Introductory description

This module requires students to work in teams to investigate a contemporary challenge in polymer science.

Students develop and implement synthetic strategies, integrate multiple instrumental techniques, critically evaluate complex datasets and communicate their findings through professional reports and presentations.

The module provides a bridge between the taught curriculum and independent research practice, while developing the collaborative and project-management skills expected of polymer scientists.

The module prepares students for independent research projects and careers in academic, industrial and commercial environments.

Module web page

Module aims

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.

Lecture: To introduce the problems and approaches that the students may wish to take.

Workshops/Tutorials: To support and direct student research and project planning.

Group Research project: Students will be placed in groups (of ca. 5). Each group will select a real-life challenge to work on and will have 2 weeks to identify/analyze the main scientific/technical problems, perform literature research, formulate a hypothesis and design and execute a series of experiments before presenting their results both orally and as a written report.

A wide range of possible projects could be undertaken based on theoretical, perceived or real problems.

This module will develop students’ teamworking, science communication and project-management abilities.

Learning outcomes

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

• Formulate scientifically justified solutions to complex problems in polymer science.
• Critically evaluate and implement published methodologies.
• Analyse and assess the relationship between polymer structure, synthesis, characterisation and application and integrate synthetic and analytical methodologies in the development of research strategies.
• Apply appropriate sample preparation techniques and assess their effectiveness and limitations.
• Acquire, manage, process, interpret and critically evaluate analytical datasets including the appropriate treatment of errors in analysis
• Demonstrate laboratory competence in synthetic and instrumental analytical chemistry and safe laboratory practice.
• Collaborate effectively within a team environment, contributing proportionately to the planning, execution and delivery of shared project objectives.
• Manage time, resources and delegated responsibilities effectively to achieve project goals.
• Prepare publication-standard scientific reports and communicate data, methodologies and findings effectively to a scientific audience.
• Scrutinise and provide constructive feedback on the scientific methods, data, interpretations and conclusions presented by others.

Research element

Students undertake a team-based investigative project involving literature review, experimental design, analytical method selection, data acquisition, interpretation and reporting.

Interdisciplinary

Cross-disciplinary team research project in polymer sciences

Subject specific skills

Knowledge & Understanding: integration of polymer synthesis and characterisation approaches; method development and validation; data quality and uncertainty; sample preparation and analytical workflows.

Professional Skills: instrumental analytical and synthetic techniques; experimental design; scientific reporting; data interpretation; laboratory safety and good laboratory practice.

Transferable skills

Teamworking and collaboration; project planning and management; scientific communication; literature evaluation; information literacy; problem solving; peer review; presentation skills.

Critical thinking; problem solving; teamwork; project management; professional communication; information literacy; digital literacy; organisational awareness; scientific reporting.