ECU

Faculty of Science

RESEARCH/PROJECT GUIDELINES
HANDBOOK

CO-ORDINATED BY: ASSOC. Prof. C.A. IDIBIE

(DEAN FACULTY OF SCIENCE)
 EDWIN CLARK UNIVERSITY
KIAGBODO, DELTA STATE,
NIGERIA.

FACULTY OF SCIENCE

FINAL YEAR

PROJECT GUIDELINES handbook

FOR STUDENTS & SUPERVISORS

CO-ORDINATED BY: ASSOC. Prof. C.A. IDIBIE

(DEAN FACULTY OF SCIENCE)

(Adapted from: University of Reading, UNSW, University of Sussex)

1
Acknowledgement
The Faculty of Science final year project guidelines handbook is an academic piece targeted at
promoting standards at ECU within the sphere of scientific research. All glory to GOD
ALMIGHTY for grace and resources required to complete this handbook. It was compiled by a
team of science professionals who are not only staff at ECU but also have immense exposure
within the sector of scientific research and training. Below are the names of contributing authors
to the first edition of this guideline.

CO-ORDINATED BY: ASSOC. Prof. C.A. IDIBIE

(DEAN FACULTY OF SCIENCE)

Dr. A. M. Otache (Chairman of Research Committee)

Dr. O. A. Mohammed

Dr. (Mrs) A.C. Tobi

Dr. (Mrs) R. Akoh

Dr. P. Uaboi-Egbenni

Mr. D.P. Clark

Mr. K. Ogeh

Other members of the committee

Dr. E. Effiong

Dr. P.Osuji

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Table of Contents

Acknowledgement ......................................................................................................................2
Project Overview ........................................................................................................................4
Report Writing Guidelines ..........................................................................................................5
Undergraduate Project Outline ....................................................................................................8
Important Guidelinesfor Referencingthe APA (American Psychological Association) 7th Edition
Reference Style ......................................................................................................................... 13
Report write up Example ........................................................................................................... 16
Declaration................................................................................................................................ 19
Certification .............................................................................................................................. 20
Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................... 21
Laboratory/Practical Experimentation Expectations .................................................................. 22
Viva .......................................................................................................................................... 25
SIGN-IN Sheet .......................................................................................................................... 26
COSHH Assessmentform .......................................................................................................... 27
Risk Assessment form ............................................................................................................... 28
Control of Hazards .................................................................................................................... 29

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Project Overview
The Faculty of Science at ECU mandates the completion of a project work as a key concluding
part of the curriculum.

Project features

1. It should be relevant to the discipline

2. It should be an extended piece of work (minimum duration – 8 weeks)
3. It should be contextualized and show recognition of the available associated literature
4. Its contribution to knowledge must be clear
5. It should incorporate an element of critical thinking, challenge and evaluation
6. The methodology must be clearly defined and justifiable
7. Research outcomes, built up conclusions and recommendations must be communicated
appropriately.
8. It must be supervised by qualified staff
9. Evidence of student engagement must not be less than 80%.

Note: Project is a course and any submission that shows questionable external aid could be
treated as malpractice and plagiarism and should be subject to the appropriate disciplinary
measures inclusive of cancellation of project. The project guideline consists of breakdown of
expectations under two major parts: Report Write-up and Research.

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REPORT WRITING GUIDELINES

Paper Size: A- 4 size

Line Spacing: All material should be typed in double (2 line) spacing. The recommended
margins are 25 mm (1 inch) for top, bottom, right and left with an extra 13 mm (0.5 inch) for
binding on the left.

Title of Chapter
Font: Times New Roman (Bold face)
Size: 14 point
Alignment: Centre Alignment

Headings
First Order Heading: (for example 1. INTRODUCTION)
Font: Times New Roman (Bold Face)
Size: 14 point

Second Order Heading: (for example 1.1. Diabetes in Man)

Font: Times New Roman (Bold Face)
Size: 12 point

Third Order Heading: (for example 1.1.1. Diagnosis of diabetes)

Font: Times New Roman (Bold Face)
Size: 12 point

Text
Font: Times New Roman
Size: 12 point
Indent: First line of every paragraph should be indented by 1 cm (Except for the first paragraph)

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Alignment: Justified (Full Text)

SUMMARY Heading (i.e. SUMMARY)

Font: Times New Roman (Bold Face)

Size: 12 point

Remaining Text
Font: Times New Roman
Size: 12 point
Alignment: Justified (Full Text)

Figures and Tables: Centered Placed Caption

Font: Times New Roman
Alignment: Centered
Note: Figure Caption must be below the figure and centered, Table caption must be above the
table and centered.

