This module trains students in searching, retrieving, managing and subsequent analysis and critical discussion of current scientific literature in a specialised area of research. The module will develop written communication skills through the preparation of a written literature review report in one of the standard formats (e.g. RSC and ACS). The module will also develop oral communication skills. Each student works on their own specialised chemical topics and these topics are typically aligned with the topic of the student’s Part II project. 

• Collect, manage and critically review a body of scientific literature in a specialised area of knowledge. 

• Critically evaluate the published interpretations of data and generate alternative interpretations where appropriate. 

• Develop and support a professional opinion in a specialised area of knowledge using scientific literature. 

• Report (in writing and orally) chemical information at a professional standard. 

The module is delivered through two 2-hour workshops on handling scientific literature. Further support on reviewing scientific literature and delivering presentations is provided through a wide range of material for self study as required in learning modules on Learning Central.  

Supervision during the preparation of a written report and a presentation will be provided by the member of staff proposing the topic of the literature study. A minimum of three meetings between the student and the project supervisor is anticipated (one to discuss the topic of the review, one to discuss an early draft of the literature review and one to discuss a late draft of the literature review). These meetings will enable and support student learning of complex and specialised knowledge and skills, but the student is expected to develop the autonomous learning processes associated with the preparation of critical literature reviews.

1. Finding scientific literature relevant to a specialised chemistry topic 

2. Critically reviewing a body of scientific literature on a specialised chemistry topic 

3. Writing critical review reports  

4. Presenting findings in public and engaging in public discussion 

The presentation and the report will allow the student to: (1) demonstrate his/her ability to judge and critically review a significant body of existing literature in a specialised area of research; (2) present results from a study of the scientific literature in both written and oral form. The assessment criteria are provided to students on Learning Central in the form of the marking forms used by the markers. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

The format of the reassessment is the same as the format of the original assessments. 

Type of assess   %  Contr  Title                                                                                                                                                        Duration               Approx. date of Assessment 

Dissertation         50              Written Review A written critical review of the scientific literature in a specialised area of chemistr     10-12 pages          End of spring semester 

Presentation        50             Oral Presentation Individual Oral Presentation                                                                                       20+5 format.          End of spring semester 

• Application of information technology in chemistry 

• Writing of reports in one of the standard formats in chemistry 

• Plagiarism and its potential consequences 

• Oral presentation and scientific discussion 

• The module consists of a literature review of a specialised area of knowledge, resulting in a written report and an oral presentation. Students are allocated a supervisor and agree a topic which can be in any area of the student’s MSc programme but must be focussed on chemical aspects of the selected topic.