What will I learn on this module?
This module comprises the research project for level 6 of the MChem and BSc Hons Chemistry programmes. It is 40 credit module and aims to utilize the student’s subject specific skills up to the point their project begins, both in terms of knowledge and laboratory skills.
It will enable you to identify and define a research topic in a chosen field of study, to plan a strategy for its implementation (in conjunction with an appointed supervisor) and to be responsible for its implementation. It will engender a spirit of enquiry and curiosity in both practical and theoretical aspects of the topic. It will develop your information retrieval and critical appraisal skills, and encourage and require you to apply knowledge gained in other parts of the academic programme. It will enable the you to develop the ability to evaluate experimental methods and data, and to provide the means to present findings and data in oral, poster, and written formats, and enable you to develop and practise skills relating to word-processing, spread-sheets, and other scientific and IT software packages and methods. It will teach you the definition of originality in terms of both reporting research and in generation of intellectual property and patentable ideas
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through 1:1 meetings with your project supervisor, extensive experimental and research laboratory time, guided literature research and independent learning. Each project will be individual but will utilize theories and concepts which will equip you with knowledge and understanding that will enable you to predict and rationalise the outcomes of new situations. Your research will enable you to contribute to knowledge in your chosen subject.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Your learning journey will be supported by 1:1 meetings with your project supervisor, and guided research in an appropriate research setting. Supporting information as to process and appropriate exemplars of submissions types will be available on the module’s eLearning Portal site (eLP).
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will be able to conduct a literature survey on a proposed research topic and prepare a critical review.
2. You will be able to identify and plan the experimental strategy required to implement a programme of work and show understanding of its rationale by means of an oral presentation and written abstract.
3. You will be able to perform relevant laboratory and computational analysis to support a line of enquiry.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. You will be able to conduct appropriate experiments or investigations in a rigorous, efficient, and safety conscious manner
5. You will be able to prepare a poster presentation summarising methods and results and demonstrate a clear understanding of their nature and significance by means of discussions with academic staff.
6. You will be able to explain your findings and its context both orally and visually to an expert and a general audience.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
7. Demonstrate skills and proficiency in a range of transferrable skills including oral and written presentation, computer literacy, literature survey and appraisal, and other general research methods.
8. You will be able to think independently, understand and justify your own opinions.
9. You will be able to demonstrate your curiosity in your subject and its implications in generating new knowledge.
How will I be assessed?
This module will be assessed
- by two oral presentations (in total worth 30%): the first in semester 1 will describe the background and aims of the project with a supporting PowerPoint presentation; the second in semester two describing the preliminary findings of the projects supported by A1 poster, and accompanied by a question and answer session with two academic staff. Feedback will be given immediately orally in both situations. Additionally written feedback from the poster session will given to students prior to report submission.
MLO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9.
- by a final report (worth 70%) which will summarize context, aims, findings and conclusion in an appropriate academic format for a dissertation. Feedback will be given immediately as part of the marking process.
MLO 1,2,3,4,7,8,9
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
The Level 6 Chemistry Research project is designed to enable you to take a topic from the chemistry syllabus and to research it. You will start with a literature search under the direct guidance of your project supervisor which will allow the construction of detailed project aims.
You will then have a period of experimentation over semester 1 and semester 2 to design and carry out open ended experimentation to address your research question. Finally you will be asked to report on your research area and your findings through oral presentations, a linked question and answer session and a final report. Feedback will be given on all assessments either electronically via eLP or in person at oral sessions. This module is designed to aid your employability in the chemistry using sectors, and to teach skills which will increase your employability more widely.
Course info
UCAS Code F110
Credits 40
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Applied Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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