Projects and Dissertations - 2024 entry
| MODULE TITLE | Projects and Dissertations | CREDIT VALUE | 30 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MODULE CODE | PHY3138 | MODULE CONVENER | Unknown |
| 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
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
| 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.
