PHY3121 Projects and Dissertations

1999-2000

Code: PHY3121
Title: Projects and Dissertations
Instructors: Dr W.L. Barnes and Prof. R. Jones
HE credits: 40
ECTS credits: 20
Availability: unrestricted
Level: 3
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: none
Background Assumed: For experimental projects: Physics Laboratory (PHY2217)
Duration: Semesters I and II
Directed Study: 144 hours
Private Study: 256 hours
Supports Programme Aims: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8
Supports Programme Objectives: none

Assessment Methods

Background reports (25%), project work (45%) written report (15%) poster presentation (6%) oral presentation (9%).

Rationale

Project work not only gives students the opportunity to carry out research or a detailed investigation into a specific area of experimental or theoretical physics but also requires them to develop and apply analytical and problem-solving skills in a context where they won't be told the 'right' answer but must discover, and validate it themselves. This may involve devising explanations or solutions, use of the library, computer, and other resources, working in small groups, and in the presentation and communication of their work, in both written and oral form.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will have conducted two substantial projects which will have required them to: research and write preparatory background reports; investigate two areas of physics in a systematic way using appropriate experimental and/or theoretical techniques; to have systematically recorded their work in a notebook; and reported their results in written, oral and poster formats.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Self-study, supervised project work

Transferable Skills

Ability to organise a programme of work, interact with other group members, write reports containing original material or analysis, use computers appropriately, search data-bases and libraries, and prepare a poster and deliver an oral presentation.

Assignments

Two background reviews, one written final report, one poster, one oral presentation.

Module Text

Not applicable

Supplementary Reading

Not applicable

Syllabus Plan and Content

Students on Physics programmes requiring this module will be assigned their first project and the title of the background review during weeks 29-30 of their second year. The background review should be approximately 2000 words, preferably be word-processed, and must be handed in to the appropriate Undergraduate Projects Co-ordinator by the end of week 1 of their third year.

During weeks 1-8 students work on the first project and spend weeks 9-10 writing-up the project report which must be handed in by the end of week 10. This will be a 2000-word word-processed report. It will outline the work done and the results obtained in the project. It will be marked over the Christmas vacation.

During weeks 9-10 students are assigned their second projects. The background review should comprise about 2000 words, be word-processed and be handed in by the end of week 14. Weeks 14-21 are used to carry out the second project. Week 22 is used to produce a single poster which will be displayed on the first-floor corridor wall by the Monday of week 23. Also in week 23 each student will give an individual oral presentation and answer questions about their project.

Further details are given in the BSc Final Year Projects section of the School handbook.

Feedback to Students

Supervision and assistance is available from project supervisors and/or laboratory demonstrators during the project periods. Background reports are returned marked along with a report sheet of brief comments which are amplified and explained in discussion with the students.

Feedback from Students

Feedback from students is gathered by direct student-staff interaction and also via the usual student representation mechanisms.