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PH30089: MPhys/MSci laboratory (6 credit)

[Page last updated: 23 October 2023]

Academic Year: 2023/24
Owning Department/School: Department of Physics
Credits: 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Period:
Semester 2
Assessment Summary: PR 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Project work (PR 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: This module is only available to students on Department of Physics or Natural Sciences degree programmes
Learning Outcomes: While taking this unit the student should be able to:
* become familiar with the safe and effective use of advanced equipment;
* use appropriate methods for signal reduction and data analysis;
* demonstrate enthusiasm, industry and motivation in carrying out the experiments and managing the available time;
* show initiative in developing and performing the experiments
* keep a laboratory logbook;
* modify or develop apparatus and/or advanced techniques of data analysis, in consultation with members of staff;
* be able to consider and to propose further extension or development of the experiments performed;
* carry out a survey of research literature and other resources, to provide background material for the reports;
* write a detailed technical report on one of the experiments, displaying an appropriate level of content, style and structure;
* prepare and deliver oral presentations on one of the experiments and answer questions relating to the presentation.


Aims: The aim of this unit is to develop skills involved with data collection, analysis and interpretation through performing two extended experiments with advanced apparatus.

Skills: Written Communication T/F A, Numeracy T/F A, Data Acquisition, Handling, and Analysis T/F A, Information Technology T/F A, Problem Solving T/F A, Working as part of a group T/F A, Practical laboratory skills T/F A, Project planning/management T/F A.

Content: Two experiments are assigned from a number offered, most reflecting the research interests of academic staff.

Course availability:

PH30089 is Compulsory on the following courses:

Department of Chemistry
  • USSC-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Physics with Biology stream) (Year 3)
  • USSC-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Physics with Biology stream) with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • USSC-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Physics with Biology stream) with Professional Placement (Year 4)
  • USSC-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Physics with Chemistry stream) (Year 3)
  • USSC-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Physics with Chemistry stream) with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • USSC-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Physics with Chemistry stream) with Professional Placement (Year 4)

PH30089 is Optional on the following courses:

Department of Physics
  • USPH-AFM02 : MPhys(Hons) Physics (Year 3)
  • USPH-AFM04 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Research placement (Year 3)
  • USPH-AAM12 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • USPH-AKM03 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Professional Placement (Year 4)
  • USPH-AKM04 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Professional and Research Placements (Year 4)
  • USPH-AFM10 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Astrophysics (Year 3)
  • USPH-AFM11 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Research placement (Year 3)
  • USPH-AAM14 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • USPH-AKM10 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Professional Placement (Year 4)
  • USPH-AKM11 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Professional and Research Placements (Year 4)
  • USPH-AAM15 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Study year abroad and Research Placement (Year 4)
  • USPH-AAM13 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Study year abroad and Research Placement (Year 4)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2023/24 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2024/25 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2023/24.
  • Courses and units are subject to change 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.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.