Module Catalogue

NES8400 : Research Project

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students
  • Module Leader(s): Dr John Errington
  • Lecturer: Dr Ian Hardcastle, Dr Hanno Kossen, Dr Zuleykha McMillan
  • Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
Semester 2 Credit Value: 60
ECTS Credits: 35.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

To provide students with research training through an investigative project involving original, unpublished work in a modern area of chemistry, and for students registered on the Medicinal Chemistry programme, a specific project related to that specialism; to give students the experience of working in a research environment.

Outline Of Syllabus

The project provides Stage 4 students with an opportunity to work in an active research environment on a project relevant to their areas of interest. Students registered on the Medicinal Chemistry programme will complete a project in the relevant specialism.

Students indicate their research area preferences at the start of Stage 4.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Structured Guided LearningLecture materials51:005:00Guidance in completing the various components of the module
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion130:0030:00Project Proposal
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion110:0010:00Online safety test and COSHH Form
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion130:0030:00Oral examination (viva)
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion60:303:00Online material for project proposal, health & safety, COSHH and preparation for assessment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion130:0030:00Oral Presentation
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion1100:00100:00Final Report
Guided Independent StudyProject work126:0026:00Project planning, data analysis
Structured Guided LearningStructured non-synchronous discussion23:006:00Induction session with supervisor and research group (weeks 14 & 15)
Structured Guided LearningStructured non-synchronous discussion201:0020:00Discussion between student and supervisor.
Guided Independent StudyProject work1140:00440:00Practical work on the project
Total700:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Present In Person or Online lectures provide guidance for completion of the different components, including writing the project plan and report, laboratory work and presentation skills. Most of the project involves training in research methods, i.e. literature searching, planning, safety, record keeping, communication and teamwork provided by the supervisor and senior members of the research group. Lab time will be maximised within health and safety guidelines.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Oral Examination352A25N/A
Oral Presentation152A10N/A
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Report2M35Written Project Report (30 pages).
Written exercise1M10Project Proposal (1400 words excluding references)
Practical/lab report2M15Assessed project work
Written exercise1M5Training record
Zero Weighted Pass/Fail Assessments
Description When Set Comment
Computer assessmentMOnline safety test and COSHH form
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Projects may be in labs or computer based. Assessment of the practical work performed during the project will be carried out by the project supervisor. The coursework exercises include an online safety and risk assessment exercise, a written project plan and literature survey and attendance at the School research seminars. Students will be expected to submit a final written report at the end of the module. Students will deliver a final presentation (15 minutes), summarising their work, to an audience consisting of their peers and members of staff. Academic staff assess the Project Plan and Final project Report and conduct an oral examination (35 minutes) of the candidate. Student progress is monitored via their regular online submissions to a “Project “Portfolio” which provides a skills and professional development record.

These various components assess all aspects of the student’s research skills, knowledge gained and professional development during the project, and are consistent with best practice throughout UK Chemistry departments. They enable students to demonstrate and gain credit for their different strengths as related to research.

Reading Lists

Timetable