7B070E - Research Project in Materials, Sustainability and Innovation 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | 7B070E | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Research Project in Materials, Sustainability and Innovation | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Science | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Biology and Chemistry | ||
| Module Leader: | Christian Laycock | ||
| Module Team: | Stephen Carr, Tim Patterson, Jaime Massanet-Nicolau, Gareth Owen, Nildo Costa, Michal Czachor, Rhys Jones | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 60 | Credit Level: | 7 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100225 - materials science | 101038 - applied chemistry | |
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 50 | 50 | |
Document Version Information
| Version | 0 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2027 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2033 |
Module Aims
The main aims of the module are:
To provide students with the opportunity to plan, design and carry out an independent, in-depth research investigation that demonstrates originality, critical thinking and mastery of advanced scientific methods appropriate for Level?7 study.
To enable students to integrate and apply knowledge and skills developed across the programme—including experimental, analytical, computational and sustainability-focused approaches—to address complex, real-world scientific, environmental or technological challenges.
To develop students’ professional research capabilities, including advanced academic writing, data analysis, ethical practice, project management and effective communication of scientific findings to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Content Summary
The Research Project module provides students with the opportunity to undertake a substantial, independent, research-led investigation into a topic aligned with materials science, sustainable chemistry or a relevant interdisciplinary area. Working under academic supervision, students will design, plan and execute an original research project that demonstrates mastery of advanced scientific inquiry, critical evaluation, and autonomous problem-solving expected at Master’s level. Building on knowledge and skills developed throughout the taught modules, students will integrate experimental, analytical, computational or literature-based methods to produce a rigorous dissertation and professional oral presentation.
The module reflects the expectations of a Level 7 research project, requiring extended independent study, engagement with the primary literature, and the ability to communicate complex findings in a clear and academically robust manner. In line with the 2030 Curriculum Design Principles, students will address real-world scientific, environmental or societal challenges through research that is ethically responsible, sustainability-aware and informed by global contexts. The dissertation forms a capstone experience that prepares graduates for professional practice, further research, or doctoral study, meeting RSC expectations for a substantial, publishable-quality Master’s project.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 112 |
| Guided independent learning | 21 |
| Independent research activity | 374 |
| Summative assessment and preparation | 120 |
| Total Hours Selected | 627 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Design and conduct an independent, original research investigation that demonstrates mastery of advanced scientific methods and critical analysis, including rigorous evaluation of data, literature and methodology to produce defensible, well-argued conclusions. |
| LO2 | Synthesize complex scientific information and communicate research findings effectively through a professionally structured dissertation and oral presentation, demonstrating advanced academic writing, coherent argumentation and the ability to engage specialist and non-specialist audiences. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Practical Written Work 1 | The Research Project Proposal (A1) supports early engagement with research design, feasibility assessment and project planning, in line with MLO1’s requirement for independent research design and critical evaluation. This aligns with the Assessment for Learning principle that assessment should guide students through complex learning processes and enable meaningful formative feedback. | 0 | 1200 | 10 | No | 40 |
| Asynchronous Assessment | Portfolio | The Research Project (A2) forms the core of the module and represents the major summative output expected for a 60credit research project. It provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate originality, methodological rigour, critical data analysis, synthesis of literature and advanced academic writing, consistent with RSC Master’s level expectations for substantial independent research. The extended written submission aligns with USW’s emphasis on authentic, research engaged learning and the need for students to show sustained achievement across both module learning outcomes. | 10 | 9600 | 90 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Practical Written Work 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Portfolio | ✔ | ✔ | |