MChem Research Project (U01254)

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

An extended research project in any area of chemistry carried out in the laboratory of a member of the academic staff. The student is required to review the background of the research and to carry out, appropriate analytical or experimental 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 chemical research in a professional environment. The research project forms part of the Honours curriculum for students on any of the MChem degree programmes in Chemistry that do not also include 'with Industrial Experience' or 'with a Year in Europe'.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Chemistry 3A (CHE-3-A) and Chemistry 3B (CHE-3-B) and Chemistry 3P Practical and Transferable Skills (CHE-3-Pract) at a weighted average at or above Grade C at the first attempt (including Chemistry 3A (CHE-3-A) and Chemistry 3B (CHE-3-B) at a weighted average at or above Grade D), and Mathematics qualifications of at least 20 credits to level Applicable Mathematics 1 and Mathematical Methods 1; or with the permission of Head of School.

? Prohibited combinations : BSc Chemistry Research Project (CHE-4-BScChProj), MChemX Research Project (CHE-5-MCheXProj)

Variants

? This course has variants for part year visiting students, as follows

MChem Research Project (VS2) (Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4))
MChem Research Project (VS1) (Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2))

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Chemistry, (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 chemistry, including taking some responsibility in 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 technical skills (experimental and other), and deliver accurate output of data and/or critical analysis commensurate with the length and level of the project
- exercise substantial autonomy and initiative in conduct of research work (after suitable preliminary training), including professional 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 chemically literate but non-specialist audience
- write a detailed research report suitable for use by peers, senior colleagues and other specialists that demonstrates an understanding of the role of the research undertaken, and critical analysis of the data acquired