PHYM009 Project and Dissertation 2025-26
Prof. M.R. Bate
 
Delivery Weeks: T1:01-11, T2:01-11
Level: 7 (NQF)
Credits: 45 NICATS / 22.5 ECTS
Enrolment: 61 students (approx)

Description

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

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)

A student who has passed this module should be able to:

Syllabus Plan

  1. 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).
  2. Project Work
    In weeks T2:01-07 students will spend an average of two days per week (14 days) on project work.
  3. 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).
  4. 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

Description Study time KIS type
Supervision Meetings 22 hours SLT
Project work (40 days) 280 hours SLT
Poster preparation (4 days) 28 hours GIS
Work on final dissertation (10 days) 70 hours GIS
Reading and private study 50 hours GIS

Assessment

Weight Form Size When ILOS assessed Feedback
0% Reports for supervisor Weekly Throughout project work 1,6-10 Verbal
25% Laboratory work and viva voce 20-minute notebook discussion Week T1:11 1,2,6-10 Written and verbal
12% Poster (joint) and viva (individual) A0 display, 15-minute viva Display deadline week T2:10, viva voce in week T2:11 1,2,5,6,10 Written and verbal
63% Dissertation and viva 7500 words, 20-minute viva Dissertation deadline week T3:01 (Mon), viva during weeks T3:02-04 2,5,6,7,9,10 Written and verbal

Notes:  Refer to the detailed description of the MPhys assessment criteria in the Physics Handbook.

Resources

The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that students are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Instructor(s).

Core text:

Supplementary texts:

ELE:

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Pre-requisite Modules Project and Dissertation (PHY3122)
Co-requisite Modules none

Re-assessment

Re-assessment is not available except when required by referral or deferral.

Original form of assessment Form of re-assessment ILOs re-assessed Time scale for re-assessment
N/A N/A N/A N/A

Notes: Re-assessment is not available for this module.

KIS Data Summary

Learning activities and teaching methods
SLT - scheduled learning & teaching activities 302 hrs
GIS - guided independent study 148 hrs
PLS - placement/study abroad 0 hrs
Total 450 hrs
Summative assessment
Coursework 63%
Written exams 0%
Practical exams 37%
Total 100%

Miscellaneous

IoP Accreditation Checklist
  • N/A this is a project module
Availability MPhys only
Distance learning NO
Keywords Physics; Work; Project; Dissertation; Poster; Table; Project work; Form; Days work; Examination; Voce examination.
Created 01-Oct-10
Revised 16-Nov-16