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- UCAS course code
- F104
- UCAS institution code
- M20
MChem Chemistry with International Study / Course details
Year of entry: 2023
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Course unit details:
MChem Project Planning & Literature Review
Unit code | CHEM44600 |
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Credit rating | 20 |
Unit level | Level 4 |
Teaching period(s) | Full year |
Offered by | Department of Chemistry |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Students studying in the 4th year of an MChem programme will undertake a major individual research project under the supervision of a member of academic staff. Students will be associated with a research group and will be supported by regular meetings with the project supervisor. Given the varied nature of the research projects the type of work will differ between students.
Students successfully completing this unit should have developed the knowledge and understanding necessary to:
- Plan, structure and execute a substantial research project with a high degree of autonomy;
- Communicate their knowledge of the research topic in a poster and oral presentation.
- Produce a detailed scientific report on their research;
- Defend the course of their investigation in an oral examination.
Aims
This two-semester project exposes students 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;
- Poster presentation, oral presentation and viva voce (oral examination) on the project work.
Literature-based projects are not allowed
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
- Collate and organise supporting data in format suitable for submission alongside their final project report
- Communicate knowledge of the research topic and defend the course of investigation orally
Teaching and learning methods
Research project with appropriate supervision by a member of academic staff and, if appropriate, members of the host research group.
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- Project planning
- Time management
- Presentation skills
- Problem solving and analytical skills
- Reporting skills
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
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Other | 50% |
Written assignment (inc essay) | 50% |
Other;
Poster presentation: 25%
Oral presentation: 25%
Feedback methods
A wide range of feedback opportunities exist over the 2 semesters that this unit operates, including:
- Regular informal meetings with the supervisor and research group;
- 1:1 meetings with project supervisor;
- Research methods 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.
- The oral presentation is marked by several staff members from the appropriate teaching and/or research section.
- The poster is marked by several staff members.
- The literature review is marked by two staff members (not the supervisor), who are drawn from the appropriate teaching and/or research section.
Recommended reading
Dependent on the project undertaken, but likely to involve the primary research literature and specialist reviews/monographs.
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
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Lectures | 5 |
Practical classes & workshops | 25 |
Independent study hours | |
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Independent study | 170 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Simon Webb | Unit coordinator |