|
 Academic Year:
| 2012/3 |
| Owning Department/School:
| Department of Physics |
| Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Honours (FHEQ level 6) |
| Period: |
Semester 2 |
| Assessment:
| CW 80%, OT 20% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Coursework reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| 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. |
| Description:
| Aims: The aim of this unit is to train students in various aspects of physics communication. 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 communication events, develop their potential as communicators and explore the media and contexts they are most at ease with. 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; * design and carry out a specific activity aimed at communicating the excitement and fun of physics; * demonstrate initiative, creativity and industry; * work successfully within a team; * critically evaluate their work using a variety of techniques; * produce a permanent piece of work describing a physics topic in their chosen medium; * give an oral presentation and prepare an evaluative portfolio comprising a written reflective commentary on the various 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. Content: Students will explore techniques of communicating physics, both in informal and interactive contexts (e.g. public hands-on outreach events, such as science fairs and IOP events) and in more structured settings (e.g. a short lecture), through visual media (e.g. a poster, video or webpage) and through a written piece in the style of their choice. Students will have the opportunity to get involved in activities with schools and will interact with pupils and teachers, exploring the role of science teachers. Training will be provided on how to present to audiences ranging from primary school children, GCSE and A-level pupils to the general public. Working individually and in teams, and aided by experienced communicators and an academic, the students will identify and carry out several physics communication tasks. Within the Bath Taps into Science Festival the students will explain basic physics ideas through simple demonstrations to a varied and wide ranging audience. Students will design, structure, (build if necessary) and demonstrate hands-on activities from the STEM disciplines, taking part in events at both local and national level, exploring methods and techniques for physics outreach and widening participation, from busking and road shows to the involvement of creative arts and novel media to presentations and classes in more formal settings. Students will also be encouraged to look into aspects of the pedagogy of physics. The assessment will have a delivery component (~20%) but will be primarily based on oral presentation and a portfolio including an evidence-based written evaluative commentary on the tasks carried out. |
| Programme availability: |
PH30099 is Optional on the following programmes:Department of Physics
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