BSc Chemistry Research Project/Transferable Skills Course (U04219)

? Credit Points : 40 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : CHE-4-BScChPrTS

An extended research project in any area of chemistry carried out in the laboratory of a member of the academic staff. Following an initial exercise providing training in chemical literature comprehension, the student is required to review the background of the research area assigned 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 final year Honours curriculum for students on any of the BSc degree programmes in chemistry.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Chemistry 3A (CHE-3-A) and Chemistry 3B (CHE-3-B) at a weighted average at or above Grade D at the first attempt, and Chemistry 3P Practical and Transferable Skills (CHE-3-Pract), 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 : Science Education Placement: Chemistry (CHE-4-UAS), Science Education Placement: Chemistry (40 credits) (CHE-4-UAS40Crd), BSc Chemistry Research Project (CHE-4-BScChProj), MChem Introduction to Research Methods (CHE-4-MChemRM), MChem Research Project (CHE-5-MChemProj), MChemX Research Project (CHE-5-MCheXProj)

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Chemistry, (School of Chemistry, Schedule L)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

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

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

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Successful completion of this course requires students to:
- undertake an exercise in chemical literature comprehension
- critically evaluate and interpret advanced research literature in areas related to the project and prepare an extended written literature survey
- execute a defined project of research within an approved area of chemistry
- show competence in a range of the principal technical skills (experimental and other) related to the project, and deliver accurate output of data and/or critical analysis commensurate with the length and level of the project
- work effectively under guidance and in ways which show a clear awareness of own and others' responsibilities
- acquire skills in assessment of personal safety, and the safety of others, in the research environment
- demonstrate some originality and creativity in offering interpretations of, and solutions to, 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 along with an extended abstract summarising the motivation and outcomes of the research undertaken.