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PHYS3581: TEAM PROJECT

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Type Open
Level 3
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap 70
Location Durham
Department Physics

Prerequisites

  • Laboratory Skills Electronics (PHYS2641).

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None.

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 Electronics (PHYS2641).
  • It allows students to experience the application of physical principles to the solution of a scientific question placed in an industrial/research context.

Content

  • Team projects involve a group of up to six students working on a physics-related problem set by either members of staff from the Department or by local industry.
  • The problem will be 'real' in that there is no 'correct' solution and no script.
  • It might, for example, involve building a piece of equipment, testing a product, designing a control system, etc.
  • A presentation is made by the team at the end of the project.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

Subject-specific Skills:

  • Having studied this module students will be able to solve an advanced scientific problem using physical principles.

Key Skills:

  • Students will be able to respond to a briefing on a problem by a client.
  • They will be able to work successfully as part of a team to address the problem.
  • They will be able to make a final presentation on the outcome of the work.
  • They will be able to produce a clear and well-structured report, including lay summary.

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

  • Team projects involve a group of up to six students on a physics related problem in either the Michaelmas or Epiphany terms.
  • Experimental work will be based in the department and the problem to be tackled will be set either by members of staff from the Department or by local industry.
  • Students will be expected to evolve their own approach to the problem, organise themselves and work effectively as a team.
  • Student performance is summatively assessed through a short written report on the project and an oral presentation.
  • The practical classes provide opportunity to obtain advice from staff members, for students to gauge their progress and for staff to monitor progress throughout the duration of the module.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Briefing12.5 hours2.5Yes
Site Visit13 hours3Yes
Practicals243 per week3 hours72Yes
Preparation and Reading122.5 
Total200 

Summative Assessment

Component: Team project Component Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Oral presentation, Self assessment form, Minute book and Formal report on the proj 100 

Formative Assessment

None.

More information

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