Module CHEM3161: Chemistry BSc Dissertation

Department: Chemistry

CHEM3161: Chemistry BSc Dissertation

Prerequisites

• Core Chemistry 2 (CHEM2012).

Corequisites

• Core Chemistry 3 (CHEM3012) OR Bioactive Chemistry 3 (CHEM3211) or Chemical Physics 3 (CHEM3411).

Excluded Combination of Modules

• 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

• Describe and critically analyse the topic of their dissertation at an advanced level.

• 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.

• 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.
• Peer review is the process of seeking the advice of nominated experts in a particular field to help determine if a submission is up to publication standard and to make recommendations for improvement. Students will be assessed by the Module leader on the quality and professionalism of their peer reviews. Training for Peer review is provided in the TaSK weeks at the end of year 2.
• Providing a Response to Peer Review is another important task. The Response is a reflective document based upon your consideration of the perception and understanding shown by the reviewers and the quality of their feedback. Students will be assessed by the Module leader on the quality and professionalism of their response to the reviewers.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative feedback will be given on the draft Dissertation by the student's supervisor.

■ 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.