| Unit name | Practical Physics 303 |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHYS39030 |
| Credit points | 30 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Hayden |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
120cp at Level I/5 in single or joint honours Physics programmes. |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Physics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This unit compromises three non-lecture-based 10cp units: PHYS39010 Practical Physics 301, PHYS38012 Computational Physics 301 and PHYS38013 Group Work 301, all of which are mandatory for MSci in Physics and in Physics with Astrophysics. The Practical Physics 301 unit requires the student to complete one research-based experiment under the guidance of a supervisor for that experiment, thereby developing additional experience of modern instrumental techniques, learning to solve advanced experimental problems, developing fault-finding and correction skills and as preparation for the level M research project. The Computational Physics 301 unit builds on computational physics from levels C/4 and I/5. Here existing skills are developed, concentrating specifically on manipulating and presenting scientific data, and programming, particularly to manipulate data and also simulate experimental data. The unit is self-paced against a work-sheet of problems, with hands-on guidance from demonstrators. In the Group Work 301 unit, students are assigned to groups of about eight and work together to produce a written report on an allocated topic. The report will include a group photograph, an abstract, a general introduction, a technical report of the topic and a popular account of the subject. Reports are co-ordinated by an editor and a deputy editor using material assembled by the group. A progress report is produced half way through the unit. There is also a presentation for the Group Conference at the end of the unit.
Aims:
Practical Physics 301 - To develop additional experimental skills in the context of experimental modules closely linked to current research activities in the department. To develop improved confidence in handling advanced equipment and improve fault-finding and correction skills. Computational Physics 301 - To develop additional computational skills specifically aimed at programming in Visual Basic to manipulate scientific data and presenting the results in a scientifically correct, clear and attractive way. To learn some techniques for simulating experimental data. Group Work 301 - To develop a capacity for independent work as part of a larger group. To encourage collaboration in achieving a set goal within a defined period of time. To develop interpersonal skills, particularly the presentation of written work. To interpret a body of physics knowledge into a coherent them which transcends the traditional divisions of the subject.
By the end of this unit students will be able to:
Practical Physics 301 - Have greater awareness of the research in certain groups in the department. Have greater confidence and improved experimental skills in handling advanced research-based equipment.
Computational Physics 301 - Use Visual Basic to write programs to manipulate scientific data and present the results clearly, accurately and concisely. Able to simulate experimental data and evaluate theoretical problems. Group Work 301 - Have a greater awareness of the different styles of presentation of scientific material. Able to work successfully on a specific task within a larger group seeking to achieve a set goal. Have improved confidence in presenting material both written and within a conference-style presentation.
Practical Physics 301 - Each experiment is supervised by an academic who introduces, oversees and advises on the experiment. Experiments are usually taken in pairs.
Computational Physics 301 - The students self-pace through the problems, with set computer laboratory hours available where the laboratory is manned by demonstrators. Problems must be completed to a time-table.
Group Work 301 - Students are assigned to groups of about 8, and choose an editor and deputy editor. The group selects a topic from a list and each group has an advisor who gives the group guidance about where to find appropriate information and monitors the progress of the group. Each group member keeps a personal dossier of their submissions including drafts and notes. The editor is primarily responsible for the technical report and has secondary responsibility for the popular account and progress report. The deputy editor has primary responsibility for the popular account and the progress report and secondary responsibility for the technical report. The 30 minute presentation is given by one or two members from each group.
Practical Physics 301 - Assessment is done by the supervisor, who marks the day-to-day work, the work-book and holds a final interview, and an assessor, who marks the experimental report. A moderator reads all the reports and moderates these marks, if necessary. The mark for the work is the sum of that from the supervisor and the moderated assessment of the report. Computational Physics 301 - Assessment is based on marking of the 3 problems (40%) done against a time-table during the booked sessions, together with a mark for a miniproject (60%) completed by the end of 3 weeks after the end of the booked sessions.
Group Work 301 - Assessment is done by the supervisor of the group and one other supervisor from another group. All material is assessed including the individual dossier (45% for team member, 20% for editors), Progress report (10% team members, 25% deputy editor, 15% editor), abstract (5% team member, 10% editors), popular account )(10% team members and editor, 20% deputy editor), technical report (15% team members, 10% deputy editor, 30% editor), Conference (15% all group members).
Practical Physics 301 - Material appropriate to the specific experiment will be provided.
Computational Physics 301 - Material appropriate to the unit is available from the web-pages for this unit
Group Work 301 - Input material is part of this unit to produce.
