NES8400 : Research Project
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Zuleykha McMillan
- Lecturer: Dr John Errington, Dr Simon Doherty, Dr Julian Knight
- 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To provide students with research training through an investigative project involving original, unpublished work in a modern area of chemistry, and for students registered on the Medicinal Chemistry programme, a specific project related to that specialism; to give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 Learning | Lecture materials | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Guidance in completing the various components of the module |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Project Proposal |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Online safety test and COSHH Form |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Oral examination (viva) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 6 | 0:30 | 3:00 | Online material for project proposal, health & safety, COSHH and preparation for assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Oral Presentation |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 100:00 | 100:00 | Final Report |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured non-synchronous discussion | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Discussion between student and supervisor. |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 11 | 40:00 | 440:00 | Practical work on the project |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 1 | 26:00 | 26:00 | Project planning, data analysis |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured non-synchronous discussion | 2 | 3:00 | 6:00 | Induction session with supervisor and research group (weeks 14 & 15) |
| Total | 700:00 |
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 Examination | 35 | 2 | A | 25 | N/A |
| Oral Presentation | 15 | 2 | A | 10 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 2 | M | 35 | Written Project Report (30 pages). |
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 10 | Project Proposal (1400 words excluding references) |
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | 15 | Assessed project work |
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 5 | Training record |
Zero Weighted Pass/Fail Assessments
| Description | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | M | Online 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
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NES8400's Timetable