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PH40024: Contemporary physics

[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: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 1
Assessment Summary: CW 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework (CW 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: While taking this unit the student should be able to:
* critically review the research literature and synthesise the results of previously conducted research in some areas of contemporary Physics;
* explain in detail both the principles of the fundamental underlying physics and the current state of the research fields in these areas;
* demonstrate good time management skills in allocating appropriate amounts of time for the planning, research and writing of reports;
* carry out literature searching methods for academic journals and computer-based resources in order to research the topics studied;
* develop the ability to extract and assimilate relevant information from a wide range of sources;
* develop structured report writing and oral presentation skills.


Aims: The aim of this unit is to increase the breadth and depth of students' knowledge and understanding of some recent developments in Physics research and, in doing so, to develop their literature searching, writing and oral presentation skills.

Skills: Written Communication T/F A, Spoken Communication T/F A, Information Technology T/F A.

Content: This unit will be based on three seminars from Physics academics, who will introduce topics of current research interest. Students then research and write a technical report on one of these topics, and a journalistic-style popular article on one of the topics. They will also give an oral presentation on the third topic and answer questions on their presentation.

Course availability:

PH40024 is Compulsory on the following courses:

Department of Chemistry
  • USSC-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Physics stream) (Year 4)
  • USSC-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Physics stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • USSC-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Physics stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)
  • USSC-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Physics stream) (Year 4)
  • USSC-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Physics stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • USSC-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Physics stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)
  • USSC-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Physics with Biology stream) (Year 4)
  • USSC-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Physics with Biology stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • USSC-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Physics with Biology stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)
  • USSC-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Physics with Chemistry stream) (Year 4)
  • USSC-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Physics with Chemistry stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • USSC-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Physics with Chemistry stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)

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.