Page Numbering (Centered)

Title page: Roman Numbers (I, II, etc.)

For the Remaining Pages

(i.e. from SUMMARY/ABSTRACT-to- References) : 1, 2, …… N

References Line Spacing: 1.5

Font: Times New Roman

Page numberings should be centered at the bottom of the page

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Sequence of pages to be followed for seminar/project write-up presentation

i) Title page
ii) Certification
iii) Dedication
iv) Acknowledgement
v) Table of Contents
vi) Abstract
vii) Chapter one: Introduction
viii) Chapter two: Literature review (in several sub-headings)
ix) Chapter Three: Results i.e. Findings
x) Conclusion
xi) Reference
xii) Appendices

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UNDERGRADUATE PROJECT OUTLINE
Cover Page

- Title of the Research: Should be concise, informative, and reflective of the research scope.

- Your Name: Full name as it appears on your academic records.

- **Institutional Affiliation**: Name of your university, department, and faculty.

- Date of Submission: The date you are submitting the research work.

Title Page

- Title of the Research: Should be concise, informative, and reflective of the research scope.

- Your Name: Full name as it appears on your academic records.

- Institutional Affiliation: Name of your university, department, and faculty.

- Supervisor's Name: Full name and title of your supervisor.

- Date of Submission: The date you are submitting the research work.

Preliminary sub-headings

Declaration

- A statement that declares the originality of the work and that it has not been submitted for any
other degree or award.

Certification

- A page where your supervisor certifies that the research has been conducted under their
supervision.

Dedication

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- A page where you can dedicate your work to someone, such as a family member, mentor, etc.

Acknowledgements

- A section to thank those who have helped you during your research, including your supervisor,
family, friends, and any organizations or individuals who provided assistance or resources.

Abstract

Length: 250-300 words.

Content:

 Purpose: Briefly describe the purpose of the study.

 Methodology: Summarize the methods used to conduct the research.
 Findings: Highlight the key findings.
 Conclusion: Conclude with the significance of the findings.

Table of Contents

A list of all sections and subsections in the research work, with corresponding page numbers.

List of Tables (if applicable)

A list of all tables included in the research work, with titles and page numbers.

List of Figures (if applicable)

A list of all figures, diagrams, or illustrations included in the research work, with titles and page
numbers.

List of Abbreviations (if applicable)

A list of abbreviations used in the research work and their full meanings.

NOTE: The guidelines below (i.e. for Chapter breakdown/content) is subject to departmental
requirements

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Chapter One: Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

- Provide context to the research topic, including key issues or problems that led to the
research.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

- Clearly state the problem that the research addresses.

1.3 Research Objectives

- List the main objectives of the research.

1.4 Significance of the Study

- Explain the importance of the research and its potential impact.

1.5 Scope of the Study

- Define the boundaries of the research in terms of content, time, and geography.

1.6 Outline of the project presentation.

- An overview of key sections in the project document

1.7 Definition of Terms

- Define key terms and concepts used in the research.

Chapter Two: Literature Review

2.1 Theoretical Framework

- Discuss the theories that underpin the research, including relevant models and concepts.

2.2 Empirical Review

- Summarize previous research studies related to your topic.

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2.3 Conceptual Framework

- Illustrate and explain the conceptual model that guides your research.

Chapter Three: Methodology

3.1 Research Design

- Describe the overall research design and approach (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, or mixed
methods).

3.2 Sample Size and Sampling Technique

- Explain the sample size and the method used to select participants.

3.4 Data Collection Instruments

- Describe the tools and instruments used for data collection (e.g., surveys, interviews,
experiments). Equipments must have the manufacturer’s specifications.

3.5 Procedure for Data Collection

- Detail how the data was collected, including timelines and ethical considerations.

3.6 Data Analysis Techniques

- Explain the methods used to analyze the data (e.g., statistical tests, thematic analysis).

Chapter Four: Results and Discussion

4.1 Results

- Present the data collected in an organized manner, using tables, charts, and graphs as needed.

All tables should only contain 3 horizontal lines.

Figures should be captured in full (not Fig)

4.2 Discussion of Findings

- Interpret the results in the context of the research questions and hypotheses.

