed by a project report, including abstract, literature survey, results and discussion. Students will present and defend a poster. The student will be examined on their research in an oral examination by two examiners.
• The written report will assess the communication skills learnt
• The oral examination will test the knowledge and understanding of the project by the undergraduate. .

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

■ 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