Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
1
SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES Te Wānanga Matū
2012
COURSE OUTLINES:
CHEM 400 AND 500 COURSES &
CHEMISTRY FOR HONOURS &
MASTERS IN CHEMISTRY
2
Enquiries:
Honours, Postgraduate Diploma of Science and MSc Part I in Chemistry,
CHEM 400 Courses
Dr Joanne Harvey
Honours and MSc Part I Adviser
Room AM207
Telephone: ++64 +4 463 5956, fax ++64+4 463 5237
Email: [email protected]
Professor John L. Spencer
Deputy Honours Adviser
Room LB406A
Telephone: ++64 +4 463 5119, fax ++64+4 463 5237
Email: [email protected]
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600
Wellington, New Zealand
Email: [email protected]
Chemistry website: http://www.victoria.ac.nz/scps
University website: http://www.victoria.ac.nz
International students: http://victoria-international.ac.nz
3
VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF WELLINGTON
SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES
INTRODUCTION
This booklet contains general information, course requirements and course
outlines for Chemistry Honours and Masters students. It is also relevant to
students taking some of the CHEM 400 courses as part of
BBmedSc(Hons), BScTech and Postgraduate Diploma in Science. It
should be used in conjunction with the timetables for Trimester 1 and 2,
which are supplied separately and show the precise rooms and times for
each lecture, plus dates for assessment exercises.
CHEMISTRY FOR HONOURS
The programme leading to an Honours degree in Chemistry is
intended to provide candidates with a thorough knowledge of all the
important principles and practices in the field. The course work is
rigorous and the experimental project work (performed under the direct
supervision and guidance of your allocated supervisor) demanding.
Nevertheless, it should provide you with an especially stimulating and
enjoyable year.
Critical to success in an Honours programme is the commitment and
dedication of the candidate throughout the year – no amount of late
revision can make up for inadequately researched and composed course
notes. Assessment is based on assignments, tests and final examination
results in the written papers, and the allocated grades for the research
courses are determined from oral presentations, written reports and
performance in the lab. A typical Chemistry Honours programme would
consist of CHEM 421 – 425, 480 and 489 (120 points). However, there is
scope to accommodate students with particular backgrounds or objectives
through the Directed Individual Study paper CHEM 441, or by the
substitution of courses from other disciplines listed in the Faculty’s
Honours or Masters Schedule of Courses.
Honours degrees are awarded a class [First, Second (first division),
Second (second division) and Third] based on overall performance, not on
a mechanical averaging of marks. You may be asked to attend an oral
exam that will aid in determining the appropriate class to award.
4
COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR CHEMISTRY FOR HONOURS
[BSc(Hons)]
You must complete the requisite number of assignments for each
course and these must be submitted by the specified deadline. If you wish
to request an extension for good reason (e.g. a medical reason), please see
the Honours Coordinator.
The School takes great pride in its research strengths and successes,
and it regards the contribution from its Honours students as a significant
component of this. Your right of access to staff is unquestioned and your
place as a member of the School guaranteed.
Naturally, there are certain expectations of our senior students. Thus
your attendance at all Chemistry Seminars (usually Friday 12-1 pm),
research group meetings, and other activities is assumed and noted. Your
training programme also addresses the need for science communication
and thus as part of CHEM 480 and 489 you will be scheduled in April and
September to deliver short seminars to the School, the first on the
background to your projected work (CHEM 480) and the latter on your
accomplishments (CHEM 489). You will receive guidance on preparing
presentations in CHEM 480 workshops. Note that the presentations will
be assessed and the mark will contribute to the overall mark in each of the
two courses concerned.
Attendance at the course lectures should be followed by revision of
the lecture details and performing the attendant reading sooner rather than
later. It is important to schedule this so that it does not detract from your
laboratory commitments. You should strive to be role models to your
juniors by adopting a good work ethic, especially in any demonstrating or
tutoring work you do. You should aim to read some chemical literature
each week: Chemical Communications, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. and J. Am.
Chem. Soc. provide an ideal starting place.
If you have any questions, comments or criticisms of any part of your
graduate programme you should address these to the Honours Coordinator
or the Dean of Students (Ms Shona de Sain). Alternatively, you may wish
to discuss issues with the Honours Course Class Representative who will
be elected early in Trimester 1.
In-Course Requirements for the Honours programme are
submission of assignments on time, attendance at any scheduled tests, the
presentation of two short seminars, meeting the various deadlines for
project record keeping and reporting, attendance at group meetings or
other meetings called by your project supervisor, and attendance at all
Chemistry seminars.
5
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CHEMISTRY
The Master of Science in Chemistry consists of two parts. Part I is
comprised of CHEM 580 plus 90 points of written courses, usually CHEM
421-425 (75 points) and CHEM 441 (Directed Individual Study) or TECH
411 or 412 or other relevant 400-level courses in other disciplines. Part II
is a Masters thesis based on a research project.
The Master of Science in Chemistry is awarded with a class of
Honours [First, Second (first division), Second (second division)] on the
basis of the combined marks from Part I and the thesis marks from two
examiners.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTER OF SCIENCE IN
CHEMISTRY [MSc Part I]
Most of the points referred to on the previous page are just as
relevant to Part I of the MSc (in Chemistry) programme where the lecture
courses are the same. The BSc(Hons) Research Project (CHEM 489) plus
Research Preparation (CHEM 480) are replaced by CHEM 580 Research
Preparation, which has a number of elements in common with both CHEM
480 and CHEM 489 but differs in timing and assessment. Students
enrolled in CHEM 580 are expected to attend the skills workshops and
complete the exercises as required for CHEM 480. The research project
forms Part II of the degree programme with a formal thesis submission and
examination of it by an external and internal examiner. The time for
research is normally twelve months but not more than 18 months including
write-up and submission. Candidates may register for Pt II immediately
after completion and assessment of the written papers (from December 1)
or at any time thereafter, but normally no later than the commencement of
the next academic teaching year.
For MSc (Hons) Pt II candidates the project is presented as a formal
thesis, and is assessed by an external and an internal examiner. Final
submission must be no later than 18 months after first registration for Part
II as this is the maximum time allowable under the MSc regulations for
full-time study: generally the Dean does not look favourably upon
applications for extension of time. To aid the process of producing the
thesis, a copy of the ‘Introduction’ chapter should be submitted to the
supervisor no later than 12 months after first registration for Part II, and a
draft of the full thesis no later than 15 months after registration.
Two oral presentations are required during the Masters degree: the
first as part of CHEM 580 in September of Part I, and the second close to
completion of Part II.
6
Further information on the MSc is available from the Post-graduate
Coordinator, Associate Professor Richard Tilley.
TRANSFERS
BSc(Hons) candidates are eligible to change to MSc(Hons) at any
time prior to examination for the BSc(Hons) degree, ie before the
CHEM489 project report is due. It should, however, be noted that MSc
Part I requires 120 points, so an extra course worth 15 points needs to be
added to compensate for the condensation of CHEM 480 (15 points) plus
CHEM 489 (30 Points) into CHEM 580 (30 points). Therefore it is
prudent to begin the process of transferring before the start of Trimester 2.
Candidates who have completed an Honours degree or a
PostGraduate Diploma in Chemistry may be admitted directly into Part II.
CORE WRITTEN PAPERS – CHEM 421, 422 & 42 CHEM 421, 422, and 423 are each worth 15 points and each consists
of an 18 lecture programme (3 x 6 lectures) plus additional tutorials.
Assessment is on the basis of a final exam, a test on the first two blocks of
lectures, and an assignment for each block of lectures.
ADVANCED TOPICS IN CHEMISTRY – CHEM 424 & 425 CHEM 424 and 425 are each worth 15 points and consist of an 18
lecture (3 x 6 lectures) programme plus additional tutorials. Assessment is
on the basis of a final exam and an assignment for each block of lectures.
There is a great degree of flexibility in these courses, in which academics
and other researchers present lectures on areas of relevance to their
research; students choose to attend and complete assessment on THREE
of these topics (usually 6–7 topics are offered each trimester).
RESEARCH PAPERS – CHEM 480 & 489 (for Honours) or
CHEM 580 (for Masters) These courses are of a type that you will not have encountered
previously. They consist of a laboratory research project undertaken
through two trimesters (CHEM 489), including the written and oral
communication of the science undertaken, and workshops on techniques
and tools associated with performing research.
7
CHEM 421: ORGANIC & BIO-ORGANIC CHEMISTRY (2/3)
CRN 13725 - 15 points
Advanced areas of organic chemistry relevant to modern research are
discussed, including mechanisms of reactions, stereochemistry and the
experimental methods of elucidating structure, applications of
spectroscopy to organic chemistry, and modern strategies for the synthesis
of complex molecules, including those with asymmetric centres, through
retrosynthetic strategy. Particular attention will be given to molecules of
medicinal or biological interest.
Prerequisite: CHEM 301
Course lecturers and topics:
Assoc. Prof. Peter Northcote – Advanced organic mechanism
Dr Joanne Harvey – Asymmetric synthesis
Dr Mattie Timmer – Retrosynthesis and Synthetic Strategy
Timetable:
Trimester 2; lectures are at 9:00-9:50 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in
AM104. One tutorial per lecture block will be arranged during the
teaching period at a time to suit all. Pre-exam tutorials can be arranged at
times that suit all concerned.
Minimum requirements:
Attendance at lectures
Completion and submission of all assignments on time
Satisfactory performance in the in-course test
Attendance at and satisfactory performance in the final exam
Assessment:
20% Assignments (three assignments)
10% In-course test (50 minutes)
70% Final exam (3 hours)
Details: Each section of the course will be covered by an assignment.
