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Module

PHY3039 : Group Project (MPhys)

  • Offered for Year: 2021/22
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Toby Hallam
  • Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0

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 and overseen by an academic staff advisor with input from students in a round-table debrief meeting.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion101:0010:00Preparation of project report
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion110:0010:00Preparation of project presentation
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching331:0033:00Project meetings with group members – Remote or Present in Person
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops61:006:00Team presentations for assessment/feedback from academic staff & other students – Present in Person
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDissertation/project related supervision61:006:00Project mtgs with supervising academic – May be held remotely or Present in Person at student behest
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study351:0035:00Independent project study
Total100:00
Jointly Taught With
Code Title
PHY3025Group Project
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 6 fixed occasions through the semester to guide project content and assist with group cohesion.
Final session is an academic advisor led group discussion to reflect upon project plan and lessons learned.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Research proposal1M20Group workload design and project topic is submitted as a group.
Oral Examination1M30Conference style presentation submitted by one or two presenters on behalf of group. Audience questions fielded by the whole group
Research paper1M50Main project report submitted as a group
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.

Reading Lists

Timetable