PHYM009 - Module Description

MODULE TITLE	Project and Dissertation					CREDIT VALUE	45
MODULE CODE	PHYM009		MODULE CONVENER			Prof. M.R. Bate

DURATION	TERM	1	2	3	Number Students Taking Module (anticipated)		61
	WEEKS	T1:01-11	T2:01-11

DESCRIPTION – summary of the module content (100 words)

This module forms the second part of the two-part, 75-credit project extending over Stages 3 and 4 of of MPhys programmes. Students will continue to work in one of the main research groups in the Physics on the project commenced in Stage 3 (PHY3122 q.v.).

MODULE AIMS – intentions of the module

A major distinguishing feature of the MPhys degree is its substantial project which requires students to apply the knowledge they have acquired to a real problem in a research environment. The aim of this module is to foster the open-ended problem solving skills that are characteristic of the practising physicist.

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:

keep a professional research notebook which is neat, accurate and objective;
write a substantive scientific report, containing original results and analysis, and defend it orally;
prepare a scientific-poster of the type used to present work at scientific conferences;
use a poster to present and defend the results of their work in a fluent and coherent form;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

demonstrate skill in oral and written presentations;
use a range of approaches to solve technical problems;
undertake independent research, make effective use of computers;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

work co-operatively within a research environment;
communicate clearly using a variety of methods;
meet deadlines for completion of work and apply appropriate time-management strategies.

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

Project Work
In weeks T1:01-11 of Term 1 the students will spend an average of two days per week on project work (making a total of 22 days). This work will be assessed, on the basis of notebooks and a viva voce examination (see table below).
Project Work
In weeks T2:01-07 students will spend an average of two days per week (14 days) on project work.
Poster Presentation
In weeks T2:08-09 of the Term 2 the students will spend five days jointly preparing a poster display on their work. The assessment will take the form of a discussion of the display with each student in turn (see table below).
Final Dissertation
In weeks T2:10-11 students will spend an average of two days per week (4 days) finalising 'practical' work on their project and undertaking the detailed analysis and preparation needed for an individual (not joint) final dissertation. The dissertation is expected to follow the guidelines in the Physics Handbook. The dissertation must not exceed the word-limit specified below. There will be also be a viva voce examination of project and dissertation, and this will be held during the Summer assessment period (see table below).

LEARNING AND TEACHING

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

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

302 hours

Guided independent study

148 hours

Placement/study abroad

0 hours

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS