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Green and Sustainable Chemistry Research Project (MSc) - CHE00042M

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  • Department: Chemistry
  • Credit value: 80 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25
  • Notes: This is an independent study module

Module summary

The project provides advanced independent experience and mastery of carrying out original research via technical and non-technical skills, such as team-working, planning and organisation. Projects are sometimes carried out in collaboration with industry and other sponsoring bodies giving the student direct contact with an industrialist/external and experience of their interests, priorities and constraints. Projects can be lab based or non-lab based, however all projects are required to demonstrate an ability to address one or more of the UN SDGs, show the green and sustainable context underpinning the work and reflect on decolonisation of research through Matharu Plots.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Summer Semester 2023-24

Module aims

The project provides advanced independent experience and mastery of carrying out original research via technical and non-technical skills, such as team-working, planning and organisation. Projects are sometimes carried out in collaboration with industry and other sponsoring bodies giving the student direct contact with an industrialist/external and experience of their interests, priorities and constraints. Projects can be lab based or non-lab based, however all projects are required to demonstrate an ability to address one or more of the UN SDGs, show the green and sustainable context underpinning the work and reflect on decolonisation of research through Matharu Plots.

Module learning outcomes

  • Conceive independent original work or offer original interpretation to existing work based on critical evaluation of existing literature and employ advanced research skills.

  • Independently assimilate and apply advanced theoretical principles, concepts and skills taught in the course to practical applications and wider picture contexts.

  • Independently communicate, articulate, defend, accept accountability for related decision-making and master advanced scientific work, rationale and complex argument to relevant audiences via different media through the project report and oral presentation.

The specific module learning outcomes map onto the following Programme Learning Outcomes

PLO 1: Apply whole systems thinking and inter/trans-disciplinary approaches to the creative problem solving of complex global grand challenges using holistic green chemistry and sustainable industrial technology related interventions in concert with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)

PLO2: Apply a range of advanced research skills, principles, methodologies and approaches to be able to undertake cutting-edge research, either laboratory or non-laboratory based, in the area of green and sustainable chemistry and allied sectors.

PLO3: Effectively communicate detailed, complex, green and sustainable chemistry research concepts to both experts and non-experts through the application of a variety of key transferable skills such as IT, scientific writing, oral presentations, posters, team-working,etc

PLO4: Critically evaluate and debate research literature and explain its relevance to green chemistry frameworks, including and beyond the 12 Principles, development of circular biobased economies, UN SDGs and decolonisation of research.

Module content

Students will work independently (under academic supervision) on their research project throughout Semester 2 and the Summer Semester before submitting a written report and giving a presentation.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 87.5
Oral presentation/seminar/exam 12.5

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 87.5

Module feedback

Students will receive written feedback on their assessments

Indicative reading

This will vary depending on the project area.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.