Module manager: Prof Patrick McGowan
Email: p.c.mcgowan@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Level 2 in Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry
| CHEM3415 | Laboratory Work 3X |
| CHEM3417 | Advanced Lab Work for MChem |
| CHEM3425 | Level 3 Laboratory Work for JYA |
| CHEM3455 | Advanced Lab Work for MChem (Medicinal) |
| CHEM3720 | Laboratory Work 2M |
CHEM3421 Project Work for BSc Students
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Students will (i) undertake a review of the scientific literature in a particular area of chemistry research. (ii) acquire, develop and apply research and evaluation skills by undertaking an extended project. The module is designed to incorporate key requirements as outlined by the RSC in accreditation of chemistry degree programmes.
On completion of this module, students should be able to carry out a literature search in a defined area of chemistry, using books, reviews and journals as source material, and to write a developed and coherent literature review which highlights the continuing developments in the chosen area.
The project will give experience of the design and implementation of a short programme of investigation into a chemical problem using modern experimental techniques.
The project will also develop an awareness of the nature of investigative chemistry, and the ability to interpret and present the available experimental evidence.
Students completing the project will be able to demonstrate:
(a) a detailed appreciation of a specialist area through researching the literature in that area;
(b) an ability to design a search strategy to find literature appropriate to a topic;
(c) the ability to summarise complex research and communicate the important aspects in writing;
(d) the ability to undertake advanced independent investigative work (if experimental work, with due attention to safety)
(e) the ability to design and implement an investigation into a chemical problem using modern experimental techniques;
(f) the ability to interpret and present experimental evidence in a clear scientific report.
(g) the ability to present their own work in poster form and defend it
The project will be allocated from a list of available topics which are appropriate to the overall scheme of study, taking into account the preferences of the student, and will be supervised by a member of staff.
The project will include an initial report / literature review. The literature review requires the selection and detailed study of relevant literature, and a written dissertation of some 4,000 words. Training will be provided in literature searching and referencing.
The practical part will provide them with a more detailed understanding of the allocated topic through research-based learning, reflecting the research expertise within the University. This may take the form of either a laboratory based research project or a hypothesis-driven non laboratory-based project in a subject area of relevance to areas of expertise within the School. Students will apply and further develop their skills to define, refine, plan, implement and complete a relevant project in a timely manner. They will communicate project outcomes effectively by oral and written assessment methods.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Poster session | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Supervision Meetings | 8 | 0.5 | 4 |
| Practical | 30 | 3 | 90 |
| Private study hours | 201 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 99 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Students will meet regularly with their supervisor to review their progress. They will be invited to submit a single iteration of their initial and final reports for feedback prior to submitting their final versions.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Literature Review | 3000-word literature review and project plan | 15 |
| Poster Presentation | Poster presentation | 15 |
| Practical | Supervisor's Assessment | 25 |
| Report | Final report | 45 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 13/05/2025
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