Undergraduate Course: MChem Research Project (CHEM11040)
Course Outline
| School | School of Chemistry |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Year 5 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 60 |
ECTS Credits | 30 |
| Summary | An extended research project and associated grant proposal writing exercise in chemistry. |
| Course description |
The research projects are carried out in the laboratory of a member of the academic staff. The student will write a grant proposal related to the theme of their research project in which they will be required to present the aims and objectives, the techniques to be used to achieve those objectives, as well as a clear statement of the beneficiaries and pathways to impact of the proposed research. For the project itself, the student is required to review the background of their research and to carry out appropriate analytical or experimental work, before subsequently writing a report and making an oral presentation of the research before a small audience. The aim is to acquire the necessary skills to perform chemical research in a professional environment. The research project forms part of the Honours curriculum for students on any of the MChem degree programmes in Chemistry that do not also include 'with Industrial Experience'or "with a Year Abroad'.
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- execute a project of research within an approved area of chemistry, including taking some responsibility in the planning and development of the research and acquire skills in assessment of personal safety, and the safety of others, in the research environment
- critically evaluate and interpret advanced research literature in areas related to the project,clearly and succinctly describe experiments and methods which might be used to achieve the overall project aims and objectives and identify likely beneficiaries of the project and the wider impact which it might have
- show mastery of a significant range of appropriate standard and specialised technical skills (experimental and other), and deliver accurate output of data and/or critical analysis commensurate with the length and level of the project
- exercise substantial autonomy and initiative in conduct of research work (after suitable preliminary training), including professional judgement over when to seek guidance and demonstrate originality and creativity in offering interpretations of, and solutions to, complex problems and issues arising in the research
- deliver a formal oral presentation of the context, output and impact of the research in a manner comprehensible to a chemically literate but non-specialist audience and write a detailed research report suitable for use by peers, senior colleagues and other specialists that demonstrates an understanding of the role of the research undertaken, and critical analysis of the data acquired
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
The ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories.
The ability to apply such knowledge and understanding to the solution of qualitative and quantitative problems.
The ability to recognise and analyse problems and plan strategies for their solution.
Skills in the generation, evaluation, interpretation and synthesis of information and data
Skills in the practical application of theory using computational methodology and models.
Skills in communicating scientific material and arguments.
Information technology and data-processing skills, relating to information and data.
The ability to adapt and apply methodology to the solution of unfamiliar problems.
The ability to assimilate, evaluate and present research results objectively.
Skills required to undertake a research project reporting outcomes that are potentially publishable (in a peer-reviewed publication).
The ability to interpret and explain the limits of accuracy of data in terms of significance and underlying theory.
Competence in the planning, design and execution of tasks.
Skills required to work independently and be self-critical in the evaluation of risks, procedures and outcomes.
The ability to use an understanding of the uncertainty of data to inform the planning of future work.
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| Keywords | MChemProj |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Caroline McFarlane
Tel: (0131 6)50 7284
Email: c.mcfarlane@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mrs Moira Wilson
Tel: (0131 6)50 4754
Email: Moira.Wilson@ed.ac.uk |
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