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Study information

Projects and Dissertations - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEProjects and Dissertations CREDIT VALUE30
MODULE CODEPHY3138 MODULE CONVENERUnknown
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 53
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

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.

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)
 
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 School 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. report results and conclusions in a formal written report;
9. retrieve information from data-bases and libraries;
10. prepare a poster and deliver an oral presentation;
 
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
11. organise a programme of work;
12. interact with other group members;
13. write reports containing original material or analysis;
14. use computers appropriately.
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
Project 1
Term 1, Week 1: Project allocated (Monday)
Term 1, Week 3: Assessment of laboratory work
Term 1, Week 5: Oral presentations (Friday)
Term 1, Week 8: Assessment of laboratory work
Term 1, Weeks 9/10: Discussion of plan for report
Term 1, Week 11: Formal Report deadline (Friday 1600)
 
Project 2
Term 2, Week 1: Project allocated (Monday)
Term 2, Week 3: Assessment of laboratory work
Term 2, Week 5: Oral presentations (Friday)
Term 2, Week 8: Assessment of laboratory work
Term 2, Weeks 9/10: Discussion of plan for poster
Term 2, Week 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 Guided Independent Study 102 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning & teaching activities
198 hours 66×3-hour laboratory sessions
Guided independent study 102 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 (0%) 1-hour weekly (Term 1, Weeks 1-11 & Term 2, Weeks 1-11 ) 1-11 Verbal
Term 1 Laboratory work (0%) 10 minute notebook review and discussion (formative) (Term 1, Week 3) 1-6, 9, 11, 12, 14 Written and verbal
Term 2 Laboratory work (0%) 10 minute notebook review and discussion (formative) (Term 2, Week 3) 1-6, 9, 11, 12, 14 Written and verbal
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 30 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 70
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Term 1 Laboratory work 10% 15 minute notebook review and discussion (summative) (Term 1, Week 8) 1-6, 9, 11, 12, 14 Written and verbal
Term 1 Oral Presentation 10% 15 minutes 10 Written and verbal
Formal Report 30% 4000-words 7, 8, 13 Written and verbal
Term 2 Laboratory work 10% 15 minute notebook review and discussion (summative) (Term 2, Week 8) 1-6, 9, 11, 12, 14 Written and verbal
Term 2 Oral Presentation 10% 15 minutes 10 Written and verbal
Term 2 Poster presentation 30% A0 poster 10 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 30 ECTS VALUE 15
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 6 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Wednesday 13th March 2024 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 13th March 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Physics; Project; Work; Assessment; Report; Form; Presentation; Safety; Poster.

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