Course unit details:
Dissertation
| Unit code | CHEM61022 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 90 |
| Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Students successfully completing this unit should have developed the knowledge and understanding necessary to:
• Undertake a substantial research project with a high degree of autonomy;
• Produce a detailed scientific report on their research;
• Communicate their knowledge of the research topic and defend the course of their investigation.
Pre/co-requisites
| Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM61000 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Aims
The unit aims to:
Developing a research project with appropriate supervision;
Undertaking a significant piece of research work in a chemistry context;
Writing a detailed scientific report with full bibliography;
Present the findings of the project work.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students should be able to:
• Review critically the state of knowledge in a given research topic drawing from a range of primary sources
• Formulate appropriate research questions based on a review of current literature
• Plan, structure and execute a substantial research project with a high degree of autonomy and in a safe and efficient manner
• Maintain a clear, accurate and chronological record of work undertaken as part of a project
• Generate an appropriate archive of results obtained from experimental and theoretical research
• Synthesise new, experimental and theoretical data and make analyses of data based on theoretical models and chemical context
• Prepare and present a detailed written scientific report covering all aspects of the research undertaken
• Communicate knowledge of the research topic and defend the course of investigation orally
Transferable skills and personal qualities
Project planning
Time management
Presentation skills
Problem solving and analytical skills
Reporting skills
Assessment methods
Assessment task | Length | Weighting within unit (if relevant) |
Project Report– marked by two members of academic staff (NOT the supervisor)
Supervisor assessment of student’s ability during the execution of the project
Presentation of project work marked by several staff members. |
|
80%
10%
10% |
Feedback methods
A wide range of feedback opportunities exist during the project, including:
• 1:1 meetings with project supervisor;
• Research seminars in which peer feedback will be available.
• Feedback on a draft of the literature review submitted for formative feedback by the supervisor.
• Formative Feedback on the execution component of the project based on 1st semester work
• Practise presentation to supervisor and research group with peer feedback.
• Feedback on one chapter/section of report by supervisor.
• Continuous peer-feedback on literature review, presentation skills and research methods through staff-facilitated meetings.
Recommended reading
Dependent on the project undertaken, but likely to involve the primary research literature and specialist reviews/monographs.
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Practical classes & workshops | 10 |
| Project supervision | 430 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Roshila Moodley | Unit coordinator |