CHMPRD-Diploma Chemistry Research Project

Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 90 [45 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr James Cooper
Email: james.cooper@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

1. To provide the students with experience of more advanced experiments in research methods.


2. To allow students to develop into independent researchers.


3. To allow students to prepare novel materials or molecules, and / or make novel measurements or theoretical / computational studies of chemical systems.

Aims:

1. To provide the students with experience of more advanced experiments in research methods.


2. To allow students to develop into independent researchers.


3. To allow students to prepare novel materials or molecules, and / or make novel measurements or theoretical / computational studies of chemical systems.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students should be able to:

• Plan and conduct experiments safely according to COSHH regulations.


• Present the results of their studies in the laboratory or on the computer in written and oral presentations.


• Defend their conclusions in a viva voce examination.

Additional outcomes:
Depending on the nature of the research area, students may gain extensive experience in new practical skills. Problem solving skills may also be improved.

Outline content:
Students will perform a research project in all its ramifications. Students will choose to work with a member of staff and the range of topics available for selection will reflect the research interests of the member of staff. For example, topics currently spread from theoretical chemistry through computing, physical chemistry, surface chemistry, catalysis, spectroscopy, inorganic chemistry, synthesis, mechanistic chemistry, photochemistry, high pressure chemistry, polymer chemistry to the more biological aspects of inorganic and organic chemistry.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Students will be trained in the necessary research methods via day-to-day interactions with the supervisor, the research team and technicians.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Practicals classes and workshops	250	250	100
Guided independent study:	50	50	200
Total hours by term	300	300	300
Total hours for module	900

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Dissertation	70
Oral assessment and presentation	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The project will be assessed by examination of a written dissertation (70% of the final mark) and a viva voce examination of the dissertation (30% of the final mark). These assessments will be conducted by an internal and an external examiner.  

Formative assessment methods:
An interim report is assessed approximately halfway through the course and formative feedback provided by the Supervisor and the Internal Assessor. In addition, feedback is provided through weekly meetings between student and Supervisor.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
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:

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission of the theses is allowed within one year.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023