KD6040 - Individual Physics Project

The module will be delivered via a combination of introductory lectures and progress review meetings with supervisors. The introductory lectures will focus on providing the students with advice and guidance on general aspects of project management and report writing skills. The module also contains rich technology enhanced learning opportunities as many projects involve computer programming, simulation, and advanced laboratory equipment.

Supervision of the project involves regular meetings between the project student and a project supervisor. These meetings allow the student to receive guidance and formative feedback in order to steer them to successful completion of the project. These meetings also provide the student with an opportunity to develop their verbal communication skills.

The module requires a significant proportion of self-directed independent learning within the framework of the project plan and supervisor’s guidance and feedback. Overall, learning will be through the input from lectures and supervision and the student’s active development, execution and monitoring of the project plan.

As indicated, introductory lectures will support the student by providing advice and guidance on general aspects of project management and report writing skills. The key support will be provided by the regular meetings with their supervisor for guidance and formative feedback in order to steer them to successful completion of the project. These meetings also provide the student with an opportunity to develop their verbal communication skills.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• Planning of a physics investigation including identification of an appropriate problem supported by a critical appraisal of relevant research (this also contributes to professional an personal values)
• Apply a range of laboratory methods and techniques in the gathering of data for critical analysis.
• Critically evaluate project results using suitable mathematical tools (this also develops intellectual skills)

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Convey technical information to a wide audience, including presentation skills both written and oral

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Assessing wider aspects of a physics problem, for example environmental, health and safety and risk assessment issues.

The module will be assessed by two components: a planning document (K&U1, IPSA1, PVA1, worth 20%) during semester 1 and a final report (K&U2, K&U3, ISPA1, worth 80%) at the end of semester 2.

Formative feedback will be given though regular meetings with project supervisors. Written and verbal feedback will be provided on the planning

Project Planning Document
MOD2 Module Marks Non-Synoptic UG
COMP2 Component Marks Non Synoptic

Final Project Report and Presentation/Viva
MOD2 Module Marks Non-Synoptic UG
COMP2 Component Marks Non Synoptic

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As a BSc/MPhys student studying Physics or Physics with Astrophysics , the Individual Physics Project, KD6040, is an important part of your Final Year studies. This year-long, module gives you freedom to work independently on a project. It allows you to develop your research skills, to plan and undertake a deeper study into the subject you have chosen from a selection of titles. You will identify key objectives, review related literature and theory and combining these in an investigation that you take from inception to completion. You will interpret and analyse your results to identify key conclusions supported by theory and reviewed literature. In this module you will need to develop skills in time management, in writing a project plan*, presenting a poster* and writing up the project as a final report*. These skills are all valuable for your future career in research or industry. (*assessed)