Unit name | MSc Research Project |
---|---|
Unit code | PHYSM3412 |
Credit points | 60 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
Unit director | Professor. Nick Brook |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Physics |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This project is an opportunity for students to undertake research in physics, either experimental or theoretical, and carry out an investigation, usually associated with one of the research areas in the department. Students will work with an academic supervisor to perform a literature review of the research area, including developing a plan for the project, and defining skills to be acquired before starting project work. There is a period of skills training, before moving on to the practical work. The project work is usually done in pairs, but all reports are prepared, submitted and assessed individually. The project is student-led and leads to a substantial report detailing the project, how it was approached and the results obtained. A poster will be produced at the end of the project, summarising the results for a general audience.
Aims:
By the end of this unit students will be able to:
Students will work in a self-directed manner, supported by weekly meetings with an academic advisor who will provide training for the literature review and subsequent practical work. Students will also receive advice and feedback from a named assessor. The quantity and nature of contact with the advisor will vary depending on the nature of the project. However students would be expected to meet with their advisor at least weekly.
The final assessment mark for the unit is broken down as shown below. Formative assessment is though the literature review and research proposal, and the skills training element. Performance in these will be reviewed with the student once they are completed. The literature review and research proposal will be assessed independently by the advisor and assessor. Finally, the students will produce a poster to communicate their work at a level appropriate for a general audience, and all of the posters will be assessed by the unit coordinator.
The skills will be defined when the project proposal is submitted with tasks to be completed. Completion of the tasks will result in the marks being awarded.
The final project report mark will be based on the report and on work throughout the year. Both advisor and assessor will be present at the final interview.
Literature review and research proposal (5,000 words) (30%)
Skills Training (5%)
Final project report and Interview (5,000 word report + 30 minute interview) (60%)
Poster (5%)
Reading will come from the relevant literature, research papers and advanced text books, and will be project dependent.