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CH30144: Dissertation

[Page last updated: 05 August 2021]

Academic Year: 2021/2
Owning Department/School: Department of Chemistry
Credits: 18 [equivalent to 36 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 360
Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Period:
Academic Year
Assessment Summary: DS 55%, OR 15%, OT 30%
Assessment Detail:
  • Dissertation Report (DS 55%)
  • Viva (OT 30%)
  • Presentation (OR 15%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: In taking this module you cannot take CH30050 OR take CH30063
Aims: The aim of the unit is to allow students to develop skills in conducting an in-depth analysis on a chemically-related topic, by collating and critically reviewing original data and presenting the work as written and oral reviews. The dissertation should not simply be a factual report but will attempt to identify and explain correlations, trends and exceptions within the data reviewed.

Learning Outcomes: On completing this Unit the student should be able to:
* Use a variety of methods in searching for information from a range of information sources on a chemistry-related topic;
* Carefully and critically review this information;
* Assess the reliability, importance and significance of individual pieces of information according by their sources and relevance to the topic under study;
* Construct a structured, well-argued and analytical dissertation using the information sourced;
* Defend their analysis of the topic studied in an oral examination based on the dissertation material.

Skills: Planning and organisation (T, F, A), Study skills (F), Information and communication technology (T, F, A), Written communication (T, F, A), Oral communication (T, F, A).

Content: A chemistry topic suitable for review and requiring access to primary data will be chosen by each student from a list provided. A tutor will be assigned to each student to monitor progress and give advice (including formative feedback). The data and its analysis will be reported as a dissertation and an oral presentation. It will be defended in a viva-voce examination. Students will attend a presentation by the Chemistry Librarian on the use of appropriate information sources.

Programme availability:

CH30144 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Chemistry
  • USCH-AFB01 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry (Year 3)
  • USCH-AAB02 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • USCH-AFB07 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery (Year 3)
  • USCH-AAB08 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • USCH-AKB08 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Industrial Placement (Year 4)
  • USCH-AKB02 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry with Industrial Placement (Year 4)
  • USCH-AFB03 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry with Management (Year 3)
  • USCH-AAB04 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry with Management with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • USCH-AKB04 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry with Management with Industrial Placement (Year 4)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2021/22.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.