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PH30072: Problem-solving skills

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2019/0
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Physics
Further information on credits Credits: 6      [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Further information on notional study hours Notional Study Hours: 120
Further information on unit levels Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Further information on teaching periods Period:
Semester 1
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:
PH30072D - Reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: Before taking this module you must take PH10102 AND take PH20105
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
The aim of this unit is to enhance the problem-solving and self-directed learning skills of BSc Physics students. Working in small groups, the students will have to apply knowledge acquired during their study to the tackling of a comprehensive physical problem. After taking this unit the students should have acquired a sound understanding how to apply the physical understanding and mathematical tools at their disposal to a general physics or engineering problem.

Learning Outcomes:
After taking this unit the student should be able to:
* demonstrate an enhanced ability to solve problems in physics and present the solutions clearly;
* appreciate how different parts of classical and modern physics come together in real-world problems;
* appreciate the benefits and challenges of working with others;
* demonstrate the ability to plan and research a design project and work with others to produce a group report and presentation.

Skills:
Written Communication T/F A, Numeracy T/F A, Information Technology T/F A, Problem Solving T/F A, Working as part of a group T/F A.

Content:
The project concerns the design of a space mission. Over the first 6 weeks students become acquainted with the theoretical description of this problem and the different parts of physics involved in a number of preliminary theoretical assignments which are disseminated using informal PowerPoint presentations. Work is conducted in groups of about 5 under the facilitation of an academic with whom the group meets weekly to present and discuss their work. Special topics include mission preparation, propulsion, navigation/communication, on-board electricity generation, cruise phase and encounter. There are two problem solving tests based on the work covered in weeks 1 to 6, designed to explore individual student engagement. For the remaining time, smaller groups tackle distinct mission design projects which build on work in the first six weeks, culminating in a group report and short presentation.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

PH30072 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Physics

Notes: