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Research Skills and Methodologies - CHE00043M

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  • Department: Chemistry
  • Module co-ordinator: Prof. Helen Sneddon
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

This module explores the diverse skills needed for a successful research project, and subsequent career. The module covers research ethics, health and safety, effective literature searching, data analysis and management, design of experiments, as well as introductions to the specific equipment and techniques that will be required for research projects.

Related modules

Pre-requisites: Chemistry / Chemical Sciences / other appropriate discipline undergraduate degree

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

This module explores the diverse skills needed for a successful research project, and subsequent career. The module covers research ethics, health and safety, effective literature searching, data analysis and management, design of experiments, as well as introductions to the specific equipment and techniques that will be required for research projects.

Module learning outcomes

  • Appreciate and apply the breadth of skills required for successful research, including funding and resources.

  • Employ advanced skills in order to conduct research, recognising the strengths and limitations of different experimental designs

  • Show mastery of the equipment and instrumentation required for the planned research projects, utilising it safely and effectively.

  • Appreciate research in the wider context and be able to write a research proposal.

The specific module learning outcomes map onto the following Programme Learning Outcomes

PLO1: Apply whole systems thinking and inter/trans-disciplinary approaches to the creative problem solving of complex global grand challenges using holistic green chemistry and sustainable industrial technology related interventions in concert with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)

PLO2: Apply a range of advanced research skills, principles, methodologies and approaches to be able to undertake cutting-edge research, either laboratory or non-laboratory based, in the area of green and sustainable chemistry and allied sectors.

PLO3: Effectively communicate detailed, complex, green and sustainable chemistry research concepts to both experts and non-experts through the application of a variety of key transferable skills such as IT, scientific writing, oral presentations, posters, team-working,etc.

PLO4:Critically evaluate and debate research literature and explain its relevance to green chemistry frameworks, including and beyond the 12 Principles, development of circular bio based economies, UN SDGs and decolonisation of research.

Module content

  • Introduction to Research: health and safety, ethics and decolonisation

  • Advance Data Analysis, Interpretation and Management

  • Advanced Practical Skills for Research

  • Research funding and proposal writing

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Safety and research methods quiz		 N/A 20
Essay/coursework
Research Proposal		 N/A 80

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Safety and research methods quiz		 N/A 20
Essay/coursework
Research Proposal		 N/A 80

Module feedback

Written feedback is provided to students

Indicative reading

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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.