MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering / Course details

This unit is a preparation for the MSc dissertation. Students choose a research topic from a selection of laboratory-based and computational projects offered by different academic supervisors, and often work closely with a postgraduate or postdoctoral researcher or industry.

In the middle of semester 2, the student will submit a coursework worth 5 credits containing a critique of key research articles. The coursework will follow a template designed to test the ability to summarize the research methods and findings and relevance towards the student's project. Towards the end of semester 2, the student will submit and present a poster about the research project. The poster will - 

1. provide the specific objectives of the project and the context and motivation through summarizing key literature findings,
2. summarize the proposed research method/approach with an emphasis on the underlying theory to motivate its use,
3. provide the required timescales and resource requirements, and
4. cover the benefits that would result if the project were undertaken.

The poster will be shown as part of a poster session at the end of semester 2. Two markers will question the student about their understanding of the project and the poster content and judge the quality of the poster. They will produce a joint assessment worth 10 credits.

The unit aims to:

• Develop students’ skills in the preparation of a research project.
• Encourage students to engage deeply with the literature relevant to the subject of their research project and find relevant literature.
• Develop students’ understanding of the methods of research through the execution and reporting of an appropriate research project in a chosen subject area.
• Develop students’ communication skills via the preparation of a poster and in responding orally to questions on their projects.
   

Please see below sections on (1) Knowledge and understanding; (2) Intellectual skills; (3) Practical skills; and (4) Transferrable skills and personal qualities.

A combination of lectures (e.g. on library skills), meetings with the supervisor, self-directed learning and hands-on practical experience.

The poster will be assessed by two academic staff members in a joint 25 minute Q&A session. The poster will be assessed on its quality and on the student’s ability to discuss the work described in it.

Key research articles will be summarized in a written coursework assignment to be assessed by the supervisor

• Provide critical reviews of research articles related to project
• Provide (1) a clear set of objectives and motivation for the project, (2) project context from extracting key elements of a literature review, (3) an overview of research methods, (4) a workplan and timescale for achieving these objectives and (5) an account of the resources required.
• Prepare a poster according to guidelines (A0 portrait size)
• Answer the questions posed by the markers on the poster and the project.
   

• Formulate objectives that lead logically from an evaluation of the relevant literature and analysis of the problem.  Use the literature review to provide justification for the proposed research.
• Design experiments to test the research hypothesis where applicable.
• Select or propose appropriate methodologies and formulate these into a workplan to address the objectives 
• Evaluate the timescale and resource requirements to deliver the workplan (suitable to address identified objectives, and budget the time and resource requirements to execute the workplan).
• Summarize the findings on a poster in a logical manner
• Provide an oral summary of the work and address questions about the poster
  Develop awareness of the use of AI in research and its impact on academic integrity.
   

• Carry out a literature search using library and IT facilities.
• Consider safety aspects of the proposed programme of work
• Poster preparation and defence

• Present the work in a clear and effective way
• Prepare a poster of high aesthetic quality
• Ability to defend work with confidence
• Communicate with supervisor in one-to-one meetings

Feedback will be made available via the virtual learning environment following marks release.

Reading lists are accessible through the Blackboard system linked to the library catalogue.