Assignments will be made up of problem sets, essays and critiques based
on material given in the lectures or in directed reading, and/or a short
written report on topics relevant to the course. The in-course test will
cover the first two sections of lecture material.
8
CHEM 422: INORGANIC CHEMISTRY (1/3)
CRN 13726 - 15 points
Key areas of modern inorganic chemistry are discussed, including the
mechanisms of reaction of transition metal compounds, the structure of
inorganic and organometallic compounds and materials, bioinorganic
systems, the chemistry associated with the lanthanide and actinide groups,
aspects of organometallic chemistry and homogeneous catalysis.
Prerequisite: CHEM 302
Course lecturers and topics:
Professor John Spencer – Advanced Organometallic Chemistry
Dr Martyn Coles – Chemistry of the Lanthanides and Actinides
Dr Robin Fulton – Bioinorganic Chemistry
Timetable:
Trimester 1; lectures are on Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:00-12:50 in
CO228 – see timetable for details. One tutorial per lecture block will be
arranged during the teaching period at a time to suit all. Pre-exam tutorials
can be arranged at times that suit all concerned.
Minimum requirements:
Attendance at lectures
Completion and submission of all assignments on time
Satisfactory performance in the in-course test
Attendance at and satisfactory performance in the final exam
Assessment:
20% Assignments (three assignments)
10% In-course test (50 minutes)
70% Final exam (3 hours)
Details: Each section of the course will be covered by an assignment.
Assignments will be either problem sets based on material given in the
lectures or directed reading, and/or a short written report on topics
relevant to the course. The in-course test will cover the first two sections
of lecture material.
9
CHEM 423: PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY (1/3)
CRN 13727 - 15 points
This course will discuss advanced aspects of physical chemistry and
materials science, including statistical thermodynamics, the structure and
properties of colloids, and the chemistry and applications of
nanostructured materials.
Prerequisite: CHEM 303
Course lecturers and topics:
Associate Professor Kathryn McGrath – Colloid and Surface Chemistry
Dr Matthias Lein – Statistical Thermodynamics
Professor Jim Johnston – Functional Materials and Their Applications
Timetable:
Trimester 1; Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:00 – 11:50 in CO118. One
tutorial per lecture block will be arranged during the teaching period at a
time to suit all. Pre-exam tutorials can be arranged at times that suit all
concerned.
Minimum requirements:
Attendance at lectures
Completion and submission of all assignments on time
Satisfactory performance in the in-course test
Attendance at and satisfactory performance in the final exam
Assessment:
20% Assignments (three assignments)
10% In-course test (50 minutes)
70% Final exam (3 hours)
Details: Each section of the course will be covered by an assignment.
Assignments will be either problem sets based on material given in the
lectures or in directed reading, and/or a short written report on topics
relevant to the course. The in-course test will cover the first two sections
of lecture material.
10
CHEM 424: ADVANCED ASPECTS OF CHEMISTRY A (1/3)
CHEM 425: ADVANCED ASPECTS OF CHEMISTRY B (2/3)
CRN 13728 – 15 points & 13729 – 15 points
These courses, offered in trimesters 1 and 2, respectively, allow you
to choose from a selection of topics offered by staff from across the field
of chemistry. Typical areas might include advanced concepts and practice
in organic synthesis; atmospheric chemistry; -complexes and C–H
activation; advanced materials; electron microscopy; advanced NMR
spectroscopy etc. Titles of lecture blocks (a.k.a. topics) on offer will be
confirmed at the start of the relevant trimester but are advertised from the
start of Trimester 1.
Course lecturers and topics:
Academics of SCPS and guest lecturers will offer topics related to their
research. Topics on offer for CHEM 424 will be advertised for selection
by Monday 5 March, and by the start of Trimester 2 for CHEM 425. Each
topic (block) includes 6 hours of lectures. Students must attend and
complete the corresponding assignments and sections of the final exam on
three topics. You may attend as many blocks of lectures as you wish and
may complete more than three assignments (but no more than four is
advised due to time requirements).
Timetable:
CHEM 424 will be held in Trimester 1; lectures are on Mondays,
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 – 9:50 in CO228, as well as
other times as scheduled on the CHEM400 timetable. The final timetable
will need to be consulted to determine when each topic is scheduled.
Tutorials will be arranged at times that suit all concerned.
CHEM 425 will be held in Trimester 2; lectures are on Mondays and
Thursdays at 9:00 – 9:50 in AM102, on Tuesdays at 14:10 – 15:00 in
AM104 and on Thursdays at 13:10 – 14:00, plus at other times to be
arranged – see Trimester 2 timetable for details (available by the start of
Trimester 2). Tutorials will be arranged at times that suit all concerned.
