Skip to main content

Module

PHY8036 : Extended Project (Inactive)

  • Inactive for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Graeme Sarson
  • Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 45
ECTS Credits: 23.0
European Credit Transfer System

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 StudyAssessment preparation and completion10:200:20Oral presentation of key findings to supervisor and 2nd examiner
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion196:0096:00Research, preparation and submission of project plan,
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion160:0060:00Writing and preparing report
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion110:0010:00Writing and preparing oral presentation
Guided Independent StudyProject work1259:40259:40N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDissertation/project related supervision122:0024:00Approximate student - project supervisor contact time.
Total450:00
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 Presentation202M20Oral presentation of key findings
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Dissertation2M70max 8000 words journal style
Report2M10Project plan and gantt chart
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The dissertation will comprise a maximum of 8000 words in a journal style appropriate for the sub-discipline of the project. Supported by a portfolio of additional electronic information, e.g. additional results, code written by the student, derivations etc.

From the various presentations plus report the ability of the student will be assessed regarding;
• subject-specific, core and cognitive skills
• critical evaluation of results
• self-reliance – assessed from general observations of the supervisor.
• self-motivation– assessed from general observations of the supervisor.
• innovation and initiative taking - 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