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Research Communication - CHE00054M

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

Module summary

The module aims to develop students' research-related skills in two key areas: first, in searching, assimilating and critically appraising literature material for a written literature review in an area related to the student's research project; second, to prepare a coherent and attractive presentation on the student's research project, to deliver a clear and concise oral presentation, and to answer questions from a panel of academics.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

The aim of this module is to develop and to improve your scientific understanding and communication skills. These include information retrieval, organisation and writing skills, critical assessment of other scientists work, presentation, oral communication and problem solving.

These are important transferable skills, which are used in all scientific communications. Individual components include:

  • searching for relevant references by using search engines, in particular Web of Science and databases, such as Beilstein, Web of Knowledge, Reaxys, ChemSpider, SciFinder;
  • comprehension, organisation and prioritisation of the retrieved information;
  • critical evaluation of the material;
  • writing an interesting and critical review of the literature in the subject area of your MChem research project;
  • designing an attractive and informative scientific presentation;
  • delivering a clear and concise oral presentation;
  • responding to questions on the research project;
  • demonstrating synoptic understanding of core Chemistry in an oral examination.

Module learning outcomes

The student will be able to:

  • present work from the literature in an attractive and well laid-out way, using appropriate diagrams to illustrate key concepts;
  • identify relevant areas of literature for a wider review, while maintaining focus on the topic, demonstrating a wide reading of the literature (both old and new);
  • construct clear arguments based on previously published work, comparing and critically analysing a range of results, techniques, etc. within a wider scientific area than the project;
  • select appropriate references that are well balanced for the subject of the review and format references in a consistent and accepted style;
  • present research project results with effective use of audio visual facilities (AVF) through an oral presentation;
  • explain research project results clearly through an oral presentation and answers to questions from a panel of academic staff;
  • apply synoptic knowledge of core Chemistry in response to questions from a panel of academic staff during the oral examination.

Module content

Literature Review (50% of module, 10 credits), marks are broken down as follows:

  • Presentation and clarity of writing (20%)
  • Coverage of material (20%)
  • Critical discussion (40%)
  • References (20%)

Oral Presentation (50% of module, 10 credits), marks are split equally between the following categories:

  • Quality of presentation
  • Questions on project
  • Questions on core Chemistry

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay : Literature Review		 N/A 50
Essay/coursework
Presentation : MChem project viva		 N/A 50

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay : Literature review resubmission		 N/A 50
Essay/coursework
Presentation : MChem project viva resit		 N/A 50

Module feedback

Feedback on the Oral Examination is provided at the end of the examination.

Feedback on the Literature Review is provided upon completion of the module.

Indicative reading

Scientific research articles relevent to the project / literature review together with core chemistry texts:

P. Atkins, T. Overton, J. Rourke, M. Weller, F. Armstrong, “Shriver and Atkin’s Inorganic Chemistry”, Oxford University Press. Latest version available from University library.

J. Clayden, N. Greeves, S. Warren, P. Wothers, “Organic Chemistry”, Oxford University Press. Latest version available from University library.

P. Atkins, J. de Paula, “Atkins' Physical Chemistry”, Oxford University Press. Latest version available from University library.

D. A. Skoog, D. M. West, F. J. Holler, S. R. Crouch, “Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry”, Thomson/Brooks/Cole. Latest version available from University library.


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.