Physics Research Project

Code

PHYS4015

School

Physics and Astronomy

Level

4

Credits

50

Semesters

Full Year UK

Summary

The module will consist of a project the aim of which is to solve a practical or theoretical problem. Practical problems will be undertaken either in one of the department's research laboratories or in collaboration with an industrial laboratory, school or hospital, etc. Where an external collaborator is involved, a number of visits may have to be made to an external site during the course of the project. The nature of the project undertaken will be appropriate to the course taken by the student.
The credits on this module are split 10:40 between the two semesters, with background work and literature surveys being carried out in semester one and the bulk of the project work in semester 2.

Target Students

Available to Level 4 Physics students. Also available to Natural Sciences UG students who are taking a full Physics 4th year programme

Classes

In semester 1 students carry out a literature review and presentation. In semester 2 students work on the projects.

Assessment

• 6% Oral: Interview (10 minutes)
• 60% Report: Final Project Report (8000 words)
• 6% Presentation 1: Presentation (5 minutes)
• 15% Coursework 1: Project Plan and Literature Review (3000 words)
• 13% Project 1: Continuous Assessment of Project Diary

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

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. 
• A6 knowledge of the fundamental principles and applications of advanced areas of physics at, or informed by, the forefront of the discipline.

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. 
• C5 carry out substantial independent scientific investigations in an area at, or informed by, the forefront of the discipline.
 

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. 
• D7 effectively manage their time over a range of activities including collaborative working.

Conveners

• Dr Alexey Potapov