Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To enhance the ability of the student to undertake a project as part of a team, working to time scales, develop understanding in an area of physics beyond those taught in the degree programme.

Outline Of Syllabus

A group assignment involving investigation of a physics-based problem or scenario and involving programming, research and analytical skills. The project specification is scaffolded by a base programming task with details determined by students. Guidance is provided by an academic staff advisor who assists in project management and monitoring. Groups of four to six students are involved with each project, and a major part of the work is concerned with group organisation and interfacing of individuals' efforts. Formal progress meetings are monitored by academic staff advisor. Assessment of the project is via conference-style presentation, and final group report. Participation is assessed using a weighted peer assessment.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

The knowledge outcomes from this project will be multi-faceted, involving not only conceptual and procedural knowledge associated with the project in general, but also strategic involving planning and organisational strategies etc. at group level.

Intended Skill Outcomes

1. Subject-specific skills - dependent upon the project, but will include a substantial computational component.
2. Cognitive skills - analysing results and assessing progress.
3. Core skills - planning/ organising and problem solving within a group.
4. Computer literacy – appropriate to the selected problem.
5. Communication skills - report writing and presentation skills.
6. Teamwork skills - recognise strengths and weaknesses of group members; establishing a good rapport and working effectively with others; conflict resolution; assuming leadership role in setting goals and winning commitment of others etc.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Students devise a project plan early in semester for assessment. Project plan is used as the basis for workload throughout semester.

Student-led group meetings are then carried out with a timetable devised by students towards the goal of completing presentation and report assessments.

Academic group advisors will hold group meetings on 3 mandatory occasions through the semester to guide project content and assist with group cohesion. Other meetings with the supervisor are optional with an expectation of approximately 6 meetings with advisor in total.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Project plan as a guideline to drive discussion on group work learning outcomes. Drives a timely decision for determination of project topic.

Presentation at ¾ way through semester examines scientific communication skills and provides an opportunity for feedback on project progress.


Report assesses all learning outcomes; teamwork, quality of scientific findings and written scientific communications skills.

Peer assessment component allows for discrimination between team members who otherwise earn the same score. Drives reflection upon project plan to achieve team and task-based learning objectives.

There are 3 mandatory meetings between group and supervisor. Attendance of a minimum of 50% of these meetings is required to pass the module

General Notes

N/A