University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 60

ECTS credits : 30

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: Full Year

Availability restrictions: Available only to students on MSc Astrophysics.

The project aims to develop students' skills in searching the appropriate literature, in astrophysical theory or experimental and observational design, the evaluation and interpretation of data, and the presentation of a report. There is no specific syllabus for this module. Students taking the MSc Astrophysics degree select a project from a list of those available and are supervised by a member of the academic staff.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Registration on MSc Astrophysics. Some projects will need learning from specific modules - please contact potential supervisors.

Co-requisite(s): You must also take AS5500

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1hr peer group session x 11 weeks, 1hr supervisory meeting x 11 weeks, 1hr research seminar x 12 weeks

Scheduled learning hours: 34

Guided independent study hours: 566

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr M Dominik

Additional information from school

Overview

Aims & Objectives

This module aims to present students with the opportunity to enhance and develop their research skills through extended scientific investigation. The aim is to prepare the student for research in a professional environment where reviewing literature effectively, planning, critical thinking and the final presentation of data are key elements.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module the student should have:

• Developed a level of confidence to plan and work independently in a research environment.
• Developed their literature review skills to effectively emphasise the relevance and context of a research topic.
• Acquired technical skills to record and/or analyse data appropriately or perform appropriate calculations or simulations.
• Developed critical thinking skills in order to progress their own work through reasoned evaluation.
• Gained experience of the collaborative exchange of ideas in an active research environment.
• Have further enhanced their communication and presentation skills to enable them to emphasise the key outcomes of their work effectively and to support their conclusions when questioned.

Synopsis

The module is project-based and the scheme of work will be dictated by the nature of the project itself.

Additional information on continuous assessment etc

The marking guidelines for both the dissertation (including supervisory report) and viva are available on the moodle page of this module.

Accreditation Matters

n/a

Recommended Books

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