Module Details

Module Code: CHEA8007
Title: Scientific Research Practice
Long Title: Scientific Research Practice
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4424 - Analytical Chemistry
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: In this module, students investigate: (i) information sources in Analytical chemistry, (ii) the principles of research methodology for scientific experimentation, and (iii) the range of advanced analytical techniques and methods for the solution of analytical problems. Applying this knowledge, the student, under the direction of a project supervisor, researches their 4th year project, develops the scope of their project, prepares and presents an implementation plan, literature review and powerpoint presentation. The student communicates the research process and outcomes of their work in a style and manner appropriate for professional practitioners in their discipline.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Retrieve information from appropriate information sources. Review this literature to determine the current knowledge in the project area. Develop critical thinking.
LO2 Apply the principles of analytical science to develop new methods, critically evaluate existing methods, and compare different methods for the solution of problems in chemical analysis.
LO3 Evaluate potential courses of actions for the project considering appropriate design, safety, commercial (Intellectual property) and ethical criteria (Code of Good Practice in Research) and implement the appropriate project strategy and analytical methodologies to solve the problem. Consider the use of multiple analytical techniques/methods for the solution of analytical problems with the BioPharmaChem industry.
LO4 Investigate factors that influence the performance of a number of analytical techniques including multi-variable analysis.
LO5 Prepare and disseminate final year project implementation plan
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Information Sources in Analytical Chemistry
Information storage and retrieval. Primary information sources (digital resources) - search engines, scientific journals, patents; secondary and tertiary information sources - abstracts, indexes, books, data-bases. Impact of digital resources on information storage and retrieval. Code of Good Practice in Research.
Literature Survey
Researching a topic area. Mining, gathering, critically analysing and referencing research and other appropriate literature.
Solution of Analytical Problems
Stages in the solution of analytical problems - problem specification, selection of analytical method, sampling of bulk material, sample pretreatment, matrix effects, analyte measurement, assessment of analytical measurements. Poster presentation preparation.
Written Report
Writing a professional report in a manner appropriate to the discipline (BioPharmaChem industry).
Oral Presentation
Preparation and delivery of a short oral presentation of the project plan. Development of communication skills.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Performance Evaluation % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 3 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Preparation of a Poster presentation (e.g. on solving a prescribed analytical problem).
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Theory test on Analytical Methodology
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Comprehensive professional literature review
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 10
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 5
Assessment Description
Short presentation to determine if learner has engaged with the project
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Computer focused lectures on analytical methodology theory, literature review theory and project planning strategy Every Week 2.00 2
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Supervisor contact Every Week 0.25 0.25
Independent Learning Non Contact Preparation of Literature review Every Week 4.75 4.75
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.25
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Computer focused lectures on analytical methodology theory, literature review theory and project planning strategy Every Week 2.00 2
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Supervisor contact Every Week 0.25 0.25
Independent Learning Non Contact Literature review Every Week 4.75 4.75
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.25
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Jim Ollhoff. How to Write a Literature Review: A Workbook in Six Steps, Kindle Edition. Amazon, https://www.amazon.co.uk/.
  • Professor Duncan Angwin. How to write a literature review, Kindle Edition. Amazon, https://www.amazon.co.uk/.
  • Skoog,D.A. Holler,F.J. & Crouch,S.R.. (2007), Principles of Instrumental Analysis, 6th. Thomson Brooks/Cole, [ISBN: 978 0 495 01201 6].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Pierre Gy; translated by A. G. Royle. (1998), Sampling for analytical purposes, Wiley, [ISBN: 9780471979562].
  • Robert E. Maizell. (1998), How to find chemical information, 3rd. Wiley, [ISBN: 9780471125792].
  • Julian Tyson. (1988), Analysis - What Analytical Chemists do, Royal Society of Chemistry, [ISBN: 0851864635].
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SCHQA_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Analytical Chemistry with Quality Assurance 7 Mandatory