PHY8054 : Extended Project (Astrophysics) (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2022/23
- Module Leader(s): Dr Danielle Leonard
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 20.0 |
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 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.
Outline Of Syllabus
The list of research topics available is issued in the summer term of the preceding academic year. Students should discuss the topic they are interested in with staff member supervising the topic.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 90:00 | 90:00 | Literature Review |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 15:30 | 15:30 | Writing of presentation |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 0:30 | 0:30 | Presentation of key findings in a research symposium |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 1 | 270:00 | 270:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Dissertation/project related supervision | 12 | 2:00 | 24:00 | Approximate student - project supervisor contact time. |
| Total | 400:00 |
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.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | 10 | 2 | M | 20 | 10 minute presentation in a symposium style |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 2 | M | 60 | 40 pages (excluding references and appendices) |
| Report | 2 | M | 20 | Literature review. 12 pages (excluding references and appendices) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
From the various presentations plus report the ability of the student will be assessed regarding;
• subject-specific, core and cognitive skills
• self-reliance – assessed from general observations of the supervisor.
• self-motivation– assessed from general observations of the supervisor.
• innovation and initiative taking
• critical evaluation of results
established from a technical assessment of the initial study, implementation issues and evaluation of end project plus dissertation and the general observations of the supervisor
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHY8054's Timetable