Units
Chemical Research
Unit code: PQB642
Contact hours: 4 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit addresses a selection of topics in advanced chemistry from a range of evolving areas of relevance in modern chemistry and chemical technology such as nanotechnology, drug design, free-radical chemistry and trace metal speciation in environmental and biological systems. It includes the important issue of the societal and ethical implications of the profession of chemistry.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
Professional chemists in the workplace are regularly faced with tasks involving problem-solving and communication in the context of research and/or development. This unit seeks to give final year students some experience of the application of their prior knowledge and skills to a problem chosen from a list of research projects offered by staff members. In addition, students about to graduate should have some knowledge of cutting-edge Chemistry topics, and an appreciation of Health and Safety in the Chemistry workplace and their responsibilities to work safely in a laboratory or chemical plant. Because of its dependence on skills involved in earlier Chemistry units, and the maturity required for approaching advanced-level problems, this unit is programmed in the final semester.
Aims
To introduce you to the methods and skills required for the safe conduct of research and development in Chemistry.
Objectives
On successful completion of this unit, you should:
1. Understand the typical steps involved in undertaking a research project in Chemistry.
2. Have developed new skills and knowledge in the field of your project by in-depth study of the topic.
3. Have acquired or reinforced transferable skills in the fields of retrieval and critical evaluation of chemical information, problem-solving, time management, independent thinking, and scientific communication.
4. Be familiar with relevant parts of the Workplace Health and Safety Act and its application in the profession of Chemistry.
5. Be able to undertake Risk Assessments of Hazardous Substances.
Content
Research Project
You will choose the topic of the research project by consultation with academic staff. Projects will be generated from current or proposed research, teaching or consultancy projects. It is also possible, but unusual, for a student to suggest an independent topic. If you are in relevant employment, it is possible, by arrangement with your employer and the Unit Coordinator, to undertake a work-related project.
A typical selection of recent topics follows:
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
The unit will commence with two three-hour lecture/workshops on Workplace Health and Safety and a Health and Safety Induction program prior to commencing laboratory work on the Research Project. Students will be invited to attend all Chemistry research seminars presented by post-graduate students, staff, and visiting speakers. Attendance at some specialist lectures on current research topics may be required from time to time.
The research project will be carried out in association with the appropriate staff member (and his/her research group, including post-graduate students, where applicable). The normal steps in a research project will be followed, namely formulation of the problem, searching the literature, application of suitable research techniques, collation of data, and production of a substantial printed report. Guidelines will be provided for the report format. Regular face-to-face meetings with the Supervisor are expected. You are expected to pursue work on the project for the equivalent of 7 hours per week for 9 weeks. Actual periods of attendance will be negotiated with the Supervisor and Unit Coordinator.
Assessment
Assessment in this unit will take the form of a major project, the topic for which will be negotiated with your supervisor. For more information please contact the Unit Coordinator.Feedback will be provided to student throughout the semester and additional consultation is available on request from the Unit Coordinator and teaching staff.
Assessment name:
Examination (Theory)
Description:
Formative Only. Written examination on Workplace Health and Safety. This material will be assessed early in semester on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Students will not be allowed to proceed to laboratory work on their project until they have attained a satisfactory mark.
Relates to objectives:
4, 5.
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Early Semester
Assessment name:
Report
Description:
This project report will be assessed by the Supervisor and another staff member according to a criterion matrix. Your diligence during the project and your development according to the above objectives will contribute to the assessment. Feedback on your progress against the project objectives will be provided by regular discussions with your Supervisor during the Semester, and by comments provided by the Supervisor after critical reading of a draft of the project report.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3.
Weight:
100%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
End of Semester
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
There are no prescribed texts, but you will be provided with appropriate guidance on resources required to undertake your project. Your Supervisor will provide suitable entries into the background literature. You will be expected to abstract information from a variety of sources, including the primary journal literature, in consultation with your Supervisor.
Risk assessment statement
The professional practice of Chemistry requires the safe handling of Hazardous Substances. Laboratory work is usually an important part of this unit, so you may be required to handle such substances. The chemicals and procedures used in this unit are examined with respect to their suitability for students at this level of the course. Attendance at a dedicated Health and Safety Induction is compulsory. Having been provided with this information, it is your responsibility to comply with the procedures outlined in this program, for the safety of yourself, your fellow students and staff.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 11-May-2012
