Study information

Project and Dissertation - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEProject and Dissertation CREDIT VALUE45
MODULE CODEPHYM009 MODULE CONVENERProf Matthew Bate (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 61
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module forms the second part of the two-part, 75-credit project extending over Stages 3 and 4 of of MPhys programmes. Students will continue to work in one of the main research groups in the Physics on the project commenced in Stage 3 (PHY3122 q.v.).

AIMS - intentions of the module

A major distinguishing feature of the MPhys degree is its substantial project which requires students to apply the knowledge they have acquired to a real problem in a research environment. The aim of this module is to foster the open-ended problem solving skills that are characteristic of the practising physicist.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
A student who has passed this module should be able to:
 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1. keep a professional research notebook which is neat, accurate and objective;
2. write a substantive scientific report, containing original results and analysis, and defend it orally;
3. prepare a scientific-poster of the type used to present work at scientific conferences;
4. use a poster to present and defend the results of their work in a fluent and coherent form;
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
5. demonstrate skill in oral and written presentations;
6. use a range of approaches to solve technical problems;
7. undertake independent research, make effective use of computers;
 
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
8. work co-operatively within a research environment;
9. communicate clearly using a variety of methods;
10. meet deadlines for completion of work and apply appropriate time-management strategies.
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
I. Project Work
In weeks T1:01-11 of Term 1 the students will spend an average of two days per week on project work (making a total of 22 days). This work will be assessed, on the basis of notebooks and a viva voce examination (see table below).
 
II. Project Work
In weeks T2:01-07 students will spend an average of two days per week (14 days) on project work.
 
III. Poster Presentation
In weeks T2:08-09 of the Term 2 the students will spend five days jointly preparing a poster display on their work. The assessment will take the form of a discussion of the display with each student in turn (see table below).
 
IV. Final Dissertation
In weeks T2:10-11 students will spend an average of two days per week (4 days) finalising 'practical' work on their project and undertaking the detailed analysis and preparation needed for an individual (not joint) final dissertation. The dissertation is expected to follow the guidelines in the Physics Handbook. The dissertation must not exceed the word-limit specified below. There will be also be a viva voce examination of project and dissertation, and this will be held during the Summer assessment period (see table below).
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 302 Guided Independent Study 148 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 22 hours Supervision Meetings
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 280 hours Project work (40 days)
Guided independent study 28 hours Poster preparation (4 days)
Guided independent study 70 hours Work on final dissertation (10 days)
Guided independent study 50 hours Reading and private study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Reports for supervisor (0%) Weekly (throughout project work) 1, 6-10 Verbal
       
       
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 63 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 37
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Laboratory work and viva voce 25% 20-minute notebook discussion (Term 1, Week 11) 1, 2, 6-10
Written and verbal
Poster (joint) and viva (individual) 12% A0 display, 15-minute viva (Display deadline Term 2, Week 10; viva voce Week 11 of Term 2) 1, 2, 5, 6, 10
Written and verbal
Dissertation and viva 63% 7500 words, 20-minute viva (Dissertation deadline Term 3, Week 1 (Mon), viva during Weeks 2-4 of Term 3) 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10
Written and verbal
         
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment is not available except when required by referral or deferral.

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Re-assessment is not available for this module.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
ELE:
 

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 45 ECTS VALUE 22.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES PHY3122
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 15th December 2011 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 26th January 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Physics; Work; Project; Dissertation; Poster; Table; Project work; Form; Days work; Examination; Voce examination

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.