PHY4411 Independent-Study Module

1999-2000

Code: PHY4411
Title: Independent-Study Module
Instructors: Dr S.J. Matcher
HE credits: 10
ECTS credits: 5
Availability: unrestricted
Level: 4
Prerequisites: Solid State Physics I (PHY3102), Advanced Electromagnetism (PHY4420), Statistical Mechanics (PHY4421) and Quantum Mechanics II (PHY3130)
Corequisites: none
Background Assumed: none
Duration: Semester I
Directed Study: 6 hours
Private Study: 94 hours
Supports Programme Aims: 3, 6 and 7
Supports Programme Objectives: none

Assessment Methods

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 assessment of their own work, and this will be included in the assessment process..

Rationale

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. To achieve the full credit value, the student must a) identify a suitable piece of work to accomplish, b) define and meet a series of intermediate goals and c) produce a final result. The entire exercise should take the equivalent of 66 hours.

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 (i.e. 66 hours); 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.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Self-directed reading, time management and organization

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.

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.

Module Text

Not applicable

Supplementary Reading

Not applicable

Syllabus Plan and Content

N/A

Feedback to Students

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

Feedback from Students

Feedback from students on the module is gathered via the standard student representation mechanisms.