Module overview
The project involves approximately 300 hours of commitment between the beginning of week 1 and the end of the last week before the Easter vacation (the finish date is to be confirmed). This corresponds to a minimum of 150 hours in the laboratory/ research environment and an appropriate amount of private study time for literature research and preparation of the dissertation.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Apply previously learned practical skills in the independent research environment;
- Identify key elements of the scientific literature that are relevant to the research area;
- Manage personal study time effectively to balance different needs of project and lecture course studies;
- Maintain a laboratory/ work record to a professional standard;
- To prepare risk assessments, for approval, in advance of any practical work;
- Collate and analyse data from a variety of sources;
- Communicate the project results with clarity, both verbally and in writing, and by using appropriate scientific terminology.
- Apply core chemistry knowledge in advanced problem solving;
Syllabus
Semester 1 content
All students will spend up to 15 hours a week doing laboratory based work throughout the full term of the project. The literature work associated with the project will be carried out throughout the whole project period, as necessary.
A 500 word summary of the research topic is due in week 5, for which formative feedback will be given.
All students are expected to give a minimum of a 5 minute oral presentation to their research supervisor in week 11 (Formative) and to submit a 3-page journal article style report in week 15 (10% of the marks).
Semester 2 content
The practical focus of the work continues throughout the early part of the spring term with an expectation that the private study element of the project work is focused on writing the dissertation. Practical work will finish on the last day of the spring term.
The dissertation (50% of the marks) will be independently assessed by two independent examiners. Please note the deadline for submission of the dissertation and penalties for late submission will be applied according to the university regulations.
Your supervisor will assess your performance on the project (20% of module mark)
You will present your work to a panel of academics at the end of your project, and be questioned on your presentation (20% of the module marks).
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Self-study with one to one tuition as appropriate, supervised and self-directed laboratory sessions.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Lecture | 5 |
Supervised time in studio/workshop | 150 |
Follow-up work | 72 |
Completion of assessment task | 30 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 10 |
Project supervision | 36 |
Total study time | 303 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Kirsty MacDonald. Key Skills for Scientists. RSC publishing.
Howard M. Kanare. Writing the Laboratory Notebook. American Chemical Society.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Oral presentation
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback:
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summary
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback:
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Panel presentation | 20% |
Supervisor's evaluation | 20% |
Diligence and Initiative | 50% |
Interim Report | 10% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Coursework | 30% |
Diligence and Initiative | 70% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External