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CHEM3161: CHEMISTRY BSC DISSERTATION

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Tied
Level 3
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Chemistry

Prerequisites

  • Core Chemistry 2 (CHEM2012).

Corequisites

  • Core Chemistry 3 (CHEM3012) OR Bioactive Chemistry 3 (CHEM3211) or Chemical Physics 3 (CHEM3411)

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To provide a research-led capstone module in Chemistry, where BSc students in their final year can demonstrate the development of their own research and independent study skills, and expertise in chemistry through a literature survey.
  • To provide students with an opportunity to collect, read and analyse data from primary sources
  • To enable students to develop the transferable skills of critical analysis, advanced literacy and presentation

Content

  • Dissertation allocated to the student in Year 2 by a member of the Board of Studies in Chemistry.
  • Progress is monitored by the Dissertation Supervisor through a series of tutorials.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • describe and critically analyse the topic of their dissertation at an advanced level

Subject-specific Skills:

  • produce a scholarly and critical review of the relevant literature
  • show relevance and depth in their study of a topic
  • produce a critical summary of their review

Key Skills:

  • enhanced skills in chemical information retrieval, scientific writing, editing and proof-reading, oral presentation and discussion of scientific results;
  • self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • During year 3 students will meet with their dissertation supervisor, as needed, to discuss the student's progress.
  • A draft chapter must be submitted during Michaelmas term

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Tutorials2One in Term 1 and one in Term 21 hour2Yes
Preparation and Reading198 
Total200 

Summative Assessment

Component: DissertationComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Written report6000 words100 

Formative Assessment

Formative assesment of a peer review and response.

More information

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