Studying at York
Advanced Practical Research Training - CHE00005H
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching cycle |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2019-20 to Summer Term 2019-20 |
Module aims
This module combines advanced research training and group mini-project practical components. These components provide a thorough preparation for the demands of the final year research project to be conducted in Stage 4 of the course either at York, in Industry or in an overseas university.
The module also includes integrated spectroscopy course that develops student skills in analysing a range of spectral data to identify unknown molecular structures.
Module learning outcomes
- Students will develop their practical skills in advanced MChem experiments
- Students will further develop practical skills through the group miniprojects, with an increasing emphasis both on independence and teamworking skills. The nature of these practical components is far less structured than the students will have been used to and serves to develop their powers of analysis and problem solving.
- Students will develop report writing skills across a range of areas of the subject.
- Students will develop skills to solve spectroscopic problems using multiple complex data sources provided in the integrated spectroscopy course.
Module content
In the Autumn Term, students spend three 2-day weeks in the laboratory carrying out a separate advanced experiment in each week, which is written up through an individual report.
In Spring Term, group miniprojects are tackled on the same lines, with each group spending 6 days in the laboratory and pooling their results. Individual reports and a group poster are produced. The research training is supported by a scientific writing workshop.
The module also includes an Integrated spectroscopy course (Spring Term), which aims to improve students' ability to solve chemical problems in a broader context. This activity is supported by drop-in advice sessions.
Assessment
| Task | Length | % of module mark |
|---|---|---|
| Essay/coursework Integrated Spectorscopy Workshop |
N/A | 20 |
| Essay/coursework Mini-Project Group Poster |
N/A | 5 |
| Practical Advanced Practical Reports |
N/A | 30 |
| Practical Mini-Project Report |
N/A | 45 |
Special assessment rules
Non-reassessable
Additional assessment information
Adv Pract reports 1 & 2: due 2 weeks after 2-day lab session during Autumn Term
Adv Pract report 3: due Spring Term Week 1
Integrated Spectroscopy assessed workshop: Spring Term Week 10
Mini-project report: due Summer Term Week 1
Mini-project group poster: due Summer Term Week 2
Reassessment
| Task | Length | % of module mark |
|---|---|---|
| Essay/coursework Integrated Spectorscopy Workshop |
N/A | 20 |
Module feedback
Feedback on practical write-ups is provided through both annotation of scripts by markers and distribution of feedback sheets. Students receive their marks (grade) for each practical within 20 working days and feedback on formative integrated spectroscopy exercises on a weekly basis. Advanced Practical marks are available via supervisor meetings. Miniproject supervisors provide regular feedback on progress with experimental work as well as during the writing up period. Miniproject and group poster marks and feedback are made available during Summer Term and annotated reports made available for inspection.
Indicative reading
Increasingly, specialised texts and the research literature will be used to support the course (and individual lecturers will give you lists of recommended literature), the Department continues to recommend the following core textbooks for Year 3:
- P. Atkins, T. Overton, J. Rourke, M. Weller, F. Armstrong, “Shriver and Atkin’s Inorganic Chemistry”, Oxford University Press, 2010. Available from University library.
- J. Clayden, N. Greeves, S. Warren, P. Wothers, “Organic Chemistry”, Oxford University Press, 2001. Available from University library. There is also an updated 2012 edition of this book.
- “Atkins' Physical Chemistry”, Oxford University Press, 2010. Available from University library.
- D. A. Skoog, D. M. West, F. J. Holler, S. R. Crouch, “Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry”, Thomson/Brooks/Cole, 2004. Available from University library. There is also an updated 2012 edition of this book.
