PHY3138 - Module Description

MODULE TITLE	Projects and Dissertations					CREDIT VALUE	30
MODULE CODE	PHY3138		MODULE CONVENER			Prof. R.J. Hicken and Dr C.M. Brunt

DURATION	TERM	1	2	3	Number Students Taking Module (anticipated)		53
	WEEKS	T1:01-11	T2:01-11

DESCRIPTION – summary of the module content (100 words)

This module comprises two one-term projects, which may be theoretical or experimental, and are normally undertaken in a pair. These projects are open-ended. Although normally inspired by research in the Department, students may propose their own topics for investigation. Students will produce a formal written scientific report of their first project, and will collaborate to make a poster presentation of their second project.

MODULE AIMS – intentions of the module

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 it 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 (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

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 and Knowledge:

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 Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

organise a programme of work;
interact with other group members;
write reports containing original material or analysis;
use computers appropriately.

SYLLABUS PLAN – summary of the structure and academic content of the module

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 T1:08	Week T2:08	Assessment of laboratory work
Week T1:09/T1:10		Discussion of plan for report
	Week T2:09/10	Discussion of plan for poster
Week T1:11		Formal Report deadline (Friday 1600)
	Week T2:11	Poster deadline (Friday 1600)

In the Term 1, students work on the first project and must write-up the project in a formal report which must be handed in before the Christmas vacation. This will be typset with LaTeX or word-processed (for word-limit see 'Assessment Methods' above). It will review the background to the project, outline the work done and the results obtained in the project. Work in Term 2 follows a similiar pattern, except that the final report is in the form of a poster presentation which will which will be displayed on the first-floor corridor wall. Details of the various exercises and the assessment criteria are given in the BSc Final Year Projects section of the Physics handbook.

Supervision and assistance is available from project supervisors and/or laboratory demonstrators during the project periods.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

198 hours

Guided independent study

102 hours

Placement/study abroad

0 hours

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS