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BSc Research Project - CHE00033H

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  • Department: Chemistry
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. John Moore
  • Credit value: 40 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

The BSc Research Project is a capstone module that allows students to experience independent project work in various settings and areas of the subject. In addition to planning and conducting the project in collaboration with an academic supervisor, the students write a project report that includes a literature review.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25 to Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

  • The general aim of the module is to provide experience in carrying out a research project in a specific area of chemistry, and in reporting on that project. The project may take place in an educational setting, in a research laboratory / group setting, or in the teaching laboratory, and it may involve aspects of group work.
  • The student will undertake a range of activities with the aim of developing generic research skills while working on a project that also builds on and enhances key elements of their understanding of chemistry.
  • The module also aims to develop skills in searching, accessing and understanding the scientific literature as an integral part of the project work and the writing of a referenced report.

Module learning outcomes

Students will be able to

  • perform a research project;
  • produce a project report;
  • develop an enhanced ability in research skills, which may include planning, organisation, use of initiative, team-working, technical, analytical, interpretive, writing, presentation and literature skills;
  • demonstrate an enhanced knowledge of a specific area of chemistry, including an enhanced ability to describe and discuss this area of chemistry.

Module content

Students will be allocated to a BSc project, having been asked for their preferences and taking these preferences into account.

The possible types of BSc project available will generally include:

  • Group Projects. These projects usually involve up to 4-6 students, sometimes fewer, working to cover different aspects of a particular chemical problem. Depending on the project, the group may work as a closely coordinated team, or may work more individually on a general area in which group members have shared interests in techniques, approaches, etc.
  • Individual Research Projects. These projects involve working with one of the department’s research groups on a topic devised by the supervisor in consultation with the student.
  • Chemistry Education Projects. These projects are aimed at students who have an interest in science education or communication, and they generally include projects involving schools, outreach, or other educational activities. Some projects are individual and others may involve group work.


The students will spend approximately 26 timetabled days on the BSc project, typically working two days per week during weeks 1-11 of Semester 1 and weeks 2-5 of Semester 2. The students will write a project report that includes a literature review within the introduction section. The deadline for report submission is Wednesday week 9 of Semester 2.

Students wishing to graduate with the degree titles BSc Chemistry, Green Principles & Sustainable Processes or BSc Chemistry, the Atmosphere & the Environment must conduct a project in an area that links to the theme of their specialised degree title. Students wishing to graduate with the degree titles BSc Chemistry or BSc Chemistry, Biological & Medicinal Chemistry can conduct a project in an area of the subject of their choosing.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
BSc Research Project Report/Execution		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

The deadline for project report submission is Wednesday Week 9 Semester 2.

Report component only of the project is reassessable. This component will count for 90% in terms of reassessment but students should only take the reassessment if they have passed the non-reassessable (project execution) component.

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
BSc Research Project Report/Execution		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Individual feedback will be provided after the project marks are released.

Indicative reading

Reading material will be suggested by the supervisors


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.