University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: Full Year

Availability restrictions: Available only to BSc Astrophysics students, and normally only in their final year.

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

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. The main project is preceded by a pre-project report on a topic which is usually related to the theme of the project. There is no specific syllabus for this module. Students taking the BSc 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 30 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): Entry to final year of BSc Astrophysics programme.. Before taking this module you must pass PH2011 and pass PH2012 and ( pass MT2001 or pass MT2501 and pass MT2503 ) and ( pass PH3081 or pass PH3082 or pass MT2003 or pass MT2506 and pass MT2507 ) and pass AS3013 and pass PH3081 and pass PH3012

Anti-requisite(s): You cannot take this module if you take AS5101 or take PH4111 or take PH5101 or take PH5103

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: Project students work 'half-time' on their 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 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 20 hours a week will be primarily in this environment.

Scheduled learning hours: 18

Guided independent study hours: 282

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework (Review Article, Project Report, Presentation 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 teaching staff: TBC

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