2018/19 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

PHYS5021M Interdisciplinary Research Project

45 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Dr Samatha Pugh
Email: s.l.pugh@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2018/19

Pre-requisite qualifications

BSc/ BEng in Physics, Engineering or Mathematical Sciences

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

The major research project is a key distinctive feature of the programme, enabling students to apply the academic principles learned from both the scientific and business disciplines in a detailed and synoptic study of a high technology commercial challenge. Where appropriate, a commercial “sponsor” will be involved in the project. Each project will be jointly supervised by a Physics academic to optimise the academic quality of the work from both the scientific and business perspectives.

Students will work predominantly independently on their own project; however there will also be elements of group work, particularly during the development stage of the project proposal, where peer review will be an important part of the development of the idea.

Learning outcomes
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of the latest developments in the chosen theme and how these can be effectively exploited in relevant industry sectors.
- understand how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to develop and interpret knowledge in the discipline.
- develop a research methodology to solve a complex problem in a technical commercial environment.
- demonstrate an awareness of the level of uncertainty in data, predictions or solutions.
- solve problems by working individually and with others to critically analyse, and develop appropriate solutions to complex commercial problems.
- undertake systematic analysis and produce creative solutions with originality and autonomy.
- communicate technical and management information effectively to specialist and non-specialists.
- act ethically and responsibly, with appreciation of environmental and sustainability issues, internationalisation and cultural differences.
- critically and constructively reflect on and evaluate their own performance.

Syllabus

The module will consist of three elements:
- Taught sessions on research methods (provided by LUBS, as part of their Research Methods module LUBS5012M)
- Fortnightly tutorials/seminars that run through semesters 1 and 2 to support the development of the project and facilitate team working.
- The major research project. The research project is an individual major piece of original research that will bring together the taught elements of both the business and physics aspects of the programme. The project brief will be designed by the student and approved by the module leader. An appropriate academic advisor will be assigned to the student.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Supervision Meetings	10	0.50	5.00
Lecture	20	1.00	20.00
Seminar	10	1.00	10.00
Independent online learning hours			415.00
Private study hours			0.00
Total Contact hours			35.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			450.00

Private study

The majority of the work for this module will be independent, by the very nature of a research project.
Students will be expected to define a research question and research methodology during semester one.
During semester two students will be expected to undertake some preliminary research such as initial data gathering or a literature review.
During semester 3 students will undertake most of the research and subsequent writing up of the project.
Supervision will be a minimum of 10 meetings.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored by attendance at seminars and by monitoring of coursework submission for continual assessments, where appropriate.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Presentation	10 minutes	5.00
Reflective log	reflective summary 1000 words due late August	15.00
Presentation	20 minutes. Due late August.	15.00
Project	Report- 10,000 words due mid-August	65.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Project proposal is Pass For Progression. A resit for the Project Proposal will be available in January.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 05/06/2018

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