Description

This module forms the second part of the two-part, 75-credit project extending over Stages 3 and 4 of of MPhys programmes. Students will continue to work in one of the main research groups in the Physics on the project commenced in Stage 3 (PHY3122 q.v.).

Module Aims

A major distinguishing feature of the MPhys degree is its substantial project which requires students to apply the knowledge they have acquired to a real problem in a research environment. The aim of this module is to foster the open-ended problem solving skills that are characteristic of the practising physicist.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

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

• Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  1. keep a professional research notebook which is neat, accurate and objective;
  2. write a substantive scientific report, containing original results and analysis, and defend it orally;
  3. prepare a scientific-poster of the type used to present work at scientific conferences;
  4. use a poster to present and defend the results of their work in a fluent and coherent form;
• Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  5. demonstrate skill in oral and written presentations;
  6. use a range of approaches to solve technical problems;
  7. undertake independent research, make effective use of computers;
• Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
  8. work co-operatively within a research environment;
  9. communicate clearly using a variety of methods;
  10. meet deadlines for completion of work and apply appropriate time-management strategies.

Syllabus Plan

1. Project Work at End of Stage 3
   The 40 credit rating of this module includes nine credits brought forward from nine days work at the end of the Trinity term of Stage 3 (four days of week T3:06 and the whole of week T3:07).
2. Project Work
   In weeks T1:01-10 of Term 1 the students will spend an average of 2 days per week on project work (making a total of 20 days). This work will be assessed, on the basis of notebooks and a viva voce examination (see table below).
3. Project Work
   In weeks T2:01-07 students will spend a further 10 days' work on further analysis and preparation of an individual (not joint) final dissertation.
4. Poster Presentation
   In weeks T2:08-09 of the Term 2 the students will spend four days jointly preparing a poster display on their work. The assessment will take the form of a discussion of the display with each student in turn (see table below).
5. Final Dissertation
   The dissertation is expected to follow the guidelines in the Physics Handbook. The dissertation must not exceed the word-limit specified below. There will be also be a viva voce examination of project and dissertation, and this will be held during the Summer assessment period (see table below).

Learning and Teaching

Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Assessment

Notes:  Refer to the detailed description of the MPhys assessment criteria in the Physics Handbook.

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/phym009

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