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Study information

Applying Physics (Group Project) - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEApplying Physics (Group Project) CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEPHY3150 MODULE CONVENERDr Chris Brunt (Coordinator), Prof Robert J Hicken (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 8
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Each student will work as part a self-managing team of 4-8 investigate and solve real problems proposed by 'clients' (normally local industrial companies). At the conclusion of the module the group will collectively produce a report and make a presentation to the client. Each project will be allocated an academic staff 'consultant' whose role is to monitor the project and to give the team feedback about their performance and strategic advice when necessary. Feedback from the client company will contribute to the final assessment.

AIMS - intentions of the module
The dual aims of this module are to promote stronger links between universities and employers and to match graduates' skills with employers' needs. This will help students gain valuable skills and experience. As well as gaining an insight into how they could be employed once they have graduated, they learn about working in a team, adhering to a budget and timeline, and how to report to an industrial contact.
 
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
A student who has passed this module should be able to:
 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1. investigate areas of physics in a systematic way using appropriate experimental and/or theoretical techniques;
2. systematically record their work in a notebook;
3. demonstrate an awareness of the general requirements of safety regulations;
4. 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;
5. appropriately complete risk assessment forms (such as those published by the College or the University Safety Office) a required by their particular project;
6. include consideration of safety aspects in the design of experiments;
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
7. research and write background material;
8. contribute results and conclusions to a formal written report;
9. retrieve information from data-bases and libraries;
10. contribute to the preparation and/or delivery of an oral presentation;
 
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
11. organise a programme of work;
12. interact productively with other group members;
13. write reports containing original material or analysis;
14. use computers appropriately;
15. evaluate the contribution of other group members.
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
Term 1 variant
Term 1, Week 0: Projects allocated
Term 1, Week 1: Initial team meeting (Monday)
Term 1, Weeks 1/2: Meeting with client
Term 1, Week 3: Individual notebook assessment 1
Term 1, Week 5: Half-way review meeting with client
Term 1, Week 7: Individual notebook assessment 2
Term 1, Week 9: Discussion of plan for report
Term 1, Week 11: Formal report deadline (Monday)
Term 1, Week 11: Presentation to client (Friday)
 
Term 2 variant
Term 2, Week 0: Projects allocated
Term 2, Week 1: Initial team meeting (Monday)
Term 2, Weeks 1/2: Meeting with client
Term 2, Week 3: Individual notebook assessment 1
Term 2, Week 5: Half-way review meeting with client
Term 2, Week 7: Individual notebook assessment 2
Term 2, Week 9: Discussion of plan for report
Term 2, Week 11: Formal report deadline (Monday)
Term 2, Week 11: Presentation to client (Friday)
 
The module leader has discretion to make minor variations to the schedule in order to match the availability of the client company's staff, etc.
 
Further information is given in the BSc Final Year Group Projects section of the Physics handbook.

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 99 Guided Independent Study 51 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 66 hours 22×3-hour laboratory sessions
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 22 hours 11×2-hour laboratory sessions
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 11 hours 11×1-hour group meetings
Guided independent study 51 hours Reading and private study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Discussions with demonstrator or consultant (0%) 1-hour weekly (Term 1, Weeks 1-11 or Term 2, Weeks 1-11) 1-15 Verbal
       
       
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 50 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 50
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Notebook assessment 1 15% 15 minutes (Term 1, Week 3 or Term 2, Week 3) 1-9, 11, 12, 14 Written and verbal
Notebook assessment 2 15% 15 minutes (Term 1, Week 7 or Term 2, Week 7) 1-9, 11, 12, 14 Written and verbal
Group formal report 50% (Ngroup+1)×750-words (Term 1, Week 11 or Term 2, Week 11) 1-9, 11-15 Written and verbal
Group presentation to client 20% 30 minutes (Term 1, Week 11 or Term 2, Week 11) 1-12, 14 Written and verbal
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

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

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Re-assessment is not available for this module.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
ELE:
 
 

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES PHY2026, PHY3147
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 6 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Monday 6th December 2021 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 26th January 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Physics; Project; Team work; Industry; Group assessment; Project management; Budget control; Safety

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.