PHY8006 : Advanced Topic in Physics (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2022/23
- Module Leader(s): Dr Thomas Billam
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 15 |
| ECTS Credits: | 8.0 |
Aims
This module will introduce students to an advanced topic in physics in which the School has an international research reputation, presented by a member of staff with expertise in that area and relevant to the student’s research project.
Outline Of Syllabus
An advanced topic in Physics in which the School has an international research reputation.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 12 | 1:00 | 12:00 | “Interim review” video preparation |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 42 | 1:00 | 42:00 | Oral examination preparation |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 84 | 1:00 | 84:00 | Study of literature / Stage 4 material |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Intro. tutorial- present-in-person |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Interim review- present-in-person. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | “Drop-ins”- present-in-person. |
| Total | 150:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Students will study a topic set by their dissertation project supervisor, by undertaking directed reading. This independent study will be supplemented by guidance available from the supervisor via “drop-ins” concomitant with normal weekly supervision meetings. In some cases in addition to reading, attending/reviewing relevant parts of the Semester 1 component of a relevant Stage 4 undergraduate Physics or Applied Mathematics module (without taking the assessments) will be set as a study activity.
The expectations of the module and the nature of the oral exam will be explained in small group tutorials from the module leader. This guided self-study will promote students to develop deep understanding and critical thinking in the advanced topic area.
If necessary present-in-person activities and oral assessments may be moved to synchronous online. Students should consult their individual timetable and Canvas for up-to-date delivery information.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Examination | 40 | 1 | A | 100 | Student presentation of topic overview, followed by oral examination by the assessors. |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | 1 | M | “Interim review” presentation |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Summative assessment is via an oral examination with questioning conducted by the supervisor and a second academic. Such assessment promotes deep learning of the advanced topic material and encourages students to engage with fundamental concepts and think critically.
To help students progress, and practice answering questions on the topic, they will record a mid-semester formative “interim review” presentation video. The student will present an overview of their knowledge of the topic so far, which will be watched by the supervisor. The student will then meet the supervisor so that:
a) the supervisor can ask the student questions based on the interim review presentation;
b) the supervisor can give formative feedback on the student’s presentation and their responses to questions.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHY8006's Timetable