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Study information

Professional Placement - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEProfessional Placement CREDIT VALUE120
MODULE CODEPHY3308 MODULE CONVENERProf Tim Naylor (Coordinator), Dr Steven Hepplestone (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 4
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module gives the student direct experience of undertaking a research project in a in a non-university professional environment, normally an industrial or government laboratory. The project topic will usually be physics-based but in some cases may involve the application of physics-related skills (e.g., mathematical modelling) to another field.

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to give students first-hand experience of the commercial/industrial scientific working environment and its various pressures, including financial and managerial, and practices of the commercial environment. This will enhance the employability of the students, and motivate them to seek employment in roles where they are able apply physics and physics-related skills to economically important practical problems.

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. apply physics-related techniques in a non-university professional environment;
2. investigate in a systematic way using appropriate experimental and/or theoretical techniques;
3. apply physics-related techniques and knowledge to the solution of problems:
  • gather, evaluate and analyse information in order to devise and apply a creative and practical method to solve the problem;
  • make effective use of the time and resources available;
  • record the process by which a problem is solved in a manner that facilitates independent verification;
  • detect errors by making effective use of numerical or statistical information;
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
4. manage information:
  • locate, collect, collate, categorise and summarise ideas and information in a systematic way;
  • recognise the value of intellectual property;
  • understand what is meant by 'confidentiality';
5. keep a professional chronological notebook;
6. give a presentation to appropriate scientific standards;
7. write a report containing original material and analysis;
 
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
8. communicate:
  • give a presentation in a clear and ordered manner, making appropriate use of visual aids;
  • write text and reports concisely and convey meaning in a manner appropriate to readers;
9. work with others:
  • establish working relationships;
  • listen to other team members;
10. manage a project:
  • prioritise, plan action and schedule sequence of work to achieve objectives;
  • keep appropriate records;
11. engage with a commercial environment:
  • work under pressure to meet deadlines;
  • understand some of the economic considerations in business;
  • recognise the influence of legal and ethical restraints on a business.
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
Note: All students should refer to the detailed description of the Professional Placement - Assignments and Marking Criteria in the Physics Handbook.
 
The student will be working as an employee in a professional environment. They will receive training appropriate to the environment, and will supplement this with their own observations and participation.
 
They will undertake a research project with supervision provided by the placement establishment. The research topic and provisional work-plan will be agreed in advance between the Department of Physics and the placement establishment. Progress will be monitored by two visits from the student's tutor during the year, plus regular contact by e-mail and/or telephone.
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities Guided Independent Study Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Placement/study abroad 1200 hours 1-year placement
     
     

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
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
Preliminary report 10% 2,500 words (Term 1, Week 9 (Monday)) 2-4, 7-10 Written
Assessment of project work: notebook assessment plus viva voce (with written input from industrial supervisor) 20% 30-minute viva (Term 2, Weeks 1/2) 1-5, 9-11 Written and verbal
Oral presentation at Exeter 10% 30 minutes (Term 3, Weeks 3/4/5) 6, 8 Written and verbal
Assessment of project work: notebook assessment plus viva voce (with written input from industrial supervisor) 20% 30-minute viva (Term 3, Weeks 3/4/5) 1-5, 9-11 Written and verbal
Final report plus viva voce 40% 10,000 words, 30-minute viva (Deadline 1st of September) 1-4, 7-11 Written

 

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 120 ECTS VALUE 60
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 6 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 9th December 2021 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 26th January 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Physics; Group work; Professional environment; Placement; Project; Work experience

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