| Unit name | Physics Dissertation 333 |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHYS38331 |
| Credit points | 30 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Gersen |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
120 credit points at level I/5 of any BSc physics, joint honours with physics or Chemical Physics programme. |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Physics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
The dissertation is an opportunity for students to produce a major review of a single topic in physics. The dissertation is student-led and leads to a substantial report detailing the topic, combining material from a variety of sources.
Aims:
The dissertation is a substantial exercise where the student demonstrates initiative and independence, bringing a diversity of knowledge and skills to bear on a particular topic. A major component of this unit is to develop the ability to synthesise material from a wide variety of sources and analyse critically the current status of knowledge about the specific topic.
The student will:
The dissertation will be mainly library-based. Both a supervisor and an assessor will be involved during the duration of the dissertation. Generally the student and supervisor will meet weekly.
Assessment is through an interim report at the end of the first semester and the final report at the start of the summer term. The assessor will interview the student at the end of the unit. The assessment is based on day-to-day performance throughout the duration of the dissertation, the quality of the report and the results and conclusions. Marks will be awarded for technical ability in marshalling material, diligence and motivation in analysing the material and an appreciation of the science of the subject of the dissertation.
This will depend on the specific topic but may include textbooks, research journals, previous project reports and web-based material.
