| 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. Antirequisite in Foundations of Modern Physics unit. |
| 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 strands for different research areas in the School, to include astrophysics and particle physics, and condensed matter 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:
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.
