CH3CRP-Introduction to Chemistry Research and Practice

Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Chris Smith
Email: c.d.smith@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Dr Philippa Cranwell
Email: p.b.cranwell@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

To gain an overview of current chemical research as carried out within Chemistry and the University. To gain an overview of final year project and postgraduate opportunities in the field of Chemistry. To explore, in detail, a specific research topic of interest to the student in partnership with an academic member of staff and present on this to an audience of peers and experts. To write a research synopsis thus demonstrating the capacity for independent and original thought.

Aims:

To gain an overview of current chemical research as carried out in Chemistry and the University. To gain an overview of final year project and postgraduate opportunities in the field of Chemistry. To explore, in detail, a specific research topic of interest to the student in partnership with an academic member of staff and present on this to an audience of peers and experts. To write a research synopsis thus demonstrating the capacity for independent and original thought.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students will be able to: • Write at a level suitable to introduce non-specialists to an advanced topic. • Present an oral overview of a research topic based on independent investigations. • Conduct a background study into the area through a thorough survey of the relevant literature to help inform the presentation and report. [not assessed] • Write a clear overview of an area of interest at the forefront of chemistry research which details the area of interest and the cur rent state of the art demonstrated by researchers from across the globe.

Additional outcomes:

Students should: Gain a better insight into postgraduate research to help inform their career choice; gain experience in note-taking and learning from an informal seminar format; have opportunities to interact with a number of research chemists; develop their oral communication skills by practice in presentations; and demonstrate evidence of individual enquiry through a detailed study of an area of interest.

Outline content:

In the Autumn Term students will attend research presentations given by members of the Department in order to develop an overview of current topics in chemical research on going in the Department. In the Spring Term students will undertake an in-depth study of one specific research topic or technique, following consultation with the academic concerned. Students will give a presentation on this topic and write a report detailing the research area they selected.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Students will attend around 10 seminars over the autumn term. In the spring terms students will have discussions with a member of academic staff and carry out an independent literature investigation on some specific aspect of current research. In addition, students will attend an introductory session on the organisation and assessment of the module.