Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To enhance the understanding of physics through the experience of a research project.
Students undertake a research project that is training for a future career as a professional physicist. The project is normally carried out in a research environment and is supervised by a member of staff with an expertise in the relevant academic field. Through working alongside a member of the research staff the student is introduced to research methodology.

Outline Of Syllabus

The list of research topics available is issued in the summer term of the preceding academic year.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module you will have acquired:
• a knowledge and understanding of the contemporary research in the topic selected for research
• a knowledge and understanding of the specific topic
• a general knowledge of the related broader aspect of physics
• an appreciation of the interaction between the research topic selected and the broader aspect of physics
• an awareness of the methodology employed in contemporary research in the field of study
• the techniques and methodologies used in the pursuit of research in the topics

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module you will be able to:
• plan and implement investigations in a professional way,
• systematically acquire subject material through the selection of appropriate information channels,
• analyse critically the validity of your research and appreciate its limitations,
• present a coherent and evaluative scientific report,.
• undertake, independently, an investigation of scientific literature to enhance your knowledge.
and you will have acquired:
• the skills to undertake an investigation independently,
• further experimental skills (practical projects),
• further skills in computational physics (this particularly applies to theoretical physics projects),
• enhanced IT skills,
• enhanced written communications skills,
• enhanced verbal communications skills,
• enhanced interpersonal communications skills.

Students will develop skills across the cognitive domain (Bloom's taxonomy, 2001 revised edition): remember, understand, apply, analyse, evaluate and create.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Students are allocated an academic supervisor to discuss the aims and objectives of the project to be undertaken. At the MPhys level students are expected to undertake the majority of the work independently and show a high degree of self-reliance.
The writing of the reports increases the depth of knowledge and understanding and helps to establish a systematic approach to the research in the module. The information retrieval necessary for the report provides an insight into the methods adopted by practising physicists and paves the way for future self-directed research.
Supervisory meetings will allow the student to talk through any difficulties and ensure good progress is being made.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The project plan ensures that the student has understood the goals of the research project, has a basic grasp of the essential physics / techniques required to undertake the research work and has a plan to complete it within the two semesters.
The dissertation will comprise a maximum of 8000 words in a journal style appropriate for the sub-discipline of the project. Supported by a portfolio of additional electronic information, e.g. additional results, code written by the student, derivations etc.

From the various presentations plus report the ability of the student will be assessed regarding;
• subject-specific, core and cognitive skills
• critical evaluation of results
• innovation and initiative taking - established from a technical assessment of the initial study, implementation issues and evaluation of end project plus dissertation

General Notes

Students undertake a research project that is training for a future career as a professional physicist. The project is normally carried out in a research environment and is conducted by a member of staff with an expertise in the relevant academic field. Through working alongside a member of the research staff the student is introduced to research methodology.