CHEMICAL AND PETROLEUM ENGINEERING RESEARCH PROJECT - 2023/4

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 and Petroleum 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

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Module Leader

WU Charley (Chst Chm Eng)

Number of Credits: 30

ECTS Credits: 15

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

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

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

• 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

Alternative Assessment

The alternative to "Oral presentations" and "Poster presentation" is viva voice (15%).

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) – 75% (LO1 – LO4)


• Coursework 2 (Oral Presentation) – 7% (LO5, LO2 – LO3)


• Coursework 3 (Poster Presentation) – 8% (LO5, LO2 – LO3)


• Coursework 4 (Handover Documentation/project engagement) – 10% Submission of all data with appropriate documentation, models, experimental procedures, plan for disposal of chemicals/lab tidy up, proactive engagement through the semester as evidenced in project meeting minutes etc.

• None

• 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

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.

• Supervisor meetings (students are to keep a formal record of discussion and action points for each meeting)


• Tutorials 2 Q&A sessions


• Independent learning, including the regular update of a research portfolio, paper drafting and writing and preparation of presentations

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: ENGM291

Other information

Sustainability: On this module, students have the opportunities to not only work on a specific research project related to sustainability but also develop a good understanding of sustainability for a wide range of chemical processes through attending research seminars and literature study. Many of the research projects offered to students involve the development of integrated processes, optimisation strategies and predictive tools to improve the process efficiency and to better use the resources with reduced costs and waste. 

Digital capabilities: Students are exposed to modelling tools, data analysis and statistical software on their research projects, from which they develop their skills in using these digital tools to address a research question, develop a robust solution and analyse data. Students also routinely utilise digital tools for collaborative working, such as Zoom, Teams, and WhatsApp, to communicate with the project partner and their supervisors.

Employability: The module not only develop students’ research skills, but also consolidate their Chemical engineering knowledge through working on a specific research project. Their research experience and enhanced understanding of a specific topics can dramatically widen their employability, especially improve their competitiveness in securing jobs involving critical thinking and research skills.     

Global and cultural capabilities: On this module, students are immersed in various research groups and labs where they are trained by and engaged with researchers from diverse cultures and background globally. Students are also attending research seminars delivered by external experts from various industries, countries and cultural background.

Resourcefulness and resilience: Students need to develop their research project proposal with the guidance of their supervisors, for which they develop a feasible research plan with duly consideration of resources and infrastructures needed and think through potential risks and contingency plan. Frequent interactions with supervisors and the module leader provide opportunities to resolve any unexpected situations, inspiring them to become more resourceful and resilient.

Programmes this module appears in

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 2023/4 academic year.