University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 60

ECTS credits : 30

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: Full Year

Availability restrictions: Normally available only to those in the final year of a Theoretical Physics or Mathematics and Theoretical Physics degree programme.

Planned timetable: Full time for second semester following some work in first.

This project in theoretical physics research aims to develop students' skills in searching the physics literature, in the design and implementation of investigations in theoretical/computational physics, in the evaluation and interpretation of data, and in the presentation of results. There is no specific syllabus for this module. Students taking the MPhys theoretical physics degree select a project from a list offered, and are supervised by a member of staff. Project choice and some preparatory work is undertaken in semester one, but normally most of the 60 credits' worth of work is undertaken in semester two. The aim is that students provide the intellectual drive for the project work, and should take on a role similar to that of a research student in the School. Support will be offered by the academic staff member(s) supervising the project. In addition to weekly meetings with the project supervisor, students will meet fortnightly with their peer support group. A pre-project report precedes the computational/theoretical work of the project, and is expected to be directly relevant to the subsequent studies. Please note: Some projects will need learning from specific modules - please contact potential supervisors.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must ( pass 1 module from {PH3081, PH3082} or pass 2 modules from {MT2506, MT2507} ) and pass PH3062 and pass PH3007 and pass PH4022 and pass PH4032. Some projects will need learning from specific modules - please contact potential supervisors.

Anti-requisite(s): You cannot take this module if you take PH5102 or take PH5101 or take PH4111 or take AS4103 or take AS5101 or take PH4796

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: Project students should spend all their time in semester 2 working on the project. All students must meet weekly with their project supervisor, and attend fortnightly meetings with their peer-support group. Most of their time will be spent working on theoretical physics in an independent fashion, though with the opportunity to discuss things with their supervisor face to face or electronically. In addition, all theoretical physics project students are encouraged to attend the theoretical physics research seminars.

Scheduled learning hours: 36

Guided independent study hours: 564

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework (review essay, report, oral examination) = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: No Re-assessment available - Final year project

Personnel

Module teaching staff: Dr J Keeling and others

Additional information from school

Please see also the information in the School's Handbook for Honours modules available via https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/physics/staff_students/timetables.php This link also gives access to timetables for the modules.