PHY3147 One-Semester Physics Project and Report
2011-2012
Code: PHY3147
Level: 3
Title: One-Semester Physics Project and Report
Instructors:
Dr P. Vukusic
CATS Credit Value: 15
ECTS Credit Value: 7.5
Pre-requisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Duration:
T1:01-M11 or
L1-L11
Availability: one-year physics (UL11) only
Background Assumed: -
Directed Study Time: 90 hours
Private Study Time: 60 hours
Assessment Tasks Time: -
Aims
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, normally working in small groups.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Students should be able to:
Module Specific Skills
- investigate areas of physics in a systematic way using
appropriate experimental and/or theoretical techniques;
- systematically record their work in a notebook;
- demonstrate an awareness of the general requirements of safety regulations;
- identify any specific hazards associated with their particular project and/or its environment,
describe the associated procedures for safe working, and explain the rationale for such procedures;
- appropriately complete risk assessment forms (such as those published by the School or the
University Safety Office)
a required by their particular project;
- include consideration of safety aspects in the design of
experiments;
Discipline Specific Skills
- research and write background material;
- report results and conclusions in a formal written report;
- retrive information from data-bases and libraries;
- prepare a poster and deliver an oral presentation;
Personal and Key Skills
- organise a programme of work;
- interact with other group members;
- write reports containing original material or analysis;
- use computers appropriately.
Learning / Teaching Methods
Self-study, supervised project work
Assignments
One formal report. One 15-minute oral presentation.
Assessment
Laboratory work (40%), oral presentations (20%),
2500-word formal report (40%).
Syllabus Plan and Content
| Project 1 | Project 2 | Activity |
|---|
| Week T1:01 | Week T2:01 | Project allocated (Monday) |
| Week T1:03 | Week T2:03 | Assessment of laboratory work |
| Week T1:05 | Week T2:05 | Oral presentations (Friday) |
| Week T1:07 | Week T2:07 | Assessment of laboratory work |
| Week T1:09/10 | Week T2:09/10 | Discussion of plan for report |
| Week T1:11 | Week T2:11 | Formal Report deadline (Friday 1600) |
Details of the various exercises and the assessment criteria
are given in the
BSc
Final Year Projects section of the School handbook.
Core Text
Not applicable
Supplementary Text(s)
Not applicable
Formative Mechanisms
Supervision and assistance is available from project supervisors and/or
laboratory demonstrators during the project periods. In-session
assessments are returned marked to students with a report sheet of brief
comments which are amplified and explained in discussion with the
students.
Evaluation Mechanisms
Feedback from students is gathered by direct student-staff
interaction and also via the usual
student representation mechanisms.
