CHE-40021 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module is compulsory for students on the MChem programme and is a 60 credit research project in an area of interest to the student. Projects are available across the range of chemical research disciplines, including organic and inorganic synthetic chemistry, analytical chemistry, materials chemistry, and theoretical chemistry. Students will carry out a range of research activities including designing and carrying out experiments, analysing experimental data, surveying relevant literature and comparing results to published work. Students will also prepare a literature review in a field relevant to their research projects which will act as the basis from which to design their independent research projects and interpret their results. At the end of the project, students will present their results and analysis in an oral examination and a dissertation.

To enhance and further develop students' research skills in the chemical sciences, specifically experimental and instrumental skills, development and selection of appropriate research methodologies, data interpretation and analysis and scientific methods of presentation. To further develop information literacy skills in searching for, selecting and critically evaluating relevant peer-reviewed research literature.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Professionally execute an independent research project in a current area of chemistry research: 1,2
Communicate the findings of an independent research project via a report in the style of an appropriate chemistry journal article: 1
Critically review the literature relevant to a specified area related to the research project: 3
Critically evaluate and discuss research methodologies, results, data analysis and hypotheses related to the research project and the relevant literature orally: 2

Study hours

Scheduled activities:
Meetings with supervisor 20 hours
Guided independent study:
Independent Research Project 400 hours
Oral Exam 1 hour
Preparation of Dissertation 80 hours
Researching and Preparation of Literature Review 90 hours
Preparation for oral examination 9 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment