Physics Project B
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PHYS3004 | Physics and Astronomy | 3 | 20 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- PHYS3004
- School
- Physics and Astronomy
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
The students will carry out a project drawn from one of several areas of physics. The project may be experimental or theoretical in nature. Many of the projects reflect the research interests of members of academic staff. Students work in pairs and are expected to produce a plan of work and to identify realistic goals for their project. Each pair has a project supervisor responsible for setting the project.
Students learn team working and communication skills. Written reports and oral presentations are designed to enhance the ability of students to express scientific information to a variety of audiences. In addition, students undertake group study in selected topics in physics and present the results of this study orally.
Target Students
Students on year 3 of UG School of Physics or Mathematical Physics courses.
Classes
Students are expected to attend lectures and a progress meeting with their supervisor in the semester in which they are carrying out project work. In the other semester, students attend a tutorial and the seminar session in which they are presenting.
Assessment
- 5% Coursework 1: Short summary of a review article
- 15% Project 1: Continuous Assessment of Project Diary
- 35% Report: Project Final Report: 5000 words
- 17% Coursework 2: 800-word article on general topic
- 5% Presentation 1: 15-minute presentation on a review article
- 17% Presentation 2: 15-minute presentation on general topic
- 3% Presentation 3: Presentation Skills Workshop
- 3% Participation: Peer review exercise
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
To allow students to carry out a short independent scientific investigation and to develop their problem solving and communication skills in preparation for the fourth year of MSci courses.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding:
On successful completion of the module, students will have enhanced their:
- A2 knowledge and understanding of the scientific method
- A3 understanding of how the basic principles of physics are applied in a range of situations
- A4 knowledge of the methods of mathematical physics for the analysis of physical problems
- A5 knowledge of scientific computing
Intellectual Skills:
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated their ability to:
- B1 apply theoretical ideas to the quantitative analysis of physical situations
- B2 apply high levels of numeracy and analysis
- B3 apply techniques of problem solving
- B4 apply high levels of computer literacy
Professional/Practical Skills:
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated their ability to:
- C1 formulate problems in physics using appropriate mathematical language
- C2 apply principles of experimental design, methodology and analysis
- C3 carry out independent scientific investigations, including, where appropriate, safety assessments
- C4 model physical problems using appropriate computational methods
Transferable/Key Skills:
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated their ability to:
- D1 develop appropriate strategies for study, including the use of library, human, and electronic sources of information
- D2 work successfully both independently and as a member of a small team
- D3 meet deadlines and manage their time effectively
- D4 make effective use of general IT tools for acquiring, processing, and presenting information
- D5 communicate effectively in writing, in particular to report critically on the results of an investigation
- D6 prepare and deliver presentations at a variety of levels and on advanced topics
- D7 effectively manage their time over a range of activities including collaborative working