Studying at York
BSc Research Project - CHE00033H
Module summary
The BSc Research Project is a capstone module that allows students to experience independent project work in various settings and areas of the subject. In addition to planning and conducting the project in collaboration with an academic supervisor, the students write a project report that includes a literature review.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2023-24 to Semester 2 2023-24 |
Module aims
- The general aim of the module is to provide experience in carrying out a research project in a specific area of chemistry, and in reporting on that project. The project may take place in an educational setting, in a research laboratory / group setting, or in the teaching laboratory, and it may involve aspects of group work.
- The student will undertake a range of activities with the aim of developing generic research skills while working on a project that also builds on and enhances key elements of their understanding of chemistry.
- The module also aims to develop skills in searching, accessing and understanding the scientific literature as an integral part of the project work and the writing of a referenced report.
Module learning outcomes
Students will develop
- the ability to perform a research project;
- the ability to produce a project report;
- an enhanced ability in research skills, which may include planning, organisation, use of initiative,
team-working, technical, analytical, interpretive, writing, presentation and literature skills; - an enhanced knowledge and understanding of a specific area of chemistry.
- (for 2023-24 only) the ability to interpret spectroscopic data from a range of techniques, typically EPR, multinuclear NMR and IR spectroscopies, to elucidate the structures of coordination and organometallic complexes (by studying Physical Methods for Structure Determination)
Module content
Students will be allocated to a BSc project, having been asked for their preferences and taking these preferences into account.
The possible types of BSc project available will generally include:
- Group Projects. These projects usually involve up to 4-6 students, sometimes fewer, working to cover different aspects of a particular chemical problem. Depending on the project, the group may work as a closely coordinated team, or may work more individually on a general area in which group members have shared interests in techniques, approaches, etc.
- Individual Research Projects. These projects involve working with one of the department’s research groups on a topic devised by the supervisor in consultation with the student.
- Chemistry Education Projects. These projects are aimed at students who have an interest in science education or communication, and they generally include projects involving schools, outreach, or other educational activities. Some projects are individual and others may involve group work.
The students will spend approximately 26 timetabled days on the BSc project, typically working two days per week during weeks 1-11 of Semester 1 and weeks 2-5 of Semester 2. The students will write a project report that includes a literature review within the introduction section. The deadline for report submission is Wednesday week 9 of Semester 2.
Students wishing to graduate with the degree titles BSc Chemistry, Green Principles & Sustainable Processes or BSc Chemistry, the Atmosphere & the Environment must conduct a project in an area that links to the theme of their specialised degree title. Students wishing to graduate with the degree titles BSc Chemistry or BSc Chemistry, Biological & Medicinal Chemistry can conduct a project in an area of the subject of their choosing.
For 2023-24 alone, this module contains a single taught topic, Physical Methods for Structure Determination (10% of module) necessary due to course changes.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 10 |
| Essay/coursework | 90 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
The deadline for project report submission is Wednesday Week 9 Semester 2.
Only the report component is reassessable
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 10 |
| Essay/coursework | 90 |
Module feedback
Individual feedback will be provided by the project supervisors after the project marks are released. General feedback and individual marks will be released within 5 weeks of the Physical Methods for Structure Determination assessment.
Indicative reading
Reading material will be suggested by the supervisors