Unit name | Project for MSci Chemistry |
---|---|
Unit code | CHEMM0001 |
Credit points | 60 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
Unit director | Professor. Wyatt |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
CHEM30019, CHEM30011, CHEM30005, CHEM30006, CHEM30018 or CHEM30001/2/3 |
Co-requisites |
CHEMM0012 |
School/department | School of Chemistry |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Project work allows students to experience and learn from the challenge of performing an open-ended activity. Students not only become expert in a particular topic, but also develop a broad range of transferable key skills. By working with a member of academic staff on a current research topic in chemistry students will consolidate and extend their knowledge and understanding of chemistry. They will also become proficient in the use of advanced experimental or theoretical techniques and research-grade equipment. In addition, the project will allow them to develop important transferable skills, becoming independent learners with excellent written and oral presentation skills, proficient in the use of IT and good at working both on their own and as part of a team. The unit will thus offer students suitable research training to allow them to pursue either a postgraduate research degree or enter directly a career in research. The project will be substantial and be based on original research. The expectation is that the work should be of potentially publishable quality, although it is recognised that the nature of research means that this will not necessarily be possible. Support for the project will be provided by a project supervisor and second assessor. The unit will be assessed through a report and oral presentation.
By performing an open-ended investigation, students will:
Subject-specific learning outcomes The unit will enable students to
Generic learning outcomes The unit will also help students to develop transferable skills in
Students will work with a member of staff and their research group. Students will identify in advance several preferred project topics and supervisors. Academic performance will then be used to determine the final allocation to ensure an even distribution of students across academic staff. Students will be expected to work semi-independently under the direction of their project supervisor, using their initiative to develop the project. Students may also be expected to attend seminars and group meetings. Project work will be supported by regular formal and informal meetings with the project supervisor and a second assessor.
Summative assessment:
The project report will usually be between 50 and 70 pages in length. Students will be assessed on their knowledge and understanding of the material presented, their technical skills, as well as their diligence, motivation, initiative and organisational skills. All elements of the unit will be assessed by both the project supervisor and second assessor through the application of detailed marking criteria.
Key reading and references will depend upon the topic chosen. Students will be expected to make extensive use of the library resources available to them, including text books, reports and theses and research journals.