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4.3 Comparison with Literature

- Compare your findings with those from previous studies discussed in the literature review.

Chapter Five: Conclusion and Recommendations

5.1 Summary of Findings

- Summarize the main findings of the research.

5.2 Conclusion

- Draw conclusions based on the findings.

5.3 Recommendations

- Provide recommendations for practice, policy, or further research based on the conclusions.

5.4 Limitations of the Study

- Discuss any limitations that may have affected the results of the research.

5.5 Suggestions for Further Research

- Suggest areas where further research is needed.

References

- All the sources cited must be consistent with APA citation style (7th Edition).

Appendices

- Include any supplementary materials such as raw data, questionnaires, interview transcripts, or
additional figures and tables.

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IMPORTANT GUIDELINES FOR REFERENCING THE APA
(AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION) 7TH EDITION
REFERENCE STYLE
- Font: 12-point Times New Roman

- Line Spacing: Double-space all text, including references.

- Margins: Use 1-inch margins on all sides.

- Indentation: Use a hanging indent for each reference entry (the first line is flush left, and
subsequent lines are indented by 0.5 inches).

- Order: Arrange the reference list alphabetically by the surname of the first author of each work.

In-Text Citations

In-text citations in APA 7th edition can be done in two ways: parenthetical and narrative.

- Parenthetical Citation: The author(s) and year of publication are included in parentheses.

- Example: (Smith, 2020)

- Narrative Citation: The author(s) are mentioned in the text, followed by the year in parentheses.

- Example: Smith (2020) noted that...

Two Authors

- Format:

- Parenthetical citation: (Author1 & Author2, Year)

- Narrative citation: Author1 and Author2 (Year)

- Example:

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 - Parenthetical: (Smith & Jones, 2020)

- Narrative: Smith and Jones (2020)

Three or More Authors

- Format:

- Parenthetical citation: (Author1 et al., Year)

- Narrative citation: Author1 et al. (Year)

- **Example**:

- Parenthetical: (Johnson et al., 2019)

- Narrative: Johnson et al. (2019)

Reference List Entries

Books

- Format:

- Author, A. A. (Year). *Title of the book: Subtitle* (edition, if applicable). Publisher.

- Example:

- Smith, J. A. (2020). *Understanding psychology: A comprehensive guide* (3rd ed.).

Pearson.

Journal Articles

-Format

- Author, A. A. (Year). Title of the article. Title of the Journal, Volume (Issue), Page numbers.
https://doi.org/xx.xxx/yyyy

14
 - Example:

- Miller, D. R. (2020). Cognitive development in early childhood. Journal of Child

Psychology, 45(2), 230-245. https://doi.org/10.1037/cdp0000390

Online Articles

-Format:

- Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of the article. *Title of the Website*. URL.

- Example:

- Johnson, M. (2021, April 5). The impact of social media on mental health. *Psychology
Today*. https://www.psychologytoday.com/impact-social-media

Reports

- Format:

- Author, A. A. (Year). *Title of the report* (Report No. xxx). Publisher. URL

- Example:

- World Health Organization. (2019). *Global report on diabetes* (Report No.

9789241565257). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/diabetes/globalreport

Conference Papers

- Format:

- Author, A. A. (Year, Month). Title of the paper. In E. E. Chairperson (Chair), *Title of

symposium*. Symposium conducted at the meeting of Organization Name, Location.

- Example:

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 - Harris, P. L. (2018, July). Development of social cognition in children. In R. D. Evans
(Chair), *Advances in developmental psychology*. Symposium conducted at the meeting of the
American Psychological Association, San Francisco, CA.

Dissertations and Theses

- Format:

- Author, A. A. (Year). *Title of the dissertation/thesis* (Doctoral dissertation/Master's thesis).

University Name. Database Name. URL

- Example:

- Carter, L. S. (2019). *The effects of mindfulness on stress reduction* (Doctoral dissertation).

University of Michigan. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.
https://search.proquest.com/docview/123456789

Important Considerations

- Multiple Authors**: For up to 20 authors, list all authors in the reference. For more than 20
authors, list the first 19 authors, followed by an ellipsis (...), and then the last author.

- DOI and URLs: Always include the DOI if available. If not, include the direct URL to the
source.

