PX3A1-35 Astrophysics Project
Introductory description
The project gives students the opportunity to develop their own ideas in a particular field of astrophysics. Usually students work in pairs, within one of our research groups and alongside postgraduate students and other members of staff. The experience of working more independently should be valuable to students' future careers, whether they intend to work as scientists or not, and can help students make their career choices.
Module aims
To provide an experience of working on an extended 'research-like' project in collaboration with a supervisor and, typically, with a partner
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
You will work, normally in pairs, on an extended project which may be observational, computational or theoretical (or indeed a combination of these). Through discussions with your supervisor and partner you will establish a plan of work which you will frequently review as you progress. In general, the project will not be closely prescribed and will contain an investigative element. Over the Christmas vacation you will independently write an interim report which will be marked and returned (with feedback) by your supervisor. At the end of the second term, you will again independently write a final report, which will be assessed by two independent members of academic staff, who will also examine you in a viva voce examination.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- To study an area of astrophysics in detail
- Communicate and analyse the results of a study
- Write a scientific report and defend it at a viva voce examination
- To undertake research in astrophysics
Indicative reading list
Research journals and books
Research element
Research project
Subject specific skills
Research skills in physics
Transferable skills
Analytical, communication, IT, organisational, problem-solving, self-study
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 2 sessions of 1 hour (1%) |
| Project supervision | 43 sessions of 1 hour (12%) |
| Private study | 305 hours (87%) |
| Total | 350 hours |
Private study description
Analysis of techniques and results, discussing with partner, reading and working through research papers, writing reports, preparing for oral defence in the viva, taking/generating data
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation & Report | 100% | No |
Feedback on assessment
Written feedback provided by supervisor (end of term 1), written and verbal feedback written from the two independent assessors of the dissertation.
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 3 of UPXA-F3F5 Undergraduate Physics with Astrophysics (BSc)