PHY3123 Project

1999-2000

Code: PHY3123
Title: Project
Instructors: Dr W.L. Barnes and Prof. R. Jones
HE credits: 20
ECTS credits: 10
Availability: unrestricted
Level: 3
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: none
Background Assumed: For experimental projects: Physics Laboratory (PHY2216)
Duration: Semesters I and II
Directed Study: 72 hours
Private Study: 128 hours
Supports Programme Aims: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8
Supports Programme Objectives: none

Assessment Methods

Background report (25%), project work (45%) written report (30%).

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 written form.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will have conducted a substantial project which will have required them to: research and write preparatory background report; investigate an area 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 format.

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, search data-bases and libraries and use computers appropriately.

Assignments

Background review, written final report.

Module Text

Not applicable

Supplementary Reading

Not applicable

Syllabus Plan and Content

Students on combined honours programmes requiring this module will be assigned their 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 1-11 students work on the project and spend weeks 14-17 writing-up the project report which must be handed in by the end of week 17. 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 by the end of week 20.

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. The background report is 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.