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

Content

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

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 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

• A compulsory general introduction and Health and Safety content.
• Formative, content that further develop skills learnt in earlier years, and which are applicable to either the specific project or broadly enhance students' research expertise.
• Project supervisors will arrange appropriate additional formative research training.
• Appropriate ethics and risk assessments must be completed and approved.
• Students will undertake a research project 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 research guidance and formative feedback, usually verbal, from their supervisor on the progress of their project.
• Students will normally have opportunities to attend and present at research group meetings and attend departmental seminars to develop their presentation skills.
• The module will be assessed by a project report, including abstract, literature survey, results and discussion, and research methods; a presentation; a supervisor's review of the student's laboratory work; and an oral examination conducted by two examiners.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

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. Formative assessment of presentation. Students will be given opportunity to gain formative feedback on their presentation.

■ 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.