Description

This module gives the student direct experience of undertaking a research project in a in a non-university professional environment, normally an industrial or government laboratory. The project topic will usually be physics-based but in some cases may involve the application of physics-related skills (e.g., mathematical modelling) to another field.

Module Aims

This module aims to give students first-hand experience of the commercial/industrial scientific working environment and its various pressures, including financial and managerial, and practices of the commercial environment. This will enhance the employability of the students, and motivate them to seek employment in roles where they are able apply physics and physics-related skills to economically important practical problems.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

A student who has passed this module should be able to:

• Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  1. apply physics-related techniques in a non-university professional environment;
  2. investigate in a systematic way using appropriate experimental and/or theoretical techniques;
  3. apply physics-related techniques and knowledge to the solution of problems:
     • gather, evaluate and analyse information in order to devise and apply a creative and practical method to solve the problem;
     • make effective use of the time and resources available;
     • record the process by which a problem is solved in a manner that facilitates independent verification;
     • detect errors by making effective use of numerical or statistical information;
• Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  4. manage information:
     • locate, collect, collate, categorise and summarise ideas and information in a systematic way;
     • recognise the value of intellectual property;
     • understand what is meant by 'confidentiality';
  5. keep a professional chronological notebook;
  6. give a presentation to appropriate scientific standards;
  7. write a report containing original material and analysis;
• Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
  8. communicate:
     • give a presentation in a clear and ordered manner, making appropriate use of visual aids;
     • write text and reports concisely and convey meaning in a manner appropriate to readers;
  9. work with others:
     • establish working relationships;
     • listen to other team members;
  10. manage a project:
      • prioritise, plan action and schedule sequence of work to achieve objectives;
      • keep appropriate records;
  11. engage with a commercial environment:
      • work under pressure to meet deadlines;
      • understand some of the economic considerations in business;
      • recognise the influence of legal and ethical restraints on a business.

Syllabus Plan

Note: All students should refer to the detailed description of the Professional Experience - Assignments and Assessment Criteria in the Physics Handbook.

The student will be working as an employee in a professional environment. They will receive training appropriate to the environment, and will supplement this with their own observations and participation.

They will undertake a research project with supervision provided by the placement establishment. The research topic and provisional work-plan will be agreed in advance between the Department of Physics and the placement establishment. Progress will be monitored by two visits from the student's tutor during the year, plus regular contact by e-mail and/or telephone.

Learning and Teaching

Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Assessment

Resources

The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that students are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Instructor(s).

Core text:

• Not applicable

Supplementary texts:

• Not applicable

ELE:

• http://newton.ex.ac.uk/redirects/ELE/phy3306

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Re-assessment

Re-assessment is not available except when required by referral or deferral.

Notes: Re-assessment is not available for this module.

KIS Data Summary

Miscellaneous