Minimum requirements:
Attendance at lectures
Completion and submission of all assignments on time
Attendance at and satisfactory performance in the final exam
Assessment:
30% Assignments (three assignments)
70% Final exam (2 hours)
Details: Each topic will be assessed through an assignment. Assignments
will include problem sets based on material given in the lectures or in
11
directed reading, and/or a short written report on topics relevant to the
course.
CHEM 441: DIRECTED INDIVIDUAL STUDY
CRN 13732 – 15 points (1/3), 13733 – 15 points (2/3), 13734 – 15
points (3/3)
CHEM 441 is offered in each of the three trimesters.
This course is designed to allow for specific student circumstances,
interests or requirements. They comprise an appropriate supervised
programme of study approved by the Head of School. This might include
following an approved course of study as prescribed for CHEM 301, 302
or 303 with an assessment regime appropriate for a 400-level student, or
performing literature research on a topic not taught in formal classes.
Assessment:
Assessment will be appropriately tailored to the nature of the study
programme. In those cases where CHEM 441 involves attending a 300-
level lecture course (e.g. CHEM 301 - 303), the method of assessment will
be similar in structure to that of the 300 level course, but at a standard
appropriate to 400-level study. In the case of a literature research project,
the assessment will be based on a detailed written report and the
presentation of a seminar.
12
CHEM 480: RESEARCH PREPARATION (1/3)
CRN 13735 - 15 points
This course offers training in the advanced skills required to undertake
research and to communicate the results, including utilising the chemical
literature, experimental record keeping, writing reports and proposals, and
techniques of oral communication. CHEM 480 is intended to provide
many of the core skills required to complete CHEM 489 (or CHEM 440
for PGDipSc) successfully. Teaching will be via a series of workshops to
be held during Trimester 1 and/or through individual instruction from an
academic supervisor.
Co-requisites: CHEM 489 or CHEM 440
Restriction: CHEM 580
Staff involved and topics:
Dr Mattie Timmer – lab safety
Associate Professor Richard Tilley – preparing a talk
Library staff, including Rohini Biradavolu (SCPS library liaison) –
research skills, database training
Dr Robert Keyzers – writing a scientific abstract
Dr Joanne Harvey – lab record keeping
Professor John Spencer – structuring and formatting a scientific report (use
of templates, EndNote)
Professor John Spencer –proofreading
Dr Mattie Timmer – safety refresher session
Timetable:
Workshops held on Wednesdays at 13:10 – 14:30 in LB408 or other
venues as appropriate: consult the CHEM 400 timetable for details.
Oral presentations will be held on April 26 and May 3 at 12:00 – 13:00.
Minimum requirements:
Attendance at the workshops
Completion of all in-course assessment, including:
o exercises related to the workshops
o a School seminar in April/May
o completion and submission of a literature review and
research proposal.
Assessment:
30% Exercises related to the workshops
20% Oral presentation
50% Research proposal and literature review
13
Details: The oral presentations are given in April/May; these School
seminars should be 12 – 15 minutes in length and should include
background to the project, a description of the aims of the project, the
techniques to be used, and anticipated outcomes. The written report, due
on April 23, should comprise a literature review, describing the
background to the research and the local and international context in which
the research project is being undertaken, followed by a research proposal
describing the aims and objectives of the research. This is intended to
become the basis of the introductory chapter of the final Honours report.
This should be 15–20 A4 pages in length. TWO copies of the report
should be submitted to the SCPS reception (LB101) for assessment.
14
CHEM 489: RESEARCH PROJECT (1+2/3)
CRN 735 - 30 points
All BSc Honours candidates in Chemistry undertake a research
project under the direct supervision of an allocated staff member(s). This
project should be carried out in close consultation with the supervisor and
should form the basis of your day-time activity save for attendance at
lectures and seminars.
Minimum requirements:
Laboratory research of appropriate quantity and quality as determined
in consultation with the research supervisor
Submission of a written report as detailed below
Presentation of a School seminar
Assessment:
20% Oral presentation
50% Written report
30% Performance during the year
Assessment of CHEM 489 is based on:
an oral presentation, given in September, of 15 minutes length with
up to a further 5 minutes for questions delivered to an open audience;
the oral presentation (20%) is assessed by the academic staff present
on a range of criteria of which you will be informed.
a written report, approximately 35 (no more than 40) A4 pages in
length, due on 15 October; the submitted project report will be
examined on the basis of the stated aims, the literature discussion, the
experimental results, the interpretation of those results and the
discussion of the results in the context of the objectives of the
project, and previous work reported in the literature; the overall
standard of presentation will also be considered; the report is read
and graded by two independent examiners.
performance during the year, which will be assessed by your
supervisor on the basis of effort, industry, initiative and ability in the
lab research
Details:
All laboratory work must be performed in accord with the School
safety and security guidelines and in accordance with any instructions
issued by the School Safety Officer. Note that no individual may begin
experimental work without the prior approval of the Safety Officer.
Access to the building/research area is by magnetic swipe card and/or key.
