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CHEM40280

Academic Year 2024/2025

Chemistry Seminar Programme II (CHEM40280)

Subject:
Chemistry
College:
Science
School:
Chemistry
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
2.5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Joseph Byrne
Credit Split by Trimester:
Autumn 1.25
Spring 1.25
Trimester:
2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Distinction/Pass/Fail (GPA Neutral)

Curricular information is subject to change.

This is a two-semester module taken by students in the 1st year of their PhD.

This module scaffolds and supports graduate researchers in developing a regular habit of attending chemistry research seminars, in particular the School of Chemistry’s Seminar Series. You will reflect on the research presented, appraise speakers’ approaches to science communication, and gain experience writing concise summaries of scientific research for various audiences.

You will assemble a portfolio throughout the year to evidence meeting the learning outcomes.

(Special arrangements are in place for students who start in January, please contact School Office)

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the module you will have demonstrated the ability to:

1. Develop and record a habit of regular attendance at scientific research seminars
2. Summarise new and emerging topics in chemistry research (and related areas)
3. Appraise relevance of research seminar topics to your own research and/or the field as a whole
4. Identify, compare and contrast speakers’ presentation styles/techniques to formulate an opinion of effective science communication approaches
5. Articulate science research in formats aimed at different audiences

This module is marked as distinction/pass/fail and is GPA neutral. There is no final exam.

Indicative Module Content:

Seminars on current research in organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry. Online learning materials on effective science communication will also be provided.

Seminars included in the coursework should primarily include talks from the regular Seminar Series in UCD School of Chemistry. Other appropriate research seminars may also be selected. All seminars must be a minimum of 45 minutes in length, focussed on a single speaker’s research in chemistry or relevant related disciplines.
Appropriate seminars include those from Trinity College Dublin’s Chemistry Seminar Series, or those of other Irish universities or institutes (e.g. UCD Conway Institute). Details of external seminars may be shared if available.

A maximum of 2 webinars that are particularly pertinent to your research interests may also be included, if they meet the above criteria (justification for inclusion should be provided). 1 Plenary lecture as part of a symposium or conference may also be written up as part of the course work.

If you are unsure of the suitability of a seminar for inclusion in your portfolio, please contact the module coordinator.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

12

Autonomous Student Learning

18

Small Group

4

Seminar (or Webinar)

12

Total

46


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Regular attendance at seminars on current chemistry topics;
Communicating scientific research to different audiences, particularly through writing concise summaries;
Peer and group discussions;
Critical and reflecting writing;
Self-directed learning

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Portfolio: Portfolio illustrating learning outcomes met: includes 10 concise summaries of selected seminars, log of attendance, critical reflection on scientific & communication approaches, &1 lay communication Week 14 Autumn, Week 10 Spring, Week 12 Spring Other Yes
100
Yes

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.