BSC RESEARCH PROJECT - 2028/9
Module code: CHE3083
Module Overview
This module provides you with the opportunity to put the knowledge and skills developed throughout your degree into practice through an independent research project in pharmaceutical sciences. You will undertake research investigation aligned with the themes of the programme, working as part of the research group of an academic supervisor. You will plan and carry out a defined research project, gaining hands-on experience in research techniques relevant to pharmaceutical science and, where appropriate, exposure to new methods and technologies. Throughout the project, you will develop your ability to work independently while also contributing to a wider research team. The module will support your development of professional research skills, including critical evaluation of scientific literature, data analysis, and problem solving. You will also strengthen your understanding of scientific writing and presentation by preparing a structured written report and presenting your work in an appropriate academic format. By the end of the module, you will have developed confidence in conducting research, communicating scientific findings, and applying your skills in a way that prepares you for employment in industry, further study, or research-based careers.
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 2028/9 academic year.
Module provider
Chemistry
Module Leader
ZARMPI Panagiota (Chst Chm Eng)
Number of Credits: 45
ECTS Credits: 22.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 6
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 396
Lecture Hours: 4
Guided Learning: 50
Module Availability
Year long
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
None
Module content
This module guides you through the full research process within pharmaceutical sciences, beginning with selecting an area of interest based on programme themes. Projects are assigned according to student preference and available academic supervisors, and you are expected to discuss and refine your project plan with your supervisor. You will complete COSHH and health and safety assessments before undertaking independent experimental work or contributing to a research team, applying and developing specialised laboratory techniques. You will analyse and critically evaluate your data, integrate findings with relevant literature, and reflect on limitations and challenges. Finally, you will communicate your research through a structured written report and an oral presentation, demonstrating your ability to defend conclusions and demonstrate professional research competence.
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Project (Group/Individual/Dissertation) | Written Dissertation | 70 |
| Oral exam or presentation | Oral presentation | 30 |
Alternative Assessment
N/A
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to evaluate your ability to conduct and interpret research independently, communicate findings clearly in written and oral formats, and demonstrate critical analysis, scientific reasoning, and professional competence.
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
Written dissertation (addresses learning outcomes: 1,2, 3, 4, 5 and 6)
Oral presentation (addresses learning outcomes: 2, 5 and 6)
Formative assessment and Feedback
Continuous formative feedback on your performance will be given through regular meetings with your supervisor, progress reviews, and draft submissions. This feedback will support your development throughout the research project and help you improve your final written report and oral presentation.
Module aims
- Develop the ability to plan and carry out research independently or as part of a team
- Gain specialised experience in a chosen area of pharmaceutical science, aligned to the research themes of the programme
- Become familiar with scientific communication, including preparing structured written reports and delivering effective oral presentations.
- Develop the ability to critically evaluate experimental results, draw evidence-based conclusions, and reflect on the limitations and implications of research.
- Develop professional accountability through the application of research ethics, risk assessment, COSHH requirements, and regulatory compliance in research practice.
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Acquire and apply specialised research methods, techniques, and tools relevant to the project, demonstrating practical competence in their effective and appropriate use. | KP |
| 002 | Demonstrate professional accountability in the planning and conduct of research by applying relevant principles of research ethics, risk assessment, health and safety, data integrity, sustainability, and regulatory or professional requirements appropriate to the project. | KT |
| 003 | Explore and apply new scientific concepts and methodologies, critically evaluating their relevance and suitability to research question. | CK |
| 004 | Plan, conduct, and manage experimental work independently, including troubleshooting practical issues and adapting procedures when necessary. | CP |
| 005 | Analyse and evaluate experimental data, drawing evidence-based conclusions and situating findings within the scientific literature through effective literature searching and integration. | CT |
| 006 | Communicate and defend research findings in written and oral formats, producing a structured report and delivering a presentation while responding to questions with reasoned justification. | 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 support independent research skills, develop practical competence through supervised laboratory work, and enhance scientific communication through structured reporting and presentations.
Lectures: 4h
The learning and teaching methods include supervisor-led research guidance, independent experimental work, literature review and data analysis support, and structured development of scientific writing and presentation skills.
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: CHE3083
Other information
The school of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience.
This module will help you develop essential professional skills. You will enhance your digital capabilities by analysing data using online software, drafting your report, and using reference management tools such as EndNote and presentation software like PowerPoint. You will build resourcefulness and resilience through problem-solving, searching literature to support your findings, and responding to constructive feedback. Working as part of a research team will strengthen your global and cultural capabilities, including communication and collaboration. You will also learn sustainable laboratory practices, including minimising waste and effective disposal of materials. Overall, the module will support your employability by building confidence in the laboratory, developing independent research skills, and improving your ability to disseminate scientific findings.