2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

PHAS5010M MSc Project

90 creditsClass Size: 40

Module manager: Dr Adam Sweetman
Email: A.M.Sweetman@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2024/25

Module replaces

PHYS5018M and PHYS5019M

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

On completion of the module a student should be able to:
- To undertake a detailed review of the research literature and write a comprehensive report.
- 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.
- Present a written report in good scientific language
- Deliver a presentation on the project
- Describe, defend, and criticise the project during a viva-voce.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Research a chosen area in physics using online resources
2. Structure a detailed literature review
3. Critically analyze and summarize the literature in an agreed area of Physics
4. Carry out original research under supervision.
5. Deliver presentations including scientific concepts, results and methodology and answer related questions.
6. Present scientific concepts, results and methodology in extended formal scientific English with illustrations and figures and references to literature sources as necessary
7. Communicate complex concepts succinctly and coherently, defend results and methodology and answer related questions in one-to-one situations.
8. Demonstrate time management and prioritisation skills and deliver work to deadlines.

Skills outcomes
- Students will gain knowledge of the literature and online resources in specific areas of physics.
- The ability to plan and execute a major scientific project
- Presentation skills
- Time management and prioritisation skills.

Syllabus

- Selection of project
- Students will research the literature surrounding their research project to hone in on the key research to be undertaken.
- Online research resources will be employed to find relevant reviews, articles and preprints.
- Plan the project
- Literature search
- Laboratory work or computation as appropriate to carry out project
- Preparation of draft report
- Preparation of final report
- Viva voce and presentation.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Supervision	21	1.00	21.00
Practical	27	7.00	189.00
Independent online learning hours			300.00
Private study hours			390.00
Total Contact hours			210.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			900.00

Private study

Students will use on-line research tools to undertake a detailed review of the literature. They will select the papers that are relevant to the research topic and provide a critical analysis of the papers. They will condense their review with a summary and conclusions. The analysis will be written up as a substantive review of the literature.
As 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: 500 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 weekly meetings with the supervisor(s) as well as by regular informal meetings during the course of the work.
The supervisor provides guidance on the preparation for project plan, presentation, viva voce and reports.
An assessor is appointed to monitor the progress of the work and offer advice as required and jointly assess the assignments.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Literature Review	Literature review	20.00
Report	Final Report	30.00
Project	Project Work	30.00
Research Proposal	Project Plan	5.00
Viva	Viva	10.00
Presentation	Presentation	5.00
Assignment	Project Notebook (pass/fail)	0.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Students must submit a serious attempt at all assessments in order to pass the module overall. Students who only need to resit the components that need no further continuously assessed work, may be allowed to resit this module as an external student. Students who have not satisfactorily completed the continuous assessment components will be required to resit the module with teaching. Such students will usually be assigned a new project, but may be restricted in the choice of projects available.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 25/03/2024 15:09:30

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