Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)
Module PHYS3601: LABORATORY PROJECT
Department: Physics
PHYS3601: LABORATORY PROJECT
| Type | Open | Level | 3 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2011/12 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- Laboratory Skills and Practice (PHYS2551).
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combination of Modules
- Mathematics Workshop (PHYS3591).
Aims
- This module is designed primarily for students studying Department of Physics or Natural Sciences degree programmes.
- It builds on the Level 2 module Laboratory Skills and Practice (PHYS2551) and allows students to undergo an extended laboratory project at an advanced level.
Content
- During the module, students will plan and execute an extended laboratory project at an advanced level in either astrophysics, modern optics, nuclear physics or condensed matter physics.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
Subject-specific Skills:
- Having studied this module students will have the skills to plan and carry out an extended laboratory project at an advanced level.
- They will have demonstrated knowledge of scientific background and theoretical considerations.
- They will have demonstrated the ability to describe experimental details and procedures and to apply appropriate data analysis techniques.
- They will have demonstrated the ability to produce a clear, detailed scientific report with appropriate presentation.
- They will have shown the ability to demonstrate good experimental practice.
Key Skills:
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Teaching will be by practical sessions in either the Michaelmas or Epiphany Term.
- The practical sessions are individual or small group extended experimental projects.
- Students will be able to obtain help and guidance from the laboratory scripts and through discussions with laboratory demonstrators.
- Student performance is summatively assessed through technical performance in the laboratory and through a formal report on the project.
- The practical classes and laboratory assessment provide opportunity for feedback, for students to gauge their progress and for staff to monitor progress throughout the duration of the module.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Briefing | 1 | 0.5 hours | 0.5 | ■ | |
| Practicals | 24 | 3 per week | 3 hours | 72 | ■ |
| Preparation and Reading | 127.5 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Project | Component Weighting: 100% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Final report and laboratory performance | 100% | ||
Formative Assessment:
One progress report.
■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University