Outline:

This module provides an introduction to the approaches and techniques of physics and astrophysics research through an open-ended scientific...

Outline:

This module provides an introduction to the approaches and techniques of physics and astrophysics research through an open-ended scientific investigation. Students will be supervised by a member of academic staff within one of the Department’s research groups. The research work will develop independent research skills, by first requiring students to plan and write a research essay (PHAS0001), which acts as preparation for the research project itself. Students work full time on their research project from the end of the examinations in late May until the end of August. Topics can be chosen from a range of research areas in theoretical and experimental Physics and Astrophysics, but please note that due to demand we cannot guarantee to assign a student to their first choice of project area.

Aims:

The aim of the module is to develop the student’s independent research skills, by requiring them to undertake and complete an open-ended research project. At the end of the project, towards the end of August of each academic year, the student is required to submit a detailed written project report, written in the same style as a scientific paper.

Intended Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module the student should have acquired:

increased skill and confidence to plan and work independently;
	improved skills in conducting a complex, open-ended scientific investigation, in an active research environment;
	acquired in-depth experience of a particular specialised research area, through literature review, as a member of a research team;
	obtain increased ability to seek out information as required from a variety of sources;
	become accustomed to developing ideas in discussion and by reference to the literature;
	develop a sound knowledge of the underlying principles which form a thorough basis for careers in physics and related fields;
	develop increased ability to seek out information as required from a variety of sources.