KD7030 - Physics Research Project

The student will undertake a self-managed research-based project, under the supervision of a member of the academic staff. This will involve the definition of the aims and objectives of the project and the preparation of a project plan, in consultation with the supervisor. The student will carry out the project in one of the research laboratories and will interact with the research team working in that area to achieve the project plan. Project development will be effected through formal and informal discussions. Rich technology enhanced learning opportunities exist as students typically use advanced instrumentation (e.g. the scanning electron microscope) and industry standard computer programming packages (e.g. Matlab and Interactive Data Language).

In addition, a series of lectures will introduce the student to concepts of good practice in research, as well as related concepts such as research management, research funding, funding bodies in the UK and in the European Union, topical scientific meetings and networking opportunities.

Students are encouraged to monitor their own progress based on the project plan and to readjust timescales when necessary. The student will be required to submit a final project report towards the end of the module and to present the results of the project to the supervisor, second markers and peers. The student must maintain contact with the supervisor over the duration of the module and keep a log book detailing the progress made on the project.

Assessment will be by attendance at supervisory meetings and review of log/lab book by the supervisor, the submission of an individual dissertation and an oral presentation. Formative feedback will be provided in project seminars and during presentations and summative written feedback will be provided on the report.

The student will be supervised by an appointed academic who will support the student in defining their project and experimental/theoretical planning specification and will oversee the student’s planning and management of any allocated resources for the project. The student will attend regular meetings with their supervisor to consider progress, discuss any problems and jointly consider the results of the work.
In addition, to support the student’s development, seminar sessions will be used to address literature reviews, project planning, risk management and contingency, research impact, building a collaborative network, scientific writing and presentation. Furthermore, it is expected that students will join regular research group meetings and benefit from the wider community of PhD students and post-doctoral researchers.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
• Critically analyse the results of the investigation and draw legitimate conclusions.
• Critically evaluate the significance of the results against the current research landscape in the relevant Physics branch through consultation of a wide variety of sources including textbooks, specialised texts and research articles

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Develop, through supervised planning and execution, an experimental or theoretical investigation
• Communicate scientific ideas, background and results of the project accurately and informatively.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Effectively manage the student’s own learning through time allocation of activities

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
1. Attendance at supervisory meetings and review of log book by supervisor (20%) – KU1, KU2, IPSA 1, PVA1
2. Oral presentation of project (20%) – IPSA2
3. Individual written report in a style suitable for a peer-review publication (60%) – KU1, KU2, IPSA2

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
1. Series of regular formative meetings with project supervisor – KU1, KU2, IPSA1, PVA1
2. Participation in seminars to gain research background and assess progress – KU1, KU2, IPSA2

Formative feedback will be derived from the process of undertaking the project. Written feedback will be provided on the summative assessment.

N/A

N/A

The Physics Research Project will give you the opportunity to work on an individual research project, but as part of wider research team in a physics-based topic that is part of the active research portfolio of the University. The project topic will be appropriate to either the physics or astrophysics subject area, according to the course you are following. You will gain experience in project planning, completion and reporting, supported by your supervisor. You will get also the opportunity to use the resources of the research group to which you are linked and will receive training on specialist equipment or software that is necessary for your work. The project work is also supported by a series of lectures covering various research skills. The skills you will gain in this module apply to a wide range of future careers based around problem solving and interaction with other team members.