Keys will be issued to you, as appropriate, for return at the end of the
15
programme. Normal working hours are from 8 am until 6 pm. From 6 pm
onwards you should ensure that there is someone else in reasonable
proximity with whom you maintain regular contact. Work beyond 11 pm
or through the night requires prior written approval of both your supervisor
and the Safety Officer. Ensure your area is secure whenever you leave,
but especially after 5 pm.
Adequate dated day-to-day laboratory records must be kept, and a
clear final write-up provided as each phase of the work is completed. A
formal typed report of ca. 35 printed pages on the project work must be
submitted no later than 4.00 pm on October 15. The submission deadline
is absolute and must be met in all but exceptional circumstances. For
convenience, the format adopted should comply with IUPAC
nomenclature and use a reference citation protocol consistent with a major
chemistry periodical, eg. J. Am. Chem. Soc. The report should be
produced in consultation with your supervisor, and contain introductory,
results & discussion and experimental sections. A draft of the complete
report must be submitted to your supervisor by September 28 for proof-
reading and correction. Two copies of the final report are required for
assessment by two staff members (one being in a similar sub-discipline
and one from a different chemistry sub-discipline). A moderation panel
will review the recommendations of the examiners to ensure consistency.
At least one copy of the report will be returned to the candidate with
comments as necessary. One corrected copy, using the comments
received, should be given to the School Manager (LB 406) by 23
November 2012.
Assessment and grading of the project work is not based simply on
the final written report and the results obtained. It is a continuous
process that culminates with the report submission. Staff generally, but
your project supervisor in particular, will make assessments on
communication skills pertinent to the project, on the amount of supervision
necessary, your initiative, your organisational and planning skills, your
record keeping, your commitment and motivation, your comprehension of
the project and your intellectual and scientific input into the project. Thus
you are expected to be able to provide an excellent account of the aims of
the project and the progress that has been made on the study as a whole,
show initiative in solving some of the problems associated with the project
and be able to make progress without constant supervision.
You should maintain clear and comprehensive records of the work
performed in the laboratory and the data obtained. The records must be
dated for each working day. You should be able to demonstrate and
describe the short- and long-term objectives of the laboratory work
whenever asked. It is important that your experimental notes and data are
well organized, indexed and secure, whether they are electronic or hard-
copy. You should consider keeping duplicate copies of critical
16
information in separate locations. You should show a high degree of
commitment and motivation in making use of the laboratory time available
and be able to devise practical and/or theoretical ideas to advance the
project. In addition, skills relevant to bench chemistry, including
instrumental analysis, theoretical and computing work will be assessed for
a particular project. Safe working practices, good manipulative skills,
reliability of work, and precision and accuracy of measurements will be of
particular relevance to bench chemistry projects.
CHEM 440: DIRECTED INDIVIDUAL STUDY
CRN 10014 – 30 points (1+2/3)
This is the course allocated to the research project for the Postgraduate
Diploma in Science. The course outline and requirements are generally
similar to those for CHEM 489, so the above information should be noted.
As for CHEM 489, CHEM 440 should be taken concurrently with CHEM
480 and will be tailored to the individual interests and needs of the
student, if required.
Assessment:
Assessment will be similar to that for CHEM 489 but, where
appropriate, tailored to specific circumstances involved.
17
CHEM 580: RESEARCH PREPARATION
30 points – CRN 7773 (1+2/3)
This course serves as preparation for the research to be carried out in Part
II of the Masters degree. A series of workshops (see CHEM 480
information) will provide useful skills for the performance and
communication of your research. Candidates will initiate a research
project under the direct supervision of a staff member. The project should
be carried out in close consultation with your supervisor and laboratory
research will form the basis of your day-time activity save for attendance
at lectures and seminars. This course serves as preparation for the
research that will be carried out for Part II of the MSc programme.
Restrictions: CHEM 440, CHEM 480, CHEM 489
Assessment:
The formal (minimum) requirements for the 580 course and their
contribution to the overall course mark are as follows:
10% All formal assessment components of CHEM 480 except the seminar
and written report
50% The full research proposal (written report)
20% Oral presentation
20% Performance during the year
Details:
Attendance at the CHEM 480 workshops and completion of the
exercises related to these workshops contributes 10% of the mark. This is
normally completed in Trimester I.
The written report provides background to the research and a
research proposal that outlines the objectives of the Part II research to be
undertaken. This report is due shortly before the end of the second
trimester of enrolment (October 15). The purpose of the full research
proposal is to provide evidence of the viability of the research proposed
and the capacity of the student to carry out the research. Furthermore, it
ensures that the student has performed sufficient due diligence with
respect to previous work completed in the area. It would be anticipated
that the full research proposal could act as the foundation for the
introductory chapter(s) of the student’s thesis. As such it should be
written to the standards expected for the final version of the thesis.
