CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH PROJECT - 2020/1

Module code: ENGM290

Module Overview

The module is intended to provide a bridge between the research activities of CPE academics and the contents of the MEng programme in Chemical Engineering by providing students with an opportunity for independent research-based learning through individual projects. Advanced training is also provided on academic conferencing and publication skills, such as networking, research abstract / paper writing and presentation skills.

Module provider

Chemical and Process Engineering

Module Leader

WU Charley (Chm Proc Eng)

Number of Credits: 30

ECTS Credits: 15

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Workshop Hours: 6

Independent Learning Hours: 280

Tutorial Hours: 14

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

Completion of the progression requirements to FHEQ Level 7 of the degree courses in Chemical Engineering. Prior completion of ENGM275.

Module content

Indicative content includes:

General Research Work:


  • Experimental, simulation or data-analysis work

  • Results / data preparation and interpretation

  • Research paper preparation

  • Presentation preparation and delivery



Workshop Support:


  • Publication processes

  • Journal selection: Impact Factor, Eigenfactor

  • Research paper writing: paper design; tense, voice and person; common errors / good practice; writing process and tips; conference and journal paper abstracts

  • Academic conferencing: conference process; preparation and motivation; paper title and abstract considerations; presentation design and delivery; networking; stress management.


Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Coursework Research Paper 85
Coursework Presentations 10
Coursework Handover Documentation 5

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the full range of learning outcomes though a range of deliverables relevant to real (professional) research work.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:


  • Coursework 1 (Research Paper) – 85% (LO1 – LO4)

  • Coursework 2 (Presentations) – 10%, this will consist of individual presentations (5%), a group poster presentation and defence (2.5%) and production of a brief video for public engagement (LO5, LO2 – LO3)

  • Coursework 3 (Handover Documentation) – 5% Submission of all data with appropriate documentation, models, experimental procedures, plan for disposal of chemicals/lab tidy up etc.



Formative assessment


  • None



Feedback


  • Weekly verbal feedback during supervisor meetings (LO1 – LO5)

  • Written feedback on Coursework 1-3 (LO1 – LO4)


Module aims

  • Develop comprehensive independent learning skills through a research project.
  • Prepare students for further professional research training through, e.g., doctoral programmes.

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
001 Demonstrate familiarity with the major stages of planning, executing and reporting a research project. CPT
002 Design a practical, numerical or other evidence-based tests of a theory. KCPT
003 Evaluate experimental or simulation results in the context of known theory and / or scientific conjecture KC
004 Write a journal article of an appropriate (early-career researcher) standard. KCPT
005 Present and defend research work to an academic audience, and to the public. CPT

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:


  • Facilitate independent and curiosity learning through the careful supervision of research work that is further supported by generic skills-based workshops.



The learning and teaching methods include:


  • Supervisor meetings 14 hours distributed over 15 weeks (students are to keep a formal record of discussion and action points for each meeting)

  • Workshops 3 two-hour workshops

  • Independent learning ~21.5 hours per week for 13 weeks (average), including the execution of research, paper drafting and writing and preparation of an oral and poster presentation


Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ENGM290

Other information

N/A

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.