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Module Catalogue

CH401-60 Research Project & Methodology

Department
Chemistry
Level
Undergraduate Level 4
Module leader
Manuela Tosin
Credit value
60
Module duration
20 weeks
Assessment
70% coursework, 30% exam
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

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Introductory description

N/A

Module web page

Module aims

The module is designed to develop student research skills, through an extended project in an area of chemistry involving synthesis, measurement science, computational chemistry or a combination thereof. Students will become aware of research methodology and the elements of research, including appraising the literature, designing novel experiments (practical or computational), assessing results and drawing conclusions that they will be able to set against the current field. This module will allow students to be original in their application of knowledge to the solution of new, research-led problems.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Students will carry out research on a specialised topic under the direction of an academic supervisor and their team.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Complete individual COSHH assessments for a diverse range of experiments
  • Understand and be aware of current research and problems relating to the area of the research project.
  • To be able to critically evaluate the literature and identify the most important body of work.
  • Develop research methodology skills by planning experiments (practical and computational), and carrying out appropriate analyses.
  • Present to peers a critical evaluation of their research work and to be able to defend their work to an audience of peers.
  • Write a high quality report at research level including an appraisal of the literature, experimental methods, results and discussion, conclusions

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Research element

e.g. essay, dissertation, individual or group research, research skills activity, etc.

Subject specific skills

Organisation and time management
Independence and initiative
Information literacy and research skills

Transferable skills

Organisation and time management
Independence and initiative
Information literacy and research skills

Study time

Type Required
Lectures 3 sessions of 1 hour (0%)
Practical classes 57 sessions of 6 hours (57%)
Other activity 1 hour (0%)
Private study 254 hours (42%)
Total 600 hours

Private study description

Student centred learning and assessed work preparation

Other activity description

3hrs introductory and safety lectures
1hr library skills session

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Students can register for this module without taking any assessment.

Assessment group D4
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Assessment component
Written Report 45% No
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
Practical Work 10% No

Assessment by Supervisor
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
Oral Presentation 15% No
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
Viva 30% No
Reassessment component is the same
Feedback on assessment

Formative and summative feedback on assessed work and draft introduction, plus regular
supervisor and first marker meetings throughout the year.

Past exam papers for CH401

Courses

This module is Core optional for:

  • UCHA-F110 Undergraduate Master of Chemistry (with Industrial Placement)
    • Year 4 of F110 MChem Chemistry (with Industrial Placement)
    • Year 4 of F112 MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry with Industrial Placement
  • Year 5 of UCHA-F107 Undergraduate Master of Chemistry (with Intercalated Year)
  • UCHA-F109 Undergraduate Master of Chemistry (with International Placement)
    • Year 4 of F109 MChem Chemistry (with International Placement)
    • Year 4 of F111 MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry (with International Placement)
  • UCHA-4M Undergraduate Master of Chemistry Variants
    • Year 4 of F105 Chemistry
    • Year 4 of F125 MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry