| Unit name | Practical Physics 303 |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHYS39030 |
| Credit points | 30 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Nick Brook |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
120cp at Level I |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Physics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This unit compromises three non-lecture-based 10cp units: Practical Physics 301, Computational Physics 301 and Group Work 301, all of which are mandatory for MSCi in Physics and in Physics with Astrophysics. The Practical Physics 301 unit requires the student to complete one research-based experiment under the guidance of a supervisor for that experiment, thereby developing additional experience of modern instrumental techniques, learning to solve advanced experimental problems, developing fault-finding and correction skills and as preparation for the level M research project. The Computational Physics 301 unit builds on computational physics from levels C and I. Here existing skills are developed, concentrating specifically on manipulating and presenting scientific data, and programming in Visual Basic, particularly to manipulate data and also simulate experimental data. The unit is self-paced against a work-sheet of problems, with hands-on guidance from demonstrators. In the Group Work 301 unit, students are assigned to groups of about 8 and they work together to produce a written report on an allocated topic. The report will include a group photograph, an abstract, a general introduction, a technical report of the topic and a popular account of the subject. Reports are co-ordinated by an editor and a deputy editor using material assembled by the group. A progress report is produced half way through the unit. There is also a presentation for the Group Conference at the end of the unit.
