This module is a BSc level Year 3 mini project. In this module, students will be assigned an extended experiment on a synthetic (organic or inorganic), physical (catalysis, electrochemistry,surface science, modelling, nanoparticles) or interdisciplinary theme, according to their own interests and abilities, and therefore the aims of the module will differ slightly according to topic. The topic does not necessary have to be research or laboratory based, although these would be expected to cover the majority of cases. Subject to the Module Director''s approval literature-based projects, web design projects and possibly even projects that involve interaction with a local school could be offered.

Depending on the exact nature of the project undertaken the general aims of the module are:

• To give the student a taste of resear ch in a contemporary area of chemistry
• To develop an appropriate experimental technique for the topic undertaken
• To show the use of appropriate characterisation techniques
• To illustrate the use of the library and other information resources as research tools or more generic tools for the appropriation of information
• To familiarise the student with the preparation of written reports
• To teach the skills necessary for the preparation and delivery of a short oral presentation.
• To enable the student to apply web based design and techniques
• To interact with outside bodies (e.g. schools) with the aim of applying or disseminating chemical based knowledge and fostering cooperation

Dpending on the precise emphasis of the individually tailored project, by the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Give a reasoned written exposition of experimental work and achievements
• Make valid deductions from acquired data
• Be capable of giving comprehensible written and oral accounts of experimental work
• Demonstrate an understanding of shortcomings, experimental errors or weakness in data
• Show that they understand the wider social and/or technological relevance of their work

Laboratory Work -

Other -

Organic

Students will carry out a three-step target synthesis. They will be given a target molecule, and will then prepare a short report detailing its proposed synthesis; the synthesis will be the subject of a literature search in the Chemistry library, and an introductory course on the use of appropriate sources will be given. This will occupy the first two weeks. Students will then have eight weeks to complete the 3 steps and characterise the compounds using spectroscopic and analytical methods. They will then prepare a written report and present their results

Inorganic

Students will be given one of seven extended experiments in transition metal chemistry. Typical topics might be: ruthenium(II)-phosphine chemistry, nickel-tetra azamacrocycle chemistry and template macrocycl e synthesis, the effect of phosphine ligands on cobalt-catalysed hydro-formylation, or nickel-phosphine complexes as catalysts for C-C coupling reactions in organicchemistry. Initially, the experiments will follow a script, and collaboration will be required, e.g. for the synthesis of the phosphine ligands, or precursor compounds for the macrocycles. Subsequently, there will be the opportunity to carry out new reactions for which the outcome is unknown. They will then prepare a written report, including an account of previous work in the literature, which will require library work.

Physical

Students will be given an extended experiment in an area of physical chemistry, such as the preparation and properties of nanoparticles. Some degree of collaboration may be required initially, but students will mostly work independently, with the opportunity to perform experiments for which t he outcome is unknown. They will then prepare a written report, including an account of previous work in the literature, which will require library work.

As an alternative to one of the extended experiments, students may be offered the opportunity of being assigned to an academic supervisor, who will devise a short research project that will be performed in that supervisor''s laboratory. They will then prepare a written report, including an account of previous work in the literature, which will require library work.

Non-Laboratory Based Projects

Subject to the Module Director''s approval literature-based projects, web design projects and possibly even projects that involve interaction with a local school could be offered.