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 Practical Chemistry 3 - Integrated (CHEM3451).

Corequisites

• Frontiers in Molecular Assembly (CHEM4311) or Advanced Research Concepts in Chemistry (CHEM4481).

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• Provide an introduction to Chemistry or Chemistry Education research and impart new experimental, analytical, theoretical and/or problem-solving skills through a capstone project.

Content

• The External Research Project is a module undertaken principally outside Durham.
• Development of Research Skills.
• Independent Research Investigation.
• Preparation and delivery of an oral presentation.
• The writing of a research report containing work of potentially publishable novelty and quality.
• Oral examination.
• Research Project: aims and objectives; host institution safety induction programme; regular consultation with their Durham contact to review of progress in the project.

Learning Outcomes

• Read, appreciate and critically evaluate primary research literature.
• Describe and critically analyse the literature precedent for, and background of, the research project area.
• Use literature results critically and relate them to the research project to propose hypotheses and explanations for results.
• Demonstrate and apply conceptual understanding of chemistry related to the project, built on the foundations from levels 1 to 3.
• Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the specific topic of their research project.

• Construct appropriate risk assessments for proposed research in collaboration with project supervisor.
• Consider the ethical implications of the research.
• Design and deliver an oral poster presentation that will communicate key aspects of the project clearly and concisely.
• Construct a well-structured report.
• Demonstrate expertise in research by oral examination.

• Develop expertise in relating literature to a specific area of research.
• Apply and develop problem solving skills appropriate to the research project.
• Identify and use suitable techniques, methods and/or equipment.
• Define key problems and the tasks needed for their solution.
• Develop a timetable to undertake and complete tasks.
• Develop and apply appropriate data analysis approaches.
• Develop interpersonal skills through working within a research environment and call on the assistance of others such as service providers.
• Demonstrate written communication skills in an extended research report.
• Demonstrate oral presentation skills.
• Search and use the scientific literature.
• Use appropriate specialist databases and software.

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

• Appropriate ethics and risk assessments must be completed and approved.
• The module is project-based in a research laboratory away from Durham under the supervision of a local supervisor, and with a member of Durham staff assigned to provide support.
• The project will be assessed by a project report, including abstract, literature survey, results and discussion. Students will present and defend an oral presentation. The student will be orally examined on their research by two examiners.
• During the project students will submit and receive formative feedback from their Durham Contact on their draft thesis chapters.

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 with staff in Durham. Formative feedback will be given on a draft of an introductory chapter that includes an appropriate review of the literature to contextualise the research. Formative feedback will subsequently be provided on a draft of the remainder of the report.

■ 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.