Report write up Example

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 TITLE OF PROJECT

BY

NAME OF STUDENT
MAT. NO

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL SCIENCES

FACULTY OF SCIENCE

EDWIN CLARK UNIVERSITY, KIAGBODO

DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

OCTOBER 2023

17
 TITLE OF PROJECT

BY

STUDENT NAME
MAT. NO

AN UNDERGRADUATE PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF

CHEMICAL SCIENCES IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
THE AWARD OF BACHELOR DEGREE OF SCIENCE (B.Sc. INDUSTRIAL
CHEMISTRY) IN THE
FACULTY OF SCIENCE, EDWIN CLARK UNIVERSITY, KIAGBODO.

October 2023

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 DECLARATION
I, NAME OF STUDENT, with Matric Number ---------------- declare that this project work
titled;……………………….. was carried out by me. Affirming that is my original work and has
not been submitted wholly or in part for the award of a degree in this or any other institution.

Name of Student: Signature/Date………………...................

Confirmation by Supervisor(s)
Name of Supervisor (1): Signature/Date…………………………

Name of Supervisor (2): Signature/Date………………………….

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 CERTIFICATION

TITLE OF PROJECT

BY
NAME OF STUDENT

The Board of examiners certifies that this Thesis is accepted in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the award of the degree of Science (BSc) in Industrial Chemistry, department of
Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Delta State.

DESIGNATION NAME SIGNATURE DATE

Supervisor(s)
Name of Supervisor (1)……………… …………

Name of Supervisor (2)……………… …………

Head of Department Dr. K. J. Awatefe ………………. ……..........

Dean of Faculty Dr. C. A. Idibie ……................ ………….

(Assoc. Professor)

External Examiner …………………………. ………………. …………..

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page
Certification i
Dedication ii
Acknowledgement iii
Table of Contents iv
List of Figures ix
List of Tables xii
List of Schemes xiv
Abbreviations xv
Abstract xvi

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem 6
1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study 7
1.4 Significance of the Study 7
1.5 Scope of the Study 8

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1

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LABORATORY/PRACTICAL EXPERIMENTATION EXPECTATIONS

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Experimentation Duration – 7 Weeks
SECTIONS DATES TICK
Choose project topic Wk 1&3
CHAPTER 1-3: Meet with your supervisor to develop these chapters and
design your experiment step by step
COSHH AND RISK Assessments forms must be filled and signed
LABORATORY PREPARATION: Wk 3
Introduced to lab and basic lab techniques, preparation of stocks and purchase
of materials. Individual bench set up
DRAFT SUBMISSION of CHAPTER 1 -3 Wk3
Completion of this section aids the first phase practical work
CHAPTER 1-3 CORRECTIONS RECEIPT Wk4
PRELIMINARY/ FIRST EXPERIMENT PHASE COMPLETED: Wk4-5
This phase aids the student to be exposed and engaged with all practical
activities involved with the project on a small scale i.e instead of 30 samples,
this first phase is done on 2 samples but all steps of the experiment is
completed, thus the student gets to observe areas of changes, see mistakes
made and consequences, develop skill, thus better equipped for effectiveness
in the next phase of experiment
REPORT/RESULT FOR FIRST PHASE SUBMISSION Wk5
It gives insight to the potential results that could be derived from research and
aids planning for data collection , analysis and result presentation e.g bar chat,
table etc
SECOND EXPERIMENT PHASE Wk 6-8
Students have preliminary research experience from first phase, thus perform
experiment with higher efficiency
REPORT SUBMISSION Wk8
CORRECTIONS implemented Wk9
MOCK VIVA, CORRECTED REPORT SENT TO EXAMINER Wk 9
FINAL VIVA Wk 10

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 Projects must be completed within 3 months of receiving project topic
 Projects supervisors are allocated prior to resumption of first semester final year.
 All project experiment are to be designed mostly within the resources available at the
ECU lab.
 All Faculty of Science project students resume in the lab 3rd week after resumption of
final year first semester.
 75% active attendance at the lab within the 6 - 7 weeks is required to be qualified for
Viva.
 All projects are student led, not staff led i.e. the success of the project which includes
ensuring the resources needed are available for the project is dependent on student.
 Students are to ensure all forms are signed to avoid being penalized.
 Laboratory protocols are to be strictly adhered to.
 No misconduct of any kind would be tolerated.
 The first 3 weeks are critical to experimentation success as research facilitation is
designed inclusive of general techniques training and delivered to all within a daily
session.
 COSHH and RISK assessment forms are mandatory to enable the students identify all
risks involved in their experiments as well as the hazards e.g. Hazards of each chemical
to be used, i.e. chemicals with fumes are identified and the student is aware and safety
measures e.g. The use of a fume cupboard is practiced keeping all lab users safe.
 A copy of COSHH and Risk assessment forms must be left on the bench allocated to
student for the duration of project.
 Students are expected to build their write up alongside their experimentation to ensure the
complete project report is ready at week 8/9
 The entire project must not be less than 40 pages

