Final Year Physics and Instrumentation Project
Description
This final year project is a capstone project where students have the opportunity to carry out research on a physics and/or instrumentation topic(s) that they ideally identify to be of particular interest to them. While some preparatory project work is carried out earlier in the academic year, the majority of the project work is carried out in a ~5 week period at the end of semester 2, when students work full time on their project.
The aim of the project is to develop the students ability to plan, implement and present a project under the guidance of staff members. Technical and soft skills are developed and integrated throughout the module. As a capstone final year project, emphasis is on the synthesis and further development of acquired knowledge, skills and competence from other programme modules, to deliver a project of significant technical and academic challenge.The students will participate in a variety of learning activities, for example: literature review, project planning, keeping a log book, interacting with supervising staff, project management, design / development / testing of instruments / experimental setups / computational models, computerised instrument control, system calibration, measurement, data analysis, uncertainty analysis, production of a thesis / formal report, delivery of oral presentation, interview.
Learning Outcomes
Select (project) work that suits the learners interests and strengths and is at an appropriate level.
Carry out a literature review to prepare for future (project) work.
Analyse an appropriate scientific or technical research question/problem and synthesise different areas of knowledge in devising and implementing a practical solution.
Devise a rational program sequence and timing.
Produce an appropriate health and safely / risk assessment and work within recognised safety regulations and procedures, particularly when using hazardous substances or processes.
Design a system/experiment to meet appropriate specifications/criteria/goals and then identify/source appropriate hardware/software/methods and construct/implement.
Choose and implement appropriate tests/calibration/procedures/analysis.
Critically assess experiment/system performance/results and then optimise, or failing that, explain how improvements could be obtained.
Demonstrate the ability to work independently on project work at an appropriate level and justify decisions to supervising staff.
Demonstrate the ability to absorb and act on advice from supervising staff.
Disseminate findings professionally including: keeping a detailed logbook, producing a scientific or technical report, delivering a scientific or technical presentations, justifing and defending findings.
Explain complex concepts and principles of the physics and instrumentation pertaining to the project at and beyond the limits of the formal subject modules of the programme,