This module comprises a one-term project, which may be theoretical or experimental, and is 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 project.
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 2. systematic way using appropriate experimental and/or theoretical techniques;
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 Department 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 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
Term 1 Version
Week 1: Project allocated (Monday)
Week 3: Assessment of laboratory work
Week 5: Oral presentations (Friday)
Week 8: Assessment of laboratory work
Weeks 9/10: Discussion of plan for report
Week 11: Formal Report deadline (Friday 1600)
Term 2 Version
Week 1: Project allocated (Monday)
Week 3: Assessment of laboratory work
Week 5: Oral presentations (Friday)
Week 8: Assessment of laboratory work
Weeks 9/10: Discussion of plan for report
Week 11: Formal Report deadline (Friday 1600)
Students work on their project for one term and must write-up the project in a formal report which must be handed in before the 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. Details of the various exercises and the assessment criteria are given in the BSc Final Year Projects section of the Physics handbook.
