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PH5101   Physics Project (MPhys)

Academic year(s): 2019-2020

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 an MPhys Physics or MSci Chemistry and Physics degree programme

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

The project aims to develop students' skills in searching the physics literature and in experimental design, the evaluation and interpretation of data, and in the presentation of results. There is no specific syllabus for this module. Students taking the MPhys 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 and usually also by other members of a research team. Many projects will be carried out in the School's research labs, 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 all modules from AS4103 and take all modules from AS5101 and take all modules from PH4111 and take all modules from PH5103 and take all modules from 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 research labs in the School, where members of research teams will provide supervision ranging from safety cover to assistance with equipment and discussion of interpretation of results - 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 (Review essay, Report, and 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 coordinator: Professor P D King
Module teaching staff: Prof P King and others (TBC)
Module coordinator email pdk6@st-andrews.ac.uk

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.