Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title PGSC004 - MSc Research Project
Code PGSC004
Coordinator Dr G Sedghi
Chemistry
G.Sedghi@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 7 FHEQ Whole Session 60

Pre-requisites before taking this module (or general academic requirements):

 

Aims

The aim of this module is to give students the opportunity to work in a guided but independent fashion on an area of chemical research making use of the knowledge and skills acquired elsewhere in the programme.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) After completion of this module students will have demonstrated an ability to contribute towards a research project in chemistry, the outcome of which is potentially publishable.

(LO2) Students will have gained project-specific knowledge of how to conduct an individual piece of chemical research.

(LO3) Students will be able to implement planned experiments, record and critically analyse data.

(LO4) Students will be able to present their research using a variety of oral and written methods.

(S1) Students will have gained chemistry-related cognitive abilities and skills identified in the QAA Chemistry benchmark statement including:- skills required to undertake a research project, the outcome of which is of a quality that is potentially publishable.- the ability to assimilate, evaluate and present research results objectively.

(S2) Students will have gained chemistry-related practical skills identified in the QAA Chemistry benchmark statement including:-the ability to select appropriate techniques and procedures.- competence in the planning, design and execution of experiments.- skills required to work independently and be self-critical in the evaluation of risks, experimental procedures and outcomes.- the ability to use an understanding of the limits of accuracy of experimental data to inform the planning of future work.

(S3) Students will have gained generic skills identified in the QAA Chemistry benchmark statement including:- problem-solving skills and the demonstration of self-direction and originality.- the ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility.- the ability to make decisions in complex and unpredictable situations.- independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.

(S4) Research skills - Awareness of /commitment to academic integrity


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Students will be allocated a research project with a nominated supervisor appropriate to the allocated pathway. A co-assessor will also be appointed to provide additional support when and where appropriate and to be responsible for the assessment of the dissertation. Students will be expected to be full members of a research group for this summer project.

At the start of the project students are expected to produce a detailed plan of research. This will be based on a research project proposal that they will have submitted as part of the assessment of the linked module PGSC003 that they will have completed beforehand.

Towards the end of the project students will be expected to give a final presentation. Final assessment will be via a full dissertation and an oral examination.


Syllabus

 

All projects will contain the following elements. Research, design, evaluation and dissemination. Particular topics are allocated on an individual basis.


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours       440

    440
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 160
TOTAL HOURS 600

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Oral Presentation There is no re-submission opportunity. This assessment cannot be marked anonymously  12 minutes + 3 minut    10       
Performance in the laboratory, assessed by the project supervisor based on discussions with student, evaluation of notebook, quality of data and samples, ability to work independently. There is no re  N/A    30       
Oral Examination (viva) There is a resit opportunity. This assessment cannot be marked anonymously.  30 minutes    10       
There is a resubmission opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This assessment cannot be marked anonymously.  Expected length: 3,0    40       
Preliminary report There is a resubmission opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This assessment cannot be marked anonymously.  Expected length: max    10