MChemPhys Research Project (U01737)

? Credit Points : 40 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : CHE-5-MCPProj

An extended research project in any area of Chemical Physics carried out in the laboratory of a member of academic staff in the School of Chemistry or the School of Physics. The student is required to review the background of the research and to carry out appropriate experimental and/or theoretical work before subsequently writing a report and making an oral presentation of the research before a small audience. The aim is to acquire the necessary skills to perform research in Chemical Physics in a professional environment. The research project forms part of the Honours curriculum for students on the Master of Chemical Physics degree programme.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : CP Symmetry and Structure (CHE-3-CPSymStr) and CP Kinetics and Catalysis (CHE-3-CPKinCat) and CP Molecules and Matter (CHE-3-CPMolMat) and Electromagnetism (PHY-3-ElMag) and Optics (PHY-3-Optics) and Physical Mathematics (PHY-3-PhMath) and Quantum Mechanics (PHY-3-QuantMech) and Statistical Mechanics (PHY-3-StatMech) and CP Practical and Transferable Skills (CHE-3-CPPract) and Electronic Methods in the Physical Laboratory (PHY-3-ElMeth) and Computational Methods (PHY-3-CompMeth) at a weighted average at or above Grade C at the first attempt, and Applicable Mathematics 3 (Phys Sci), and Mathematical Methods 3 (Phys Sci), and Foundations of Mathematical Physics 2 (PHY-2-FoMP); or with the permission of Head of School.

? Prohibited combinations : BSc ChemPhys Research Project (CHE-4-BScCPProj), MChemPhysX Research Project (CHE-5-MCPXProj)

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Chemical Physics, (School of Chemistry, Schedule L)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 5th year

? Delivery Period : Full Year (Blocks 1-4)

? Additional Class Information : Approximately 400 hours of student practical and oral and report preparation effort, within times assigned.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Successful completion of this course requires students to:
- execute a project of research within an approved area of Chemical Physics, including taking some responsibility for the planning and development of the research
- critically evaluate and interpret advanced research literature in areas related to the project
- show mastery of a significant range of appropriate standard and specialised experimental and/or theoretical skills, and deliver a body of results and/or critical analysis commensurate with the length and level of the project
- exercise substantial independence and initiative in conducting the research work (after suitable preliminary training), including judgement over when to seek guidance
- acquire skills in assessment of personal safety, and the safety of others, in the research environment
- demonstrate originality and creativity in offering interpretations of, and solutions to, complex problems and issues arising in the research
- deliver a formal oral presentation of the context, output and impact of the research in a manner comprehensible to a non-specialist audience of Chemists and/or Physicists
- write a detailed research report suitable for use by peers, senior colleagues and other specialists that demonstrates an understanding of the research undertaken and critical analysis and interpretation of the results obtained.