PHYM411 Independent-Study Module

2007-2008

Code: PHYM411
Title: Independent-Study Module
Instructors: Dr P.G. Petrov
CATS credits: 10
ECTS credits: 5
Availability: unrestricted
Level: M
Pre-requisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Background Assumed: -
Duration: Semester I or II
Directed Study Time: 6 tutorials (approx.)
Private Study Time: 94 hours
Assessment Tasks Time: -
Observation report: awaiting notification

Aims

The independent study module is a relatively new innovation within the School's programme. The aim is to enable the student to develop his/her skills in goal-setting and time-management by pursuing a completely self-defined programme of study.

Intended Learning Outcomes

After following this module the student should have gained the ability to:

• identify a piece of work which can be satisfactorily completed in a given amount of time;
• define a critical path to accomplish the task;
• communicate progress via short reports to a staff member acting as a mentor;
• present results effectively in an oral, written or visual form (the final assessment can take one of a number of forms);
• show evidence of critical self-appraisal through the submission of a "self-assessment" of the accomplished work;
• become familiar with new subject material entirely through self study.

Transferable Skills

Students following this module will exercise their goal-setting and time-management skills extensively. They will learn how to define a critical path to deliver a stated result within a given time and develop skills in resourcing, selecting and organising relevant information. They will acquire the discipline to complete their self-defined goal within a time constraint. Equally importantly they will learn not to spend too much time on a project which constitutes only a fraction of their 4th year credit. Depending on their chosen form of assessment, they will exercise oral, written or poster presentation skills. They will learn to defend themselves in a viva and apply constructive self-criticism to their final work.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Self-directed reading, time management and organization.

Assignments

Submission of an initial project plan, to be approved by the supervisor. Fortnightly progress reports to the supervisor. Production of the final assessed work and viva.

Assessment

Coursework (100%).

The end product will be assessed by two members of staff, and the student may be required to attend an oral examination if appropriate. This will be decided when the form of the end product of the independent study is agreed at the start of the module. In addition, students will be asked to make an evaluation of their own work, and this will be included in the assessment process.

Syllabus Plan and Content

To achieve the full credit value, the student must:

1. Identify a suitable piece of work to accomplish
2. Define and meet a series of intermediate goals
3. Produce a final result.

The entire exercise should take the equivalent of 10 hours per credit. The word length of written essays reports, etc. should be commensurate with School norms, i.e. 300-500 words per credit.

Core Text

Not applicable

Supplementary Text(s)

Not applicable

Formative Mechanisms

The student is informed whether his/her progress is satisfactory at fortnightly meetings at which the progress report is discussed.

Evaluation Mechanisms

The module will be evaluated using information gathered via the student representation mechanisms, the staff peer appraisal scheme, and measures of student attainment based on summative assessment.