PHY3147 One-Semester Physics Project and Report

2009-2010

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 and 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

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.