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Project & Research Skills - PHY00025M

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  • Department: Physics
  • Credit value: 60 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
  • Notes: This is an independent study module

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23

Module aims

The MPhys project is an individual open-ended scientific investigation. Each project has a specific academic supervisor who will give guidance and assistance as needed at regular supervisory meetings. A list of the projects on offer for each academic year is made available towards the end of Term 3 of the preceding academic year. Projects will be offered in areas specific to your degree programme.

The project builds on the expertise that you have already acquired in previous years. The aim is to develop your ability to design, carry out and report on an extended scientific investigation. The project will provide an opportunity for creativity and original thought on your part.

Module learning outcomes

To plan, design, carry out and report on an extended research project investigation.

Whilst doing this you will develop the following skills:

  • the ability to investigate an area of physics relevant to your specialist area [Experimental, Astrophysics, Physics with Philosophy, Maths and Physics, or Theoretical Physics] in a systematic way using appropriate critical assessment of literature sources, experimental, observational, computational, theoretical, and/or mathematical techniques
  • the ability to work independently and plan and organise effectively to achieve the project goals
  • to collaborate with project partners (internal and external) and with other research group members
  • to acquire and critically assess original source references from databases and libraries [published scientific papers, books, etc.]
  • to systematically and contemporaneously record the project work carried out in a paper (hard-bound) or electronic notebook
  • to research and write background material
  • to use advanced research methods and techniques to conduct a scientific investigation
  • to assess the significance of your project outcomes against what is already known in the area of your project topic via a critical assessment of the literature
  • to communicate the project outcomes in a final written report
  • to communicate the project outcomes in oral form (conference presentation and VIVA examination)

Module content

For further details see the MPhys Project Student Handbook and assessment pro forma, which will be available on the VLE.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 5
Essay/coursework 25
Essay/coursework 5
Essay/coursework 40
Essay/coursework 25

Special assessment rules

Non-compensatable

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 5
Essay/coursework 25
Essay/coursework 5
Essay/coursework 40
Essay/coursework 25

Module feedback

Our policy on how you receive feedback for formative and summative purposes is contained in our Department Handbook.

Indicative reading

Reading recommendations - will be advised by the project supervisor as appropriate


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.