Module MATH51360: Elementary Particle Theory Dissertation

Department: Mathematical Sciences

MATH51360: Elementary Particle Theory Dissertation

Prerequisites

• Elementary Particle Theory I A and B (PHYS52230 and PHYS52330); Elementary Particle Theory II A and B (MATH52430 and MATH52530)

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To assist students to develop creative and critical thinking, the ability to assemble material from several sources and to write an extended report.
• To produce a dissertation that gives a coherent account of the topic, presented in an original, well organised and appropriate manner.

Content

• A list of topics which members of staff are willing to supervise will be circulated no later than revision week (week 14) in the middle of Epiphany term. With each member of staff providing one or two choices, the list provides a wide choice. Students wishing to investigate a topic not on the list may be allowed to do so provided a member of staff is willing to supervise them.

Learning Outcomes

• specialist knowledge of the chosen dissertation topic, including an appreciation of the development of that topic, its situation with respect to related topics and the directions in which that topic could lead.

• presentation of a body of theoretical physics knowledge in an interesting, innovative and comprehensible manner.
• construction of illustrative examples and, possibly, production of original investigations.

• the ability to read and digest several sources
• the ability to tackle material critically and communicate thoughts on it effectively
• the ability to make a report with appropriate chapters, sections, numbering, and references with reference lists, contents pages and acknowledgements of others' work in an appropriate format.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The student will research and write a dissertation on an advanced topic, under the guidance of their supervisor and the guidance notes provided.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Regular sessions with supervisors to review students' progress. The student will produce work (for example, plans, lists of sources, drafts, reference lists, sample calculations, etc.) for the comments of the supervisor.

■ 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