CHE-40024 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

N/A

Description for 2020/21

This module will present a number of advanced chemical research topics, focusing on the evolution of chemical understanding through the correct interpretation (or reinterpretation) of experimental data, as well as the design of new experiments to probe alternative/competing theoretical hypotheses. Examples will include important historical breakthroughs as well as nascent 'state-of-the art' projects.
5-6 topics will be offered and taught through seminars. Students will be required to prepare for the seminars by completing problem sheets, or by directed reading of scientific papers. The exam will be 3-hours long with a degree of choice in the questions enabling students to specialise somewhat.

To expand knowledge and understanding of how the scientific method is applied to the cutting edge of chemistry research.
To further develop skills in the interpretation of data sets in the context of corroboration/refutation of chemical hypotheses.
To further understanding of how experiments are designed in order provide meaningful research data.
To increase awareness of the importance of critical scrutiny of research results in order to discover errors, misinformation and incorrect conclusions.

Intended Learning Outcomes

analyse chemical data sets and interpret the results in the context of corroboration/refutation of a particular theoretical hypothesis; will be achieved by assessments: 1
propose new experiments that will allow new data to be collected in order to further test scientific hypothesis; will be achieved by assessments: 1
identify weaknesses/errors in reported scientific research or conclusions drawn from it (e.g. miscalculations, flaws in logic/arguments). will be achieved by assessments: 1

Study hours

Lectures and seminars = 32 hours
Final exam = 3 hours
Preparation for seminars = 16 hours
Independent study = 99 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment