This module provides students with the opportunity to work in small teams to design a new catalyst system for a given problem. Students must use their knowledge and the literature to understand the current state of the art and why an alternative catalyst may be needed. The study will be assessed by the production of a detailed report and an oral/poster presentation.

• Identify catalysis concepts underpinning solutions to a complex open-ended problem.
• Identify and critically evaluate information from multiple sources.
• Make appropriate assumptions and estimate relevant quantities.
• Propose a project solution that shows due consideration of the physical, social, political, economic, environmental, technological and regulatory contexts.
• Demonstrate an ability to work in groups under time pressure.
• Report orally and in writing to different stakeholders.

This module provides students with the opportunity to work in small teams to design a new catalyst system for a given problem. Students must use their knowledge and the literature to understand the current state of the art and why an alternative catalyst may be needed. The study will be assessed by the production of a detailed report and an oral/poster presentation.

The module CHT216 (Colloquium) will provide essential background work on how to use the literature for the purposes of this study and so is an essential co-requisite module.

This is a research, design and problem-solving module in which students are expected to integrate initiative and creativity with a detailed subject knowledge of catalysis.

Specifically, students are expected to:

• Identify existing knowledge and learning needs to address the challenge
• Demonstrate independent learning ability
• Plan and manage their time and a variety of tasks in order to meet deadlines
• Communicate clearly through report writing and briefing documents
• Work effectively as part of a group and in consultation with specialists
• Clearly communicate intentions, processes and solutions the problem through visual, oral and written presentation to professional and academic audiences.

The module will be assessed through an individual report taking the form of a written project proposal (around 15 typed A4 pages, including figures and references) and a group oral/poster presentation (45 minutes). Reports and presentations will be assessed by staff for originality of ideas, soundness of methods, feasibility of project plan, structure and clarity, quality of presentation. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

The module will be reassessed through additional written coursework and/or presentations over the summer. Reassessment coursework will consist of resubmission of a project proposal. Resitting students will not normally be allocated a new problem, and other members of a student’s group would not be expected to contribute unless they were also being reassessed.

The scientific and technical subject matter will be based on concepts developed during the MSc/MRes programme. Students will be expected to supplement this with their own independent literature research.

The content of the reports will be flexible depending on the problem and solution put forward. However, projects should involve consideration of several of the following:

• Understanding existing literature related to the project
• Selection or design of catalysts that exhibit desired properties
• Developing synthetic routes to catalysts
• Analytical and measurement techniques for identification and characterisation of materials
• Sourcing and costs of raw materials, equipment, services and human resources
• Health, safety and the environment
• Intellectual property