This module aims to develop the specific and generic skills necessary to undertake independent research using digital methodologies in various chemical contexts. The research project is a piece of independent work undertaken within an active chemistry research group and guided by an academic researcher. It gives students the opportunity to work in a guided but independent fashion to explore a substantial problem in depth, making practical use of principles, techniques and methodologies acquired elsewhere in the programme. Students gain experience in producing a dissertation and enhance their communication skills.

(LO1) Demonstrated an ability to contribute to a research project in Digital Chemistry, with work suitable for contributing to a peer-reviewed publication

(LO2) Carried out the practical element of the project work with a high degree of independence.

(LO3) Developed the ability to evaluate the risks of practical work and prepare risk assessments.

(LO4) Critically analysed the scientific literature relevant to the research area.

(LO5) Maintained project records to a professional standard.

(LO6) Presented suggestions for further work that are evidence-based and consistent with the results of project work.

(LO7) Communicated the project results with clarity, both verbally and in writing, and by using appropriate scientific terminology.

(S1) Communication skills both oral and written

(S2) Time and project management skills

(S3) Critical thinking and problem-solving

(S4) Accessing, record keeping and evaluating information

(S5) Research skills (information skill, awareness of /commitment to academic integrity, developing a research strategy, project planning and delivery, risk management, formulating questions, selecting literature, using primary/secondary/diverse sources, using data, applying research methods, applying ethics)

(S6) Self-management readiness to accept responsibility, flexibility, resilience, self-starting, initiative, integrity, willingness to take risks, appropriate assertiveness, time management, readiness to improve own performance based on feedback/reflective learning

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

Students take the major responsibility for their learning in this module (confidence – graduate attributes)

The supervisor(s) gives guidance on practical work as necessary, whilst encouraging the student to be as independent as possible. Practical skills are developed to an advanced level during the course of the research (research led teaching – Liverpool hallmarks). Students will be a member of the research group and attend the group meetings (active learning – Liverpool hallmarks).

The Module Coordinator gives general guidance on writing the dissertation, and on giving oral presentation and viva.

Info rmation-technology skills are developed by writing the dissertation and during the research (digital Fluency – gradate attributes)

Towards the end of the project, students will be expected to give a final presentation and viva.

*Practical: approx. 350 hr

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