University of Exeter Handbook (Physics) Questions/Comments Department (Physics)

Stage 3 MPhys Tutorial Work

All undergraduate physics tutorials follow the general guidelines for tutorials. The details specific to tutorials for Stage 3 Physics MPhys students are as follows:

The common element should consist of:

  1. Two 15-minute talks on the students' MPhys projects.
     
  2. Development of scientific writing skills, particularly with regard to style of presentation appropriate for project reports. This may include reading of scientific papers and reports, with discussion in a subsequent tutorial. Practice essays may also be set, for example, 500-1000 words on a topic that relates to a section of the dissertation.
     
  3. Questions on the four core courses: PHY3143 (Advanced Electromagnetism), PHY3030 (Quantum Physics II), PHY3102 (Solid State Physics I - two sets of questions), PHYM421 (Statistical Mechanics) and PHYM422 (Quantum Physics III); these will be supplied by module lecturers.

The remaining unassigned time will be left to the tutor's discretion. It is suggested that the students should be introduced to some 'General Paper' problems in advance of the Stage 4 year.

The following timetable for setting and discussing work is suggested.

Autumn Term

Week T1:01Unspecified.
Week T1:02Set Solid-State questions 1.
Week T1:03Collect Solid-State questions 1.
Week T1:04Go through Solid-State questions 1. Project talks.
Week T1:05Other project talks. Set Quantum Physics II questions.
Week T1:06Collect Quantum Physics II questions.
Week T1:07Go through Quantum Physics II questions.
Week T1:08Set Solid-State questions 2.
Week T1:09Collect Solid-State questions 2.
Week T1:10Go through Solid-State questions 2.
Week T1:11Revision.

Spring Term

Week T2:−1Staff available: students need not attend.
Week T2:00No tutorials but staff available. Examination period.
Week T2:01Individual Self-Appraisal PDP interviews
Week T2:02Unspecified.
Week T2:03Set Advanced Electromagnetism questions.
Week T2:04Collect Advanced Electromagnetism questions. Set Statistical Mechanics questions.
Week T2:05Go through Advanced Electromagnetism questions 1. Collect Statistical Mechanics questions.
Week T2:06Go through Statistical Mechanics questions.
Week T2:07Unspecified.
Week T2:08Set Quantum Physics III questions.
Week T2:09Collect Quantum Physics III questions.
Week T2:10Go through Quantum Physics III questions.
Week T2:11Revision.

Summer Term

Week T3:01Staff available: students need not attend.
Week T3:07Transcript issue and discussion of results.

Tutors will use their discretion in planning the work load and will set their own questions, or exercises, in addition to those prescribed.

Towards the end of Term T2 students chould be given a chance to discuss their choice of options for next year.

Stage 3 students taking four-year programmes should be encouraged to visit the Careers and Employment Service , Reed Mews (Tel. 4401) to seek preliminary advice after completion of the mid-year examinations.

University of Exeter Handbook (Physics) Questions/Comments Department (Physics)