PHS3360 - Physics and astronomy research project 2 - 2018

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Science

Organisational Unit

School of Physics and Astronomy

Chief examiner(s)

Professor Kristian Helmerson

Coordinator(s)

Professor Kristian Helmerson

Unit guides

Offered

Clayton

  • First semester 2018 (On-campus)
  • Second semester 2018 (On-campus)
  • Summer semester A 2018 (On-campus)
  • Summer semester B 2018 (On-campus)

Prerequisites

PHS3350

Enrolment requires approval from the School of Physics and Astronomy.

Synopsis

This unit provides the opportunity for high achieving students to undertake a small research project in physics. Students will develop the skills of planning, record-keeping, literature search, analysis and communication necessary for a successful project. Students will work with an academic supervisor on an experimental or theoretical project, including astrophysics and astronomy, medical imaging, x-ray physics, synchrotron-based studies, quantum mechanics, resonance spectroscopies, magnetism, physics education and polymers.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Plan aspects of a project and manage related timelines;
  2. Communicate effectively with a project supervisor, colleagues and technical staff;
  3. Access and review scientific literature;
  4. Maintain a clear record of work done;
  5. Analyse and interpret results in terms of related physics theory;
  6. Write appropriate scientific reports, both interim and final;
  7. Communicate by oral presentation.

Assessment

Project work - logbook, competence, planning and initiative: 40%
Written progress reports: 10%
Oral presentation: 15%
Final report: 35%

Workload requirements

An average of 12 hours of study per week split between independent research, collaborative research, meeting with supervisors and work on assessed items.

See also Unit timetable information

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study