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PH30099: Communicating physics project

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2015/6
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Physics
Further information on credits Credits: 12
Further information on unit levels Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Academic Year
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: CW 100%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework (CW 100%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: You must have taken an appropriate selection of Year 1 and Year 2 Physics and Mathematics units to take this unit. Students taking this unit will be required to have an up-to-date CRB check.
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
The aim of this unit is to develop students' knowledge and understanding of various aspects of physics communication and public engagement. It aims to enhance students' transferable skills, particularly relating to communication, creativity, teamwork, independent lifelong learning and project management. It aims to give students the opportunity to participate in several physics communication events, develop their potential as communicators and explore the media and contexts with which they are most at ease.

Learning Outcomes:
While taking this unit the student should be able to:
* explore and use different methods and media for effective physics communication, taking into account aims, contexts and audiences;
* engage in outreach activities that involve interaction with children, school pupils and adults;
* develop awareness of child protection issues and health and safety at interactive events;
* understand and write a technical report at an appropriate level on an aspect of the Department's research;
* design and carry out specific public engagement activities on an aspect of the Department's research;
* demonstrate initiative, creativity and industry;
* work successfully within a team;
* critically evaluate their work using a variety of techniques;
* give an oral presentation and prepare an evaluative portfolio, including descriptive and reflective commentaries on the activities carried out.

Skills:
Written Communication T/F A, Spoken Communication T/F A, Team work T/F, Project planning/management T/F A, Evaluation T/F A, Problem Solving T/F A, Information Technology T/F A.

Content:
Students will explore techniques of communicating physics and public engagement. These may include informal and interactive contexts (e.g. public hands-on outreach events, such as science fairs), more structured settings (e.g. presentations within school lessons), or visual media (e.g. a poster, video or webpage). Training will be provided on how to present to a wide range of audiences.
Working in teams, the students will identify and carry out several physics communication tasks. Students will undertake hands-on outreach activities in general areas of Physics, taking part in events at local or national level, and exploring a range of methods and techniques for physics outreach and public engagement. They will also learn about an aspect of the Department's research in more depth, and will design, put on, and evaluate a public engagement activity associated with this research area.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

PH30099 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Physics
  • USXX-AFB03 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics and Physics (Year 3)
  • USXX-AAB04 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics and Physics with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • USXX-AKB04 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics and Physics with Year long work placement (Year 4)
  • USXX-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Mathematics and Physics (Year 3)
  • USXX-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Mathematics and Physics with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • USXX-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Mathematics and Physics with Year long work placement (Year 4)
  • USPH-AFB01 : BSc(Hons) Physics (Year 3)
  • USPH-AAB02 : BSc(Hons) Physics with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • USPH-AKB02 : BSc(Hons) Physics with Year long work placement (Year 4)
  • USPH-AFB05 : BSc(Hons) Physics with Computing (Year 3)
  • USPH-AAB06 : BSc(Hons) Physics with Computing with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • USPH-AKB06 : BSc(Hons) Physics with Computing with Year long work placement (Year 4)

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2015/16 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2016/17 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2015/16.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.