THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2017/2018

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Chemistry : Chemical Physics

Undergraduate Course: CP Research Methods (CHPH10002)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Chemistry CollegeCollege of Science and Engineering
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits10 ECTS Credits5
SummaryThe course introduces methods used when carrying out research applicable to the field of chemical physics. Students undertake a Research Methods exercise in the form of a short project involving practical or theoretical techniques. The topics explored are based on the current research of groups working in the School of Chemistry and School of Physics and Astronomy. The exercise is carried out in a small group, and development of group-working skills is an important aim of the course. The course forms part of the Honours curriculum for students on the in-house MChemPhys degree programme in Chemical Physics.
Course description The course provides an introduction to methods used in contemporary chemical physics research.

A small group (typically 3-6 students) is assigned an academic project supervisor, and the topic is defined in preliminary meetings with supervisor. The group will collaborate on the planning and execution of practical work, which takes place over several weeks. Research is conducted under supervision of active research groups in the School of Chemistry or School of Physics and Astronomy, and therefore groups are expected to be flexible when scheduling sessions. Feedback and supervision is provided by senior researchers and the academic supervisor. Final reporting of the exercise takes the form of a professional scientific poster, to be presented and defended by the group.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Students MUST have passed: ( Chemistry 3A (CHEM09005) AND Chemistry 3B (CHEM09006) AND Chemistry 3P Practical and Transferable Skills (CHEM09007)) OR ( Chemical Physics 3S1 (CHPH09007) AND Chemical Physics 3S2 (CHPH09006) AND CP3 Physical Chemistry Laboratory (CHPH09005))
Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Students MUST NOT also be taking BSc ChemPhys Research Project/Transferable Skills Course (CHPH10004) OR MChemPhysX Research Project (CHPH11002)
Other requirements Must include a weighted average of Grade C or higher in all Chemical Physics 3 courses, AND a weighted average of Grade D or higher in all Chemical Physics 3 courses with degree examinations, at the first attempt.
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2017/18, Available to all students (SV1) Quota:  None
Course Start Full Year
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 100 ( Supervised Practical/Workshop/Studio Hours 90, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 8 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) The course is assessed entirely on the basis of coursework.
Feedback Feedback will be available on a session-to-session basis as arranged with senior researchers and the academic supervisor. It is expected that students will be pro-active in seeking feedback from the researchers and supervisors, in preparation for working in a real research environment. The group are encouraged to develop mechanisms for peer-to-peer feedback to strengthen the ownership and cohesion of the project. Scheduled feedback on outlines and draft of the project poster will be provided by supervisors. Feedback on the final poster will be obtained through defence of the poster at a poster session, and through summary comments provided by a number of independent assessors.
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate a high-level of understanding on a topic relating to contemporary chemical physics research.
  2. Plan, execute and develop a defined project of research, working as part of a team in a professional research environment, by scheduling appropriate activities at mutually convenient times.
  3. Analyse, critically appraise and interpret research results.
  4. Make a professional presentation and defence of scientific research results to independent researchers.
Reading List
None
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills The following skills will be developed during the course:
1. Team working and project development.
2. Critical analysis and problem solving.
3. Written and oral presentation and defence of technical information.
Additional Class Delivery Information It is expected that students will spend approximately 10 hours per week on the Research Methods exercise. Practical sessions should normally be arranged 1-2 mornings or afternoons per week at times that are mutually convenient to the group, senior researchers and academic supervisors.
KeywordsCPRM
Contacts
Course organiserProf Eleanor Campbell
Tel: (0131 6)50 4729
Email: eleanor.campbell@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMrs Moira Wilson
Tel: (0131 6)50 4754
Email: Moira.Wilson@ed.ac.uk
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