MSCI RESEARCH PROJECT - 2028/9
Module code: CHEM055
Module Overview
This module allows you to experience authentic research in pharmaceutical sciences, applying your knowledge to explore a real scientific question. You will develop independence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while engaging with advanced laboratory or analytical techniques.
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 7
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 366
Lecture Hours: 4
Guided Learning: 80
Module Availability
Year long
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
None
Module content
You will choose your MPharmSci research project by selecting from a list of available projects or, if appropriate, drafting a short mini-proposal outlining your research idea. You will submit your preferences or proposal, which your supervisor will review for feasibility, resources, and alignment with learning outcomes. This process allows you to tailor your project to your interests while ensuring it is achievable and properly supported.
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Project (Group/Individual/Dissertation) | Written Dissertation | 60 |
| Oral exam or presentation | Oral presentation | 40 |
Alternative Assessment
N/A
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to: subject knowledge, practical and Transferable skills
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
Written dissertation (addresses learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3 and 4)
Oral presentation (addresses learning outcomes: 5)
Formative assessment and feedback: Formative assessment in this module will support the development and progress of your research project. You will receive feedback on key stages of your work, such as your project proposal, literature review, and interim progress. Regular meetings with your supervisor will provide opportunities to discuss experimental design, troubleshoot challenges, and reflect on your results. This ongoing feedback will help you refine your approach, develop your research and analytical skills, and prepare for the final project report and presentation.
Module aims
- Provide opportunities to undertake an independent research project in pharmaceutical sciences.
- Develop practical and analytical skills through planning, conducting, and interpreting experiments or analyses.
- Enhance your problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities in a research context.
- Build professional skills in scientific writing, presenting results, project management, and working independently.
- Build professional skills in scientific writing, presenting results, project management, and working independently.
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Apply advanced knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences to plan, design and manage an independent research project. | CKPT |
| 002 | Carry out experiments or analyses, collecting and interpreting data to address a research question | CPT |
| 003 | Critically evaluate results and draw evidence-based conclusions. | CP |
| 004 | Communicate research through written reports and oral presentations. | CPT |
| 005 | Demonstrate professional accountability and ethical conduct in the planning, execution and reporting of research, including compliance with health and safety requirements, risk assessment, COSHH regulations, data integrity, responsible use of resources, and sustainability principles relevant to pharmaceutical and industrial research environments. | 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: develop your independent research, practical, analytical, and professional skills through supervised project work, self-directed study, and active engagement with scientific inquiry.
Lectures: 4h
The learning and teaching methods include:
Supervised one-to-one meetings with project supervisor for guidance and feedback.
Independent research and self-directed study to plan, execute, and analyse project.
Practical laboratory or analytical work applying techniques and methods relevant to your research.
Literature review and critical evaluation to support experimental design and data interpretation.
Written reports and oral presentations to communicate findings effectively
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: CHEM055
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.
In this module, you will develop employability by gaining experience in independent research, problem-solving, project management, and scientific communication. You will strengthen your digital capabilities using specialized software and digital tools for literature searching, data analysis, and presentation of results. The project will also foster resourcefulness and resilience, as you will learn to adapt your approach, troubleshoot challenges, and make decisions when experiments or results do not go as planned. Sustainability will be considered through careful planning of experiments, efficient use of materials and resources, and responsible research practices. Finally, the module supports global and cultural awareness by engaging with international scientific literature and research practices, preparing you to contribute to the global pharmaceutical science community.