| Unit name | Summer STEM Research Project - Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Unit code | CHEM10021 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Bull |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
N/A |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
N/A |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
N/A |
| School/department | School of Chemistry |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Why is this unit important?
Project work allows you to experience and learn from the challenge of performing an open-ended activity. You will not only develop expertise in a particular topic, but also a broad range of key transferable skills. The project will be substantial and be based on original research in one of the key research themes of the School of Chemistry. By working with a member of academic staff on a current topic in chemistry you will consolidate and extend your knowledge and understanding of chemistry. You will also gain experience in the use of advanced experimental or theoretical techniques and research-grade equipment. The project will enable you to develop your written and oral presentation skills, become proficient in the use of IT and demonstrate your ability to work both on your own and as part of a team.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study:
This unit provides the opportunity to carry out a summer project on cutting-edge research as part of an established research team to promote further in Chemistry.
An overview of content
The unit will consist of a multiweek summer research project carried out under the direction of a member of academic staff. The exact format of the project may be flexible and varies between research themes. Typically, projects will involve joining a research group and conducting experimental studies on campus in a laboratory daily.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
By performing an open-ended investigation, you will:
Learning Outcomes
Students will work with a member of staff and their research group. Students will identify in advance preferred project research themes and supervisors. Students will be expected to work semi-independently under the direction of their project supervisor or delegate, using their initiative to develop the project. Students will also be expected to attend group meetings and relevant seminars. Project work will be supported by regular formal and informal meetings with the project supervisor and an independent assessor.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Students will have regular meetings with their supervisor as part of scheduled research group meetings to providing the opportunity to discuss project progress. Formative feedback will be provided on draft components of the project report (literature review, data summaries) and a practice presentation.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Project Report: 90%
"Oral" Presentations: 10%
The project report will be written in the stye of a research paper appropriate to the research theme and typically up to 2500 words in length. You will be assessed on your knowledge and understanding of the material presented by the supervisor and an independent assessor.
When assessment does not go to plan
Supplementary assessment of this unit is only possible through engagement in the following academic year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. CHEM10021).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
