This module aims to
1. Develop critical thinking through comprehensive literature reviews, fostering the ability to evaluate information effectively.
2. Enhance students' understanding of project management by identifying and developing a plan for the skills needed for successful execution.
3. Foster students’ skills in locating and evaluating relevant resources necessary for project implementation, and developing a plan to acquire necessary skills.
4. Enhance project planning, task breakdown, and time allocation skills.
5. Promote students’ skills in developing proposal outlines, facilitating clear and concise articulation of project objectives.

(LO1) Demonstrate proficiency in conducting literature reviews, including identifying relevant sources, critically evaluating information, and synthesising findings to inform project planning.

(LO2) Identify and develop a plan for the skills necessary for successful project execution.

(LO3) Identify and evaluate appropriate resources for project implementation.

(LO4) Develop and refine project objectives through project planning, including the breakdown of tasks and establishing milestones and deliverables.

(LO5) Apply strategic thinking and time management skills to allocate project time effectively, establishing clear timelines and deadlines to ensure project progress.

(LO6) Communicate project objectives effectively by developing a structured proposal outline.

(S1) Ability to conduct thorough literature reviews and locate relevant resources.

(S2) Ability to evaluate information critically and make informed decisions.

(S3) Competence in identifying and utilising resources effectively for project implementation.

(S4) Proficiency in developing and refining project objectives and strategies.

(S5) Skill in allocating project time effectively and establishing clear timelines.

(S6) Ability to articulate project objectives clearly and concisely in a proposal outline.

Students will be allocated a research project with a nominated supervisor. Students take major responsibility for their learning in this module. The supervisor(s) gives guidance as necessary, encouraging the student to be as independent as possible. (confidence – graduate attributes). A co-assessor will also be appointed to provide additional support when and where appropriate and be responsible for marking the literature review and project proposal.

An introductory one-hour lecture is timetabled. The Module Coordinator gives general guidance on the three-course works. Students will receive 70 hrs adaptive/personalised training to support their individual development.

Students will meet with their supervisor to delve into their project and participate in research group meetings. These sessions aim to deepen their understanding of the research domain and foster better integration within the research group.

In this module, students will identify and develop ke y skills in project planning and the specific research skills relevant to their chosen project (research-led teaching – Liverpool hallmarks). Project planning and training in key research skills are critical to allow students to take ownership of their projects at an early stage and ensure realistic targets are set and achieved. These are key skills for Scientists in the area of Digital Chemistry, both in applications of robotics, automation, AI and machine learning in Chemistry and transferrable skills.

In consultation with their supervisor, students will set project goals and identify training requirements and key background literature. They will develop and implement transferrable skills in project management, including safety and data management planning as well as technical research skills.

During regularly scheduled meetings with the project supervisor and research group, students will be able to communicate project aims, context, progress and future plans.

Students will have individual ownership and responsibility for the research project and delivery. Milestones will be reviewed in the research group and supervisor meetings. Students will have a clear understanding of the commitments required from the outset, which will depend on the nature of the project.

Students will work with their supervisor and research group to define the project's plan and identify training needs. Students will prepare a plan for the duration of the project, identifying key milestones (data analysis/experiments + safety and data management plan).

The hours below are associated with the credit value of the module:

Self-Directed Learning: 223 Hours
Lecture: 1 Hour
Supervisor and Group Meetings: 6 Hours
Training: 70 Hours

• Literature review

• Identification of the required skills for completion of the research project

• Identification of the resources required to complete the research project and development of a plan to acquire the necessary skills

• Project planning
- Breakdown of project tasks
- Project time allocation: milestones and deliverables
- Proposal outline.