Unit information: Chemistry Research Project in 2015/16

Unit name	Chemistry Research Project
Unit code	CHEMM0570
Credit points	30
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Professor. May
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	CHEM M4000
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Chemistry
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

This unit is carried out under the direction of a member of the academic staff and provides training in research methods and techniques. The topic of the project can be in any branch of chemistry and includes a critical evaluation of the chemical literature as well as the planned design and execution of experiments needed to establish further chemical knowledge. Students are expected to demonstrate the skills acquired through the year of industrial experience e.g. in oral and written presentation of results. The results of the project work are often eventually included in primary publications in the chemical literature.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific learning outcomes The unit will enable students to

• build on and apply their existing knowledge and understanding of chemistry through the study of an original topic in chemistry
• explore new concepts drawn from the chemical literature and, in doing so, develop knowledge and understanding of an advanced topic in chemistry
• maintain a laboratory notebook or reflective diary as an accurate record of their work
• gain experience of advanced practical techniques and equipment and/or computational methods

Generic learning outcomes The unit will also help students to develop transferable skills in

• time management and other organisational skills
• independent study, and the development of diligence, motivation and initiative
• team working
• research methods, including sourcing, reviewing, summarising and referencing existing literature
• use of IT
• oral presentation
• written work, including the presentation of introductory material, experimental details, results, discussion, conclusions and references in an appropriate format

Teaching Information

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.

Assessment Information

100% Project.

Reading and References

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.