Search our site
Search our site

Research Project

  • Module code: CH7001
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 7
  • Credits: 60
  • Pre-requisites: Admission to level 7 MChem or MPharmSci
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

The project module is core for MChem and MPharmSci courses and is designed to foment the necessary conceptual and practical skills in research, which are immediately applicable across disciplines and to enable the development of communications skills for the dissemination of the outcomes of research. Where possible, research should be communicated via publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Aims

  • To develop an ability to work independently and exercise communication skills through carrying out and reporting a research orientated project.
  • To use the wealth of resources available to identify a solution to a practical problem.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • Locate and use a variety of online databases to access the leading research within a given subject area and use the literature to identify gaps in our understanding.
  • Design robust experiments and have the necessary skill to setup the practical elements and follow COSSH and HSE guidelines.
  • Critically analyse the results of experiments and comprehensively interpret the data obtained.
  • Draw conclusions and evaluate the limitations of the results obtained and prepare and disseminate this information through a variety of media.

Curriculum content

Unlike other modules, the project module doesn't have a prescriptive set of subjects, which the student will necessarily investigate. The concepts are more holistic and oriented around transferable practical skills and related research concepts such as an ability to communicate the importance and salient points of the project work being undertaken.

  • Communication: Clarity of exposition, logical development and presentation of ideas, accurate recording of observations. Presentation, both oral and written. Participation in discussion and presentation of difficult concepts to those not expert in the field.
  • Efficient self management: Coping with responsibility, objective setting, organising oneself efficiently to achieve objectives on time.
  • Working with, and relating to, others: Exchange of ideas, respect of others' beliefs, opinions and working practices.
  • Problem solving: Recognising, anticipating and solving a variety of problems.
  • Numeracy and computing: Data analysis. Effective use of the computing facilities as a resource to aid data manipulation and presentation.

Teaching and learning strategy

Two concurrent series of practical sessions 2 x 120 hrs will enable students to collate sufficient data and obtain a suitable number of results for this module.  These will be supported by an initial 6 lectures, which will introduce students to concepts such as computer literature searching, presentation skills, NMR analysis and a workshop on plagiarism.  The practical sessions will provide guidance and experience of following written experimental procedures, help students consolidate their practical skills and solve spectroscopic problems associated with the synthesised compounds.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching 6 one-hour Lectures 42 six-hour practical sessions 258
Guided independent study Recommended reading Formative assessment Summative assessment tasks Exam revision 342
Total (number of credits x 10) 600

Assessment strategy

The main advisor will summatively assess a student's performance throughout the year; a second assessor shall also grade the final report and log book.  Other staff, beside the main advisor(s), will assign summative marks to the separate audio-visual and oral-poster presentations. 

The double-marking is intended to standardise the assessment procedure and to offer objectivity. 

The project proposal and interim report are formatively assessed to enable students to obtain essential feedback to facilitate the provision of high quality work in this research-based module.  Checking and review of the log-book during the year will provide further informal guidance. 

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
1) Locate and use a variety of online databases to access the leading research within a given subject area and use the literature to identify gaps in our understanding. The project proposal and interim report are formatively assessed, plus final report will evaluate the ability of the student to undertake valid literature, survey, internet, and/or database reviews.
2) Design robust experiments and have the necessary skill to setup the practical elements and follow COSSH and HSE guidelines. Practical work will be assessed by lab book, CoSHH forms, quality of data, interaction, & interim/final reports (F&S)
3) Critically analyse the results of experiments and comprehensively interpret the data obtained. Slide-talk presentation (S), oral-poster presentation (S), and interim (F) / final reports (S).
4) Draw conclusions and evaluate the limitations of the results obtained and prepare and disseminate this information through a variety of media. 4) Draw conclusions and evaluate the limitations of the results obtained and prepare and disseminate this information through a variety of media.

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
Slide talk Practical exam 15
Poster-verbal presentation Practical exam 15
Final research report (including logbook) Coursework 70
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

It is NOT a requirement that any major element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

Practical Skills in Chemistry, Dean et al, Prentice Hall, Second Edition 2011.

Bibliography recommended reading

How to Do Your Student Project in Chemistry, Jardine,  Chapman & Hall, (1994)

Find a course

Course finder

Find a course
>