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Viva
Mock viva is led by the HOD and supervisor, who should have received your soft copy by week
8. Admission for mock Viva is determined by satisfactory performance in the lab and signing of
all forms.

CONTENTS OF FOLDER TO BE BROUGHT TO VIVA

 A soft bound printout of your complete project.

 A completely signed meeting days page in your guidelines hand book
 A printout of Title page, abstract, and references is required (5-7 copies) which must be
handed out to attendees of viva.
 Writing materials
 All students must be formally dressed on both days
 Power point presentation well reviewed by project supervisor

Student should prepare to be absolutely scrutinized in the mock viva and are expected to show
evidence of proactive research engagement by their capacity to answer questions confidently and
satisfactorily.

The Viva

This is led by the external examiner and students are expected to confidently explain any aspect
of their research as required by the examiner. Also general course specific questions can be
asked to ascertain knowledge. During final Viva students must have writing materials and access
to a copy of their project as there will be consistent reference to different pages of their report.

Post Viva

Correct Reports with Submit Reports to Result 5 Hard Back Copies

Supervisor for of Verified Report
Viva Feedback Clearance Submission
Verification

25
 SIGN-IN SHEET
Name of Student: ___________________________________________________________

Name of Supervisor: _________________________________________________________

MEETING DAYS DATES AND FOCUS OF MEETING i.e. Signature of

literature review, methodology etc supervisor
1 Scope of Work Explained To Student – Date:
COSHH Form Adequately Filled - Date:
RISK Form Adequately Filled – Date:
Others
2

10

Note: Reference could be made to this page during the mock Viva

26
 COSHH ASSESSMENT FORM
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) form is used to control the exposure to hazardous substances to prevent
serious illnesses and health problems. Identify the hazards associated with the activity observed and list the control measures,
first aid disposal measures and personal protective equipment to be used when handling these substances. Also risk rating after
control measures should be analyzed.

EDWIN CLARK COSHH ASSESMENT FORM Assessor’s Name:

UNIVERSITY Contact :
Describe the activity or
work process

Location where activity

is being carried out
Identify the persons at STUDENTS LECTURERS SCIENTISTS/TECHNICIANS
risk
CLEANERS [all previously listed are associated with the facility] PUBLIC
Name of substance(s)
involved in the process

Classification (State the category of danger)

Hazard Type: Gas Vapour Mist Fume Dust Liquid Solid Other (State)

Route of Exposure: Inhalation Skin Eyes Ingestion Other (State)

Risks to Health from Identified Hazards:

Control /discard measures e.g. Mechanical, PPE, Ventilation etc.

Use an extra plain sheet if needed or a second COSHH form well labeled ie indicate it is a continuation of first COSHH form

Sources: https://public-library.safetyculture.io/products/coshh-risk-assessment-form?amp_dev=03bdfd5a-5346-4987-af02-871eadef1c05
https://safeti.com/product/coshh-assessment-template/
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/whmis_ghs/pictograms.html

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 RISK ASSESSMENT FORM

Assessor: ____________________________Location: __________________

Date of Assessment: ___________________Next Review Date: __________

LIST HAZARDS CATEGORY PERSONNEL RISK LEVEL

AFFECTED

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 CONTROL OF HAZARDS

CONTROL RISK FURTHER WHO NEEDS TO DATE

ALREADY LEVEL ACTION IMPLEMENT THE ACTUALISED
IMPLEMENTED NEEDED TO ACTION/DATE
CONTROL NEEDED
RISK

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Likelihood X Severity = Risk level

Assessor’s Name

Assessor’s Signature/Date

Authorized Personnel’s
Name

Authorized Personnel’s
Signature/Date

Remark

Name

SOURCES:https://riskpal.com/risk-assessment-matrices/
https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/risk/risk-assessment-template-and-examples.htm

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