The full research proposal should include the following elements:
(i) an outline of the basic thesis/research question, including a
justification as to why this question should be addressed and
how it will advance current understanding
(ii) appropriate theoretical framework(s)
18
(iii) a literature review; this is a way for the candidate to show that
they have understood and can interpret the literature
(iv) an outline of the overall proposed research plan with a clear
indication as to how this will enable the question to be
addressed;
(v) an outline of the specific methods to be used including a
demonstration that they are appropriate;
Depending on the nature of the programme either or both of the
following may also be required.
(vi) a statement as to whether ethical approval is required and, if so,
whether or not that has been obtained from all required
institutions. If approval has not been obtained the timetable for
approval is to be noted;
(vii) a statement that there are no foreseeable cultural, social or legal
impediments to the successful completion of the research;
Additionally this full research proposal will include
(viii) a summary of the preliminary goals to be achieved in the next
six months;
(ix) a tentative timetable for the completion of the thesis.
The full research proposal should be between 20 and 40 A4 pages using
one and a half line spacing. It should be written in consultation with your
supervisor. Two copies of the report should be submitted by 4pm on 15
October. The full research proposal will be assessed by two independent
academics in the School and contribute 50% of the mark for CHEM 580.
The introductory seminar, held towards the end of the second
trimester of enrolment is worth 20% of the 580 mark and will be held
towards the end of the second Trimester of enrolment. The candidate will
present a formal seminar to the School which will introduce the research
question(s) to be investigated and will see the student place the work in
the context of the scientific literature. This seminar will be for
approximately 20 minutes including question time. The talk will be
assessed by academic members of staff in the audience.
Performance during the year is assessed by the supervisor and
contributes 20% of the 580 mark. The supervisor will judge the progress
of the student in the hands-on activities of the research programme,
including adeptness, effort, capability, progress, ability to learn new
techniques, initiative etc.
Please read the course outlines for CHEM 480 and 489 included
herein for further guidelines on your research project.
The CHEM 580 course, together with the other formally examined
courses, form the basis of evidence for a candidate being given entry to
Part II. The final class of MSc awarded is calculated on the basis of equal
weighting of Part I and Part II.
19
CHEM 591: MASTERS THESIS (MSc Part II)
CRN 744 (Full year)
The following are required for those entering directly into Part II of the
MSc programme, i.e. those who have not previously completed CHEM
580. Those who have completed CHEM 580 will have already submitted
the Initial Research Proposal.
Initial Research Proposal – required
The initial research proposal covers the aim of the project, methods of
study, ethical considerations, and resource requirements. As a minimum
this will be one page.
Resources Document – required
Includes more explicitly the general resources required by the student
generally and specifically for completion of the proposed research that will
be provided by the school and/or supervisor including library and other
information technology services, and any other special arrangements.
Research Memorandum – optional for on-site candidates, required for
either off-site candidates or when there is substantial supervisory input
from an outside party
This document outlines more completely the form of the collaboration and
the individual roles of the supervisors and the student. It may address
such things as the regularity of meetings, any financial support and any
other details that either the student or supervisor feel are required.
These documents will become an official part of the record of registration.
Evaluating the Progress of Students
The six-monthly reports
Six-monthly reports are required as part of the postgraduate supervision
process in March/April and September/October in each year of enrolment.
The administrative supervisor will send the six-monthly report form to the
supervisor and candidate. The reports are to be the responsibility of both
the student and the supervisors. The report covers the progress of the
candidate from both the student and the supervisors prospective and as
such they should be completed collaboratively. The report includes
aspects such as the progress of the research, any outcomes that have
occurred, problems that may have been struck and proposed methods of
addressing them.
20
The Head of School and the administrative supervisor(s) will review the
final version of the six-monthly report, which has been agreed to and
signed by student and supervisors, before being submitted to the Associate
Dean. A copy must be provided to the student. The report will then be
filed in the student’s file held by the relevant faculty student administration
office. Except in exceptional circumstances, the Associate Dean will not
approve applications for re-enrolment unless one six-monthly report for
the previous enrolment period is held in the student’s file.
School Seminars
In addition to the introductory seminar of CHEM 580, the candidate will
give a further seminar. This seminar should normally be timed for the end
of the research period, at the time when the candidate is commencing
formal writing of the thesis, but may be any time prior to submission of the
thesis. This seminar will be approximately 45 minutes duration plus
question time covering the thesis research.
21
INTERNET
The School of Chemical and Physical Sciences has three computers
in Laby 109 that are part of the SCS system and are available for student
use for work relating strictly to undergraduate CHEM, PHYS or TECH
courses. The other computers in LB108/109 are specifically for use by
graduate students in CHEM, PHYS and TECH. Students can only use the
SCS computers if they have a current Student Computing Services
account. To obtain and activate your account you should go to the Student
Computing Services. Students with such accounts can use various other
computers on campus. Information regarding Student Computing Services
is available in your enrolment pack or on the VUW website.
