University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 60

ECTS credits : 30

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: Full Year

Availability restrictions: Available only to those in the final year of an MPhys Astrophysics programme.

Planned timetable: Full time in second semester, plus some preparation in first semester.

The project aims to develop students' skills in searching the appropriate literature, in experimental and observational design, the evaluation and interpretation of data, and the presentation of a report. The main project is preceded by a pre-project report. There is no specific syllabus for this module. Students taking the MPhys degree select a project from a list of those which are available, and are supervised by a member of the academic 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 and sometimes also by other members of a research team. Many projects will be carried out in one of the astronomy computing clusters, but other arrangements are possible. A pre-project report precedes the experimental/computational/theoretical work of the project, and is expected to be directly relevant to the subsequent experimental studies.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Some projects will need learning from specific modules - please contact potential supervisors.. Before taking this module you must pass PH3061

Anti-requisite(s): You cannot take this module if you take AS4103 or take PH4111 or take PH5101 or take PH5103 or take PH4796

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: Project students work 'full-time' on their MPhys project through semester 2. All students must meet weekly with their project supervisor and attend fortnightly meetings with their peer-support group. Most projects are based in astronomy computer clusters in the School, where students can benefit from peer support and informal interaction with academic supervisor and other members of research teams. It is expected that the 40 hours a week will be primarily in this environment.

Scheduled learning hours: 21

Guided independent study hours: 579

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

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

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

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr C J Cyganowski
Module coordinator email cc243@st-andrews.ac.uk

Additional information from school

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