This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Undergraduate Handbook 2025-2026 (archived)

Module CHEM3161: Chemistry BSc Dissertation

Department: Chemistry

CHEM3161: Chemistry BSc Dissertation

Type	Level	Credits	Availability	Module Cap	Location
Tied	3	20	Available in 2025/2026		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

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.
Students are provided with an opportunity to collect, read and analyse data from primary sources.
Students develop the transferable skills of critical analysis, advanced literacy and presentation.

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.
Peer review process will involve providing constructive feedback, where guidance will be provided.

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%	Dissertation	6000 words	100%

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment 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.