CH3CRP-Introduction to Chemistry Research and Practice

Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Chris Smith
Email: c.d.smith@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

To gain an overview of current chemical research as carried out within Chemistry and the University. To gain an overview of final year project and postgraduate opportunities in the field of Chemistry. To explore, in detail, a specific research topic of interest to the student in partnership with an academic member of staff and present on this to an audience of peers and experts. To write a research synopsis thus demonstrating the capacity for independent and original thought.

Aims:

To gain an overview of current chemical research as carried out in Chemistry and the University. To gain an overview of final year project and postgraduate opportunities in the field of Chemistry. To explore, in detail, a specific research topic of interest to the student in partnership with an academic member of staff and present on this to an audience of peers and experts. To write a research synopsis thus demonstrating the capacity for independent and original thought.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students will be able to: • Write at a level suitable to introduce non-specialists to an advanced topic. • Present an oral overview of a research topic based on independent investigations. • Conduct a background study into the area through a thorough survey of the relevant literature to help inform the presentation and report. [not assessed] • Write a clear overview of an area of interest at the forefront of chemistry research which details the area of interest and the current state of the art demonstrated by researchers from across the globe.

Additional outcomes:

Students should: Gain a better insight into postgraduate research to help inform their career choice; gain experience in note-taking and learning from an informal seminar format; have opportunities to interact with a number of research chemists; develop their oral communication skills by practice in presentations; and demonstrate evidence of individual enquiry through a detailed study of an area of interest.

Outline content:

In the Autumn Term students will attend research presentations given by members of the Department in order to develop an overview of current topics in chemical research on going in the Department. In the Spring Term students will undertake an in-depth study of one specific research topic or technique, following consultation with the academic concerned. Students will give a presentation on this topic and write a report detailing the research area they selected.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Students will attend around 10 seminars over the autumn term. In the spring terms students will have discussions with a member of academic staff and carry out an independent literature investigation on some specific aspect of current research. In addition, students will attend an introductory session on the organisation and assessment of the module.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Seminars		6
Project Supervision		4
Guided independent study:	5	75
Total hours by term			0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	70
Oral assessment and presentation	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework:

Report on technique or specific research topic to be no longer than 15 pages. Font size minimum 11 point, 1.5 line spacing - deadline second half of spring term. Presentation: 15 minutes plus 5 minutes for questions in the second half of the Spring Term.

Relative percentage of coursework: 100 %. Report 70%: an overview of an area of research written on an area of mutual interest to the student and a member of academic staff. The report should present an overview of the chosen topic. Presentation 30%: oral presentation to an audience of peers and experts, the main delivery method should be via an electronic slideshow with commentary and expanded explanations via the white board.

Submission dates will be communicated via the Blackboard site.

Formative assessment methods:

Students should work with their supervisor to prepare for the coursework and presentation, feedback will be given throughout the term.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will comprise of a written report worth 100%

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 22 September 2022