Group Project for Physicists (GroupP | SPA6543)

Year: 3 | Semester: B | Level: 6 | Credits: 15

Course organiser: Prof David Dunstan | Course deputy: Dr Alston Misquitta

Synopsis:

This module places students in small groups (3 to 6 people) and each group is allocated a short duration project (~12 weeks) which has been set by either an external collaborator (e.g. industry, NHS, local authority, commercial entity) or by one of the research groups within the School of Physics and Astronomy. The students are initially briefed by the "client", who has set the project, and then attend weekly meetings with their academic supervisor and (more importantly) with each other where formal minutes (including action lists) are kept. The research is carried out using the school's laboratory and computing facilities as well as external facilities where applicable. Each group has to produce a formal, technical written report as well as presenting its findings orally to the "client" at the end of the project. The projects are assessed by the academic supervisor with input from the external collaborator.

Aims:

This module aims to give undergraduates insight into research based on real problems from a variety of sources, including external (e.g. industrial) collaborators. It is designed to expose students to a wider range of employment opportunities for physicists as well as giving them insight into the needs of employers. In particular, students gain invaluable experience in project management and teamwork, as well as improving their written and oral communication skills.

Outcomes:

Successful students will be able to complete a short group project by making use of underlying basic physical principles. Students will be able to collectively organise themselves and delegate tasks appropriately to members of the group. Students will chair, minute and attend regular group meetings throughout the duration of the project. Students will compose compose a joint written final technical report as well as a short individual technical report. Students will compose and present orally a short final technical report.