PHYM502 | 2024/5 | University of Exeter

MODULE TITLE	Frontiers in Physics Research	CREDIT VALUE	15
MODULE CODE	PHYM502	MODULE CONVENER	Prof Julian Moger (Coordinator)

DURATION: TERM	1	2	3
DURATION: WEEKS	11	1	0

Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated)	10

DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module will provide you with an appreciation of the frontiers of knowledge and understanding in your chosen area of Physics. You will attend presentations given by leading international researchers as part of the regular departmental seminar programmes. You will be required to take notes during each seminar and select a topic to explore in depth using online research resources such as reviews and research articles and prepare a 5,000 report on your selected topic.

AIMS - intentions of the module

The module aims to deepen your knowledge in your chosen area of research specialism while at the same time developing skills in goal-setting and time-management. It is expected that completing this module you will be better placed to decide upon a research problem to investigate in your research project.

You will also gain knowledge in the generic research skills that will underpin your research project during the MSc programme. These include undertaking a critical literature review; the importance of communicating research; the life cycle of research; referencing; research plagiarism and ethics; and peer-review.

You will you discuss the findings in your report in a viva and apply constructive self-criticism of your final work.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

Discuss at an appropriate level current significant results in a chosen area of Physics
Critical analysis of research results
Appreciate the frontiers of knowledge and understanding in a chosen area of Physics

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

Experience research seminar presentations from leading physicists
Apply many areas of physics knowledge you have gained previously
Describe the life cycle of research – from preparing a research proposal through to publication
Explain the importance of communicating research, referencing, and peer-review
Understand plagiarism, and it’s consequences, and be able to discuss research ethics

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:

Prepare a professional critical report
Proficiently research current topics in physics using online resources

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:

Students will attend lectures covering various topics on generic research skills: undertaking a critical literature review; presentation skills; preparing a research proposal; referencing; plagiarism; the importance of peer-review; preparing for a viva.

Students will attend research seminars given by internal and external speakers that are part of the department’s research group seminar programme. Students will take notes during each seminar they attend and select a topic to research into more deeply using online research resources to find reviews, articles and preprints.

Seminars cover topics in Astrophysics, Electromagnetic Materials, Soft Matter Physics and Biophotonics, and Quantum Systems and Nanomaterials. Students will be able to choose which seminars to attend based on their chosen areas of interest and will be assigned a mentor with relevant research expertise.

Students will take notes during each seminar and select a topic to explore in depth using online research resources such as reviews and research articles. A 5,000 word report on the selected topic will be submitted at the end of T1:11

A viva will take place in T2:01, where students will discuss the findings of the report and apply constructive self-criticism to their final work.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities	6	Guided Independent Study	144	Placement / Study Abroad	0

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Lectures	6	Lectures covering generic research skills: undertaking critical literature review; presentation skills; research life cycle; referencing; plagiarism; peer-review process.
Independent Study	144	5,000 word report on the selected topic of research.

ASSESSMENT

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

Form of Assessment	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
Discussions with Mentor	Fortnightly	All	Verbal
Initial plan	500 words	1, 3, 4, 5	Written and/or verbal
Progress reports and seminar notes	5 x 200 words	1, 2, 3, 4	Written and/or verbal

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework	100	Written Exams	0	Practical Exams	0

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment	% of Credit	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
Online Assessment	10	1 hr	6, 7, 8	Online Quiz
Written report and viva	90	5,000 words	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10	Written

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

Original Form of Assessment	Form of Re-assessment	ILOs Re-assessed	Time Scale for Re-assessment
Initial plan	0	1, 3, 4, 5	N/A
Progress reports and seminar notes	0	1,2, 3, 4	N/A
Online Assessment	10	6, 7, 8	September
Written report and viva	90	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10	September

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

RESOURCES

INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

Peer-reviewed scientific literature

Web based and electronic resources:

ELE

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE	15	ECTS VALUE	7.5

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES	None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES	None

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)	7	AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING	No
ORIGIN DATE	Tuesday 7th December 2021	LAST REVISION DATE	Tuesday 14th November 2023

KEY WORDS SEARCH	Physics research; critical literature review; communicating research; research life cycle; referencing; plagiarism and ethics; peer-review.

Frontiers in Physics Research - 2024 entry