Diploma work 0600-S1-PD

Students prepare an individual bachelor’s thesis on a topic agreed with their supervisor and related to the Faculty’s research. They establish the aim, scope and schedule, and justify their choice of methods using chemical knowledge and the literature. They carry out an experimental or computational task, recording decisions, research conditions, source data and data-processing procedures.
During the project, students compare their findings with the literature, assess their reliability and limitations, and explain difficulties encountered. They prepare a coherent thesis comprising theoretical background, aims, methods, results, discussion, conclusions and references, with abstracts in Polish and English. They use consultations and feedback while remaining responsible for their own contribution and the content of the thesis.
The task should allow students to apply the advanced knowledge acquired during first-cycle studies to a specific problem, including the analysis of unexpected findings. Publication of the results or confirmation of the initial hypothesis is not a condition for passing the course.

1. Defining the research topic and aim. Establishing a feasible scope, project stages and arrangements for working with the supervisor.
2. Searching for publications, evaluating their reliability and relevance, comparing positions and maintaining an organised bibliography. Using Polish- and English-language texts.
3. Selecting methods and tools. Planning experiments or calculations, defining variables, conditions for comparison and documentation procedures. Identifying hazards and applying appropriate safety procedures.
4. Carrying out the research task. Maintaining a research log and retaining raw data. Addressing problems within the scope agreed with the supervisor.
5. Processing data using suitable software. Evaluating measurement or computational quality, checking processing procedures, selecting graphs and tables, interpreting results and identifying limitations.
6. Writing the thesis. Distinguishing results from interpretation, drawing conclusions supported by the data, citing sources and acknowledging others’ contributions. Preparing an English abstract.
7. Discussing the thesis with the supervisor, responding to feedback and justifying decisions. Assessing skills acquired and identifying further learning needs.

Total student workload

50 h - hours conducted with the participation of teachers 175 h - time dedicated to the student's individual work - personal work on the ongoing project - 100 h - preparation for the exam - 20 h - collecting and reading scientific literature - 15 h - preparation of the thesis – 40 h Total: 225 h (9 ECTS)

Learning outcomes - knowledge

W1: Knows and understands, at an advanced level, the chemical concepts, laws and relationships needed to explain the topic addressed in the thesis. (K_W01) W2: Knows and understands the role of experimentation or simulation and the principles and limitations of the methods used in the thesis. (K_W04) W3: Knows and understands data-processing principles, the IT tools used and methods for assessing the reliability of results relevant to the topic. (K_W03, K_W05) W4: Knows and understands safety principles and requirements applicable to the substances used and the workstation. (K_W16)

Learning outcomes - skills

U1: Can search for, select and critically compare information from scientific sources and use it to justify the aim and methods of the thesis. (K_K07, K_K01, K_U17) U2: Can develop a research task plan with the supervisor, justify the choice of methods, and perform and document agreed measurements, syntheses or calculations. (K_U05) U3: Can process and interpret results using suitable software, assess limitations and draw conclusions consistent with the data obtained. (K_U05, K_U04) U4: Can write a coherent thesis, use chemical terminology correctly, present results in tables and graphs, and justify decisions in discussion. (K_U01, K_K04) U5: Can use English-language literature, prepare an English thesis abstract and discuss its content at B2 level. (K_U17) U6: Can respond appropriately to an identified workplace hazard in accordance with instructions and within the scope of their authorisation. (K_U16)

Learning outcomes - social competencies

K1: Is ready to critically assess their own knowledge and results, recognise their limitations and seek advice from the supervisor or a specialist. (K_K01, K_K05) K2: Is ready to document research honestly, respect authorship and ethical principles, and take responsibility for the safety of people and the environment. (K_K08) K3: Is ready to complete agreed tasks conscientiously and on time, use feedback and develop their own competences. (K_K03, K_K05, K_K06, K_K07) K4: Is ready to cooperate responsibly with team members, agree arrangements for shared resources and respect others’ contributions. (K_K09, K_K08)

Course coordinators

Term 2026/27L:

Justyna Kozłowska
Andrzej Wolan

Term 2025/26L:

Justyna Kozłowska
Andrzej Wolan

Term 2024/25L:

Andrzej Wolan

Teaching methods

Project-based and problem-based learning, experimentation or computational modelling, critical literature analysis, individual consultations and discussion of results. The supervisor provides feedback during planning, research, data analysis and writing. Students use literature databases, reference-management software and topic-specific software, documenting procedures and computational parameters.

Exploratory teaching methods

- experimental
- project work
- observation
- laboratory

Prerequisites

Knowledge and skills in the main branches of chemistry, data analysis and safe working practices relevant to the selected topic. English-language proficiency enabling students to use specialist literature at B2 level. Required prior course credits and the timing in relation to the thesis laboratory are determined by the study plan. Students receive task-specific safety instruction before commencing research.

Assessment criteria

Students submit a complete bachelor’s thesis and documentation that makes the research process and the origin of results traceable.
Assessment considers methodological soundness, reliable documentation, appropriate interpretation and the student’s independent contribution. A negative experimental result or failure to obtain an expected effect does not in itself lower the grade if the study was properly conducted and documented and the limitations of the conclusions were explained. Laboratory attendance does not replace assessment of skills.
Proposed grading scale: below 50 points — 2.0; 50 to below 61 — 3.0; 61 to below 66 — 3.5; 66 to below 76 — 4.0; 76 to below 82 — 4.5; 82–100 — 5.0. At the start of the course, the supervisor specifies arrangements for correcting incomplete components and deadlines for submitting the thesis, in accordance with the study regulations.

Practical placement

not applicable

Bibliography

1. Original research articles, reviews and monographs selected for the thesis topic in consultation with the supervisor, including English-language sources. Students independently search for and critically evaluate additional publications.
2. Weiner J., Weiner J. (3.), Technika pisania i prezentowania przyrodniczych prac naukowych. Przewodnik praktyczny, 5th ed., PWN, Warsaw, 2021 — selected chapters; in Polish.
3. Miller J.N., Miller J.C., Statistics and Chemometrics for Analytical Chemistry, 7th ed., Pearson, 2018 — selected sections on data analysis relevant to the topic.
4. Current thesis guidelines and template of the NCU Faculty of Chemistry, together with workstation instructions and safety documentation for the substances used.

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 0600-S1-PD in USOSweb