LATE WORK
All work should be submitted by the due date to LB101, unless otherwise
specified. Late submissions will be accepted until 2 days after the due
date, with a penalty of 20% of the full mark. Work may not be marked if
more than 2 days late. Extensions will be given only in exceptional
circumstances, and if agreed before the due date.
In the event of an aegrotat application, regular submission and
performance in assignments and the in-course test (if appropriate) will
contribute substantially to the outcome.
WORKLOAD
On average, students should plan to spend a minimum of 10 hours per
point i.e. 150 hours for a 15 point course, or 10-12 hours per week,
including exam periods, in order to achieve an average grade in each
course. However, most students taking Honours/Masters wish to obtain
the best possible class of Honours and will therefore invest more than the
normal number of hours. The lecture courses (CHEM 421 – 425)
comprise 18 hours of lectures and at least 3 hours of tutorials. You should
also spend a minimum of 20 hours on internal assessment (assignments
and tests). The balance is made up of reading (often the papers in the
primary literature) and preparation for the final examination. CHEM 480
has nine workshops (1–2 hours each) with four exercises (1–2 hours each)
that complement the lab projects. You will also spend some time
discussing the development of a research proposal with your supervisor.
You will be provided with detailed advice on preparing an oral
presentation and writing a technical document. The balance of the time
will be spent in private study, reading research papers, preparing an oral
presentation and writing a research proposal. CHEM 489 is a 30-point
full-year course that is based on a laboratory research project. CHEM 480
will provide you with many of the generic skills required to undertake and
report a piece of scientific research, but you will still need to learn the
22
detailed practical skills associated with your area of research. You should
expect to spend a significant amount of time in the laboratory each day.
The Honours year is intense and there are many deadlines to be met.
It is important that you are well organized and plan well ahead.
BLACKBOARD AND COMMUNICATION
These courses use Blackboard. Course materials and other
information will be posted on Blackboard. Students should check
Blackboard regularly. The CHEM 400 coordinator will regularly send
correspondence by email as well as by posting on Blackboard. Please
make sure you check your email account regularly and that we have your
correct email address. General School announcements will also be made
by email from a School administrator via the ChemStudents email list.
You should be added to this list once you have been given staff accounts
but if you don’t start to receive the general School emails about seminars,
etc by the second week of term, please see Helen Rowley.
READING LISTS In general, the material covered in CHEM 400 courses is beyond the
scope of most textbooks. Therefore specialist monographs and the
journal-based scientific literature should be your normal source of extra
information. Particularly helpful reading materials will be suggested by
the course lecturers.
TRIMESTER AND EXAMINATION DATES
Trimester 1 runs from Monday 5 March until Friday 8 June, with a
two week break between 6 April and 22 April. The examination period is
from 11 June until 4 July, 2012.
Trimester 2 runs from Monday 16 July until Friday 19 October, with
a two week break between 25 August and 9 September. The examination
period is from 23 October until 16 November, 2012.
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT Lab equipment and materials are supplied by SCPS. Students with
lab coats and safety goggles should bring these. Scientific calculators,
molecular models and normal stationery are desirable.
E |16
|16
GENERAL UNIVERSITY POLICIES AND STATUTES
Students should familiarise themselves with the University’s policies and statutes, particularly the
Assessment Statute, the Personal Courses of Study Statute, the Statute on Student Conduct and any
statutes relating to the particular qualifications being studied; see the Victoria University Calendaror
the University’s policy website,
http://www.victoria.ac.nz/home/about/policy
Student and staff conduct
The Statute on Student Conduct together with the Policy on Staff Conduct ensure that members of
the University community are able to work, learn, study and participate in the academic and social
aspects of the University’s life in an atmosphere of safety and respect. The Statute on Student
Conduct contains information on what conduct is prohibited and what steps are to be taken if there
is a complaint. For information about complaint procedures under the Statute on Student Conduct,
contact the Facilitator and Disputes Advisor or refer to the statute on the Victoria policy website at:
http://www.victoria.ac.nz/home/about/policy
The Policy on Staff Conduct can be found at:
http://www.victoria.ac.nz/home/about/policy
Academic grievances
If you have any academic problems with your course you should talk to the tutor or lecturer
concerned; class representatives may be able to help you in this. If you are not satisfied with the
result of that meeting, see the Head of School or the relevant Associate Dean; The VUWSA Student
Advocate is available to assist in this process. If, after trying the above channels, you are still
unsatisfied, formal grievance procedures can be invoked. These are set out in the Academic
Grievance Policy which is published on the Victoria website at:
http://www.victoria.ac.nz/home/about/policy
There is also a leaflet explaining the grievance process available from the AVC(Academic) website
at:
http://www.victoria.ac.nz/home/about_victoria/avcacademic/Publications.aspx#grievances
Students with Impairments
Refer to the Meeting the Needs of Students with Impairments Policy, available on the University’s
policy website http://www.victoria.ac.nz/home/about/policy
The University has a policy of reasonable accommodation of the needs of students with impairments.
