Unit name | Current Topics in Physics |
---|---|
Unit code | PHYSM3407 |
Credit points | 10 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
Unit director | Dr. Antognozzi |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Physics |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This unit provides an introduction to current research in theoretical and applied physics. The course is modular, and students will cover three different topics, each of topical interest. In each area, work is ongoing and there may be no definitive interpretation of results; the course will illustrate the nature of physics research, and explore ways of addressing such uncertainty. Topics will be available in four strands: astrophysics; condensed matter; foundations of physics; and particle physics. Students will normally follow one strand and students on the Physics with astrophysics programme will be expected to follow the Astrophysics strand. Each topic will be assessed by a written piece of course work of about 3,000 words. After the lectures are completed the students will be assessed by a single written piece of course work of approximately 3,000 words. This will be a review of a single research topic in the stand. Formative feedback will be provided on an essay plan.
Aims: To introduce students to topics of current research physics. To develop skills in researching a new topic and distilling information from the current scientific literature; To develop scientific writing and presentation skills.
Students should be able to:
Lectures and directed reading.
Students will write one essay of up to 3,000 words on one of the topics. The final assessment mark will be based 100% on this essay. Formative feedback will be provided on an essay plan
Each topic will be chosen from the current literature, often research papers. During the lectures students will be directed to the relevant literature.