Module manager: Prof Dejian Zhou
Email: d.zhou@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Level 3 of an MChem programme in Chemistry or equivalent.
CHEM4460 Laboratory-based Project Work 6M (renumbered)
This module is not approved as a discovery module
On completion of this module students:
- should have an understanding of the aims, nature and methodology of a chemistry research project;
- will have gained experience of the design and implementation of an investigation into a chemical problem using modern experimental techniques;
- should have developed an awareness of the nature of investigative chemistry, and the ability to interpret and present experimental evidence;
- should have enhanced and developed their practical and problem solving skills.
Students will have the opportunity to develop their communication skills, and to describe their work completely through a variety of media, including a detailed written report and both verbal and poster presentations.
Following a short induction programme (which will provide more general information and instruction on topics such as safety in the laboratory and the COSHH regulations, library and literature search facilities), students will undertake a substantial laboratory-based project. This will be allocated from a list of available topics taking account the preferences of the student, and will be supervised by a member of staff.
A second supervisor will also be allocated to provide additional support. During the initial stages of the project, the student will work in co-operation with the supervisor to formulate the direction of the research.
The major part of the project will feature the collection (under supervision) and evaluation of relevant experimental data to meet the specific aims and objectives of the project.
During the course of the project, the students will be supported by regular supervisions with their research supervisor, and by seminars on practical techniques and presentation skills (posters, oral presentations and report writing) to prepare them for the final presentation stages of the project. The latter will include the preparation of a substantial written report, the display of a poster presentation at an organised event.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 20 | 1.5 | 30 |
| Independent Learning | 75 | 4 | 300 |
| Seminar | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Private study hours | 265 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 335 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 600 | ||
- 5 x 2 hour seminar preparation and follow up = 10 hours
- Preparation of reports and presentations = 255 hours.
- Supervisors' support via regular meetings throughout the module.
(Supervisor and Second Supervisor)
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Report | Initial report, 2000-2500 words | 10 |
| Practical | Supervisor's assessment of practical work | 35 |
| Presentation | 'Flash' and poster presentations | 20 |
| Report | Final report | 35 |
| 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: 09/04/2025
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