The policy aims to give students with disabilities the same opportunity as other students to
demonstrate their abilities. If you have a disability, impairment or chronic medical condition
(temporary, permanent or recurring) that may impact on your ability to participate, learn and/or
achieve in lectures and tutorials or in meeting the course requirements, please contact the course
coordinator as early in the course as possible. Alternatively, you may wish to approach a Student
Adviser from Disability Support Services (DSS) to discuss your individual needs and the available
options and support on a confidential basis. DSS are located on Level 1, Robert Stout Building:
E |16
|16
telephone: 463-6070
email: [email protected]
The name of your School’s Disability Liaison Person is in the relevant prospectus or can be obtained
from the School Office or DSS.
Student Support
Staff at Victoria want students to have positive learning experiences at the University. There are a
number of support services available to help you directly if your academic progress is causing
concern or if there are elements in your life that are affecting your ability to study. These include:
Your course coordinator or programme director;
Staff in your Faculty Student Administration Office Student Dedicated learning support
through Student Learning Support Service; Kaiwawao Māori ;Maanaki Pihiphipinga;
Disability Support Services and Victoria International;
Wider holistic support through the Health Service; Counselling Service; Financial Support
and Advice; Accommodation Service and Career Development and Employment. Find out
more at www.victoria.ac.nz/st_services/ or email [email protected];
VUWSA employs a Student Advocate who deals with academic problems and provides
support, advice and advocacy services, as well as training and supporting class
representatives and faculty delegates. The Education Office is located on the ground floor,
Student Union Building. Email [email protected] or tel. 463-6716 or 463-6984.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND PLAGIARISM
Academic integrity and plagiarism
Academic integrity means that university staff and students, in their teaching and learning are
expected to treat others honestly, fairly and with respect at all times. It is not acceptable to mistreat
academic, intellectual or creative work that has been done by other people by representing it as your
own original work.
Academic integrity is important because it is the core value on which the University’s learning,
teaching and research activities are based. Victoria University’s reputation for academic integrity
adds value to your qualification.
The University defines plagiarism as presenting someone else’s work as if it were your own, whether
you mean to or not. ‘Someone else’s work’ means anything that is not your own idea. Even if it is
presented in your own style, you must acknowledge your sources fully and appropriately. This
includes:
Material from books, journals or any other printed source
The work of other students or staff
Information from the internet
Software programs and other electronic material
Designs and ideas
The organisation or structuring of any such material
Find out more about plagiarism, how to avoid it and penalties, on the University’s website:
www.victoria.ac.nz/home/studying/plagiarism.html
E |16
|16
Use of Turnitin
Student work provided for assessment in this course may be checked for academic integrity by the
electronic search engine http:/www.turnitin.com. Turnitin is an online plagiarism prevention tool
which compares submitted work with a very large database of existing material. At the discretion of
the Head of School, handwritten work may be copy-typed by the School and subject to checking by
Turnitin. Turnitin will retain a copy of submitted material on behalf of the University for detection of
future plagiarism, but access to the full text of submissions is not made available to any other party.
Communication of additional information
Where to find more detailed information
Find key dates, explanations of grades and other useful information at
www.victoria.ac.nz/home/study. Find out about academic progress and restricted enrolment at
www.victoria.ac.nz/home/study/academic-progress. The University’s statutes and policies are
available at www.victoria.ac.nz/home/about/policy, except qualification statutes, which are available
via the Calendar webpage at www.victoria.ac.nz/home/study/calendar (See Section C). Further
information about the University’s academic processes can be found on the website of the Assistant
Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at
www.victoria.ac.nz/home/about_victoria/avcacademic/default.aspx
PLEASE NOTE: The last date for withdrawal from this course with a full refund is
Friday 16 March 2012. After this date, withdrawal requires permission from the Dean
of students.
J.E. Harvey, Honours Coordinator
February 2012
E |16
|16
Contact Details for course lecturers:
Phone extension Room number
MC – Martyn Coles 6357 LB 413
RF – J. Robin Fulton 9799 AM 203
NG – Nicola Gaston IRL
JEH – Joanne Harvey 5956 AM 207
JMH – Justin Hodgkiss 6983 AM 209
JHJ – Jim Johnston 5334 LB 301
RAK – Rob Keyzers 5117 AM 208
ML – Matthias Lein 6926 LB 505
KMac – Ken MacKenzie 5885 LB 504
KMcG – Kate McGrath 5963 LB 503
PTN – Peter Northcote 5960 LB 412
GJS – Gerald Smith 5547 LB 522
JLS – John Spencer 5119 LB 406A
RDT – Richard Tilley 5016 LB 006
MT – Mattie Timmer 6529 LB 507
DCW – David Weatherburn 5965 LB 523
E-mail addresses of VUW staff are first [email protected].
