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    Overview

    An introduction to the concepts and practice of research methodology and analysis through critical assessment of published literature, attendance at departmental seminar presentations and a research project.

    CHEM 390 is designed to allow students to experience research in chemistry by exposure to the scientific chemistry literature and participating in a practical research project. It will give students an opportunity to develop their oral, written and experimental skills and to investigate in-depth multidisciplinary chemical topics.

    About this paper

    Paper title Introduction to Independent Research and Methods
    Subject Chemistry
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Full Year (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Schedule C
    Science
    Eligibility

    CHEM 390 is intended for 300-level students planning to continue into postgraduate chemistry courses.

    Enrolments for this paper require departmental permission.
    View more information about departmental permission.

    Contact
    Dr Eng Wui Tan
    Tel 64 3 479 7926
    Location: Science II, 2n9
    ewtan@chemistry.otago.ac.nz
    Teaching staff
    Course Co-ordinator: Dr Eng Wui Tan
    List of project supervisors will change annually.
    Paper Structure

    The main part of the paper requirements is an extended research project (at least 50 hours), working with an academic supervisor. Students will choose from a list of available research topics and supervisors at the start of the year. The research period can be completed at any time during the academic year, in consultation with the supervisor. Students will present a 15-minute talk on their topic and write a dissertation describing their research efforts at the end of the year.

    Students will be required to keep a logbook of their work in this paper. Class meetings will be held approximately every fortnight. Students will also be required to attend departmental seminars given by visiting lecturers and will write summaries on at least four seminars of their choice. Students can also spend time working with the Chemistry Outreach team in local schools.

    Textbooks
    Textbooks are not required for this paper.
    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation,Teamwork.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes
    Objectives:
    • To develop an ability to critically evaluate the importance and significance of chemical literature and presentations
    • To gain experience in self-paced learning
    • To give students the opportunity to develop written and oral skills via a constructive feedback process
    • To allow students to become familiar with and utilise the various methods of information retrieval commonly used in chemistry

    Timetable

    Full Year

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    None

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Thursday 12:00-12:50 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39
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