Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives The aim of this subject is to provide students with the opportunity to develop the skills (including planning, record keeping, library search, liaison, analytical and communication) necessary to carry out successfully a small individual research project. At the successful conclusion of this subject a student will be able to negotiate with their supervisor, colleagues and technical staff to solve problems as they arise; find and access library literature, both scientific journal articles and books, relevant to the project; keep a complete record of what was accomplished, the results and other relevant data during the project; analyse and interpret the results gathered, in terms of the appropriate physics model or theory; write appropriate scientific reports, both interim and final; demonstrate good communication skills by presenting a scientific seminar, and preparing a scientific poster display.
Synopsis There is no formal syllabus. Students make contact with a member of the department to work in an area of mutual interest. The work may also involve attendance at lectures, laboratory work, or reading in experimental, theoretical or applied topics. Current topics include acoustics, astronomy, imaging, resonance, optics and lasers, materials science, magnetism and polymers.
Assessment Log book and written progress reports: 50% + Final report, oral presentation, seminar, poster (as appropriate): 50%