2017/18 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

PHYS5014M Research Project

60 creditsClass Size: 65

Module manager: Dr Oscar Cespedes
Email: o.cespedes@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2017/18

Module replaces

PHYS5013M (45 redit Research Project)

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

On completion of the module a student should be able to:

- plan a programme of research work together with the supervisor
- operate effectively as a team when more than one person is working on the project, with the supervisor, other members of the research group, and project partners where appropriate.
- conduct a detailed literature search
- appraise the importance and relevance of the information obtained
- carry out a piece of theoretical, experimental, computational, observational research , or extended literature review, as appropriate for the particular project.
- present a written report in good scientific language
- deliver an oral presentation on the project
- describe, defend, and criticise the project during a viva-voce.

Learning outcomes
Solve advanced problems in physics using appropriate mathematical tools;
Use mathematical techniques and analysis to model physical behaviour and interpret mathematical descriptions of physical phenomena;
Demonstrate a working knowledge of a variety of experimental, mathematical and/or computational techniques applicable to current research within physics;
Plan and execute an investigation, critically analyse the results and draw valid conclusions, evaluate the level of uncertainty in results and compare with theoretical predictions or published data;
Communicate complex scientific ideas concisely, accurately and informatively;
Manage own learning and make use of appropriate texts, research articles and other primary sources.

Skills outcomes
- The ability to plan and exectue a major scientific project
- Oral and written presentation skills
- Time management and prioritisation skills.

Syllabus

- Selection of project
- Literature search
- Laboratory work or computation as appropriate to carry out project; preparation of draft report
- Group presentations
- Preparation of final report
- and for viva voce and oral presentation.

Note: Physics with Astrophysics and Physics with Nanotechnology students carry out projects in astrophysics and nanotechnology respectively.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Laboratory	27	7.00	189.00
Supervision	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			400.00
Total Contact hours			200.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			600.00

Private study

This is an independent research module. Each project will vary according to the needs of the particular research question being addressed. Suggested time allocation for private study are listed below
Self study/research: 300 hours
- Preparing for presentations: 10 hours
- Writing final project: 90 hours
- Suggested reading will be available from your supervisor.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Progress is monitored at formal weekly meetings with the supervisor(s) as well as by regular informal meetings in the laboratory during the course of the work.

The supervisor provides guidance on the preparation for an oral presentation and a viva voce and also on the form of the report.

An assessor is appointed to monitor the progress of the work and offer advice if required.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Project	overall conduct of research	45.00
Report	final report	30.00
Viva	viva voce	10.00
Oral Presentation	oral presentation	10.00
Literature Review	literature review	5.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 05/05/2016

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

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