Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title CHEMICAL RESEARCH PROJECT
Code CHEM480
Coordinator Dr SJ Higgins
Chemistry
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2008-09 M Level Whole Session 45

Aims

The aim of this module is to develop the skills necessary to undertake independent research.


Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module students will have:

  • acquired advanced laboratory skills.
  • developed an ability to work independently and be self-critical in the evaluation of risks, experimental procedures and outcomes.
  • extended their written and oral communication skills.
  • extended their information-technology skills.
  • acquired time-management and organisational skills.
  • acquired competence in the planning, design and execution of experiments.
  • acquired the ability to use an understanding of the limits of accuracy of experimental data to inform the planning of future work.

Syllabus
0 

A project will be undertaken in an area of Chemical Research that is presently active in the department. Projects will be available in a wide range of topics including Organic Synthesis, Catalysis, Surface Science, Electrochemistry, Chemical Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Nanotechnology, Theoretical Chemistry, Co-ordination Chemistry and Bio-organic Chemistry. Previous years research projects have included

  • Multinuclear NMR studies of rhodium complexes
  • Embedding metal-phosphine complexes in a polypyrrole matrix
  • Synthesis and Biotransformation of Prochiral a,w-Diamines using Diamine Oxidases
  • Luminescent Lanthanide Chelate Complexes
  • Self-assembled Structures from Electrochemically Prepared Gold Nanorods·
  • Novel routes to 1H,3H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]thiazole
  • New Reactions of Optically Active Epoxyketines en route to HIV Protease Inhibitors
  • Counter-ion and medium effects in lanthanide Lewis acid catalysis
  • Structural properties of polyamino-acid catalysts and alpha-helical peptides, investigated by infra red spectroscopy.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Students take the major responsibility for their learning in this module.

  • The supervisor gives guidance on practical work as necessary, while encouraging the student to be as independent as possible. Practical skills are developed to an advanced level during the course of the research.
  • The Module Coordinator gives general guidance on writing the essay, interim report and dissertation, and on giving oral presentations.
  • Information-technology skills are developed by writing the dissertation.

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours       216

     216
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 234
TOTAL HOURS 450

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Student Performance in the Laboratory    Semester 2  35  No resit opportunity  Standard University Policy applies - see Department/School handbook for details.  Assessed by Supervisor & Co-supervisor through a pro-forma evaluation. Moderation by the Assessment Panel. Anonymous marking impossible.  
Introductory Essay    Semester 1  10  No resit opportunity  Standard University Policy applies - see Department/School handbook for details.  Introductory Essay including review of current Literature - The Supervisor and Co-supervisor individually assess the essay. If their marks differ by >10%, the Assessment Panel will moderate the final mark. To be handed in by week 9, Semester 1. Moderation by the Assessment Panel.  
Interim (progress) report    Semester 2  10  No resit opportunity  Standard University Policy applies - see Department/School handbook for details.  2 page report. Assessed by Supervisor & moderated by Co-supervisor through a pro-forma evaluation. To be handed in by week 2, Semester 2. Moderation by the Assessment Panel.  
Dissertation    Semester 2  25  No resit opportunity  Standard University Policy applies - see Department/School handbook for details.  Assessed by Co-supervisor with information from supervisor. As part of the Dissertation, a separate graphical abstract must be produced. Moderation by the Assessment Panel.  
Oral presentation     Semester 2  10  No resit opportunity  n.a.  Assessed by Assessment Panel and other staff members. Moderation by module leader. 
Oral examination    Semester 2  10  No resit opportunity  n.a.  Assessed by module leader & Co-supervisor. 

Recommended Texts

As recommended by the project supervisor.