Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
You will begin to develop the fundamental scientific techniques and core skills needed tosuccessfully complete a degree in Physics or Astrophysics: scientific writing, criticalevaluation, scientific presentation and debate, experimental design. Through a varietyof lectures, tutorials, presentation sessions and coursework including a reflectiveportfolio you will learn and practice the principles of the scientific method. This includesbasic error analysis, risk assessment, recognising bias, intellectual property andplagiarism.
Aims
To understand the scientific method and its relation to philosophy¿ to acquire skills inscientific argumentation and presentation, both in written and spoken form¿ to adopta critical attitude towards the work of others and of oneself¿ to understand theprinciples and importance of intellectual property and open access¿ to understand howto build on previous work but avoid plagiarism, and to plan a project including a rigorous risk assessment.
Talis Aspire Reading ListAny reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/phy-10030/lists
Intended Learning Outcomes
Critically evaluate arguments presented by themselves and by others.: 1,2,3,4Assess the accuracy and reliability of the work of themselves and of others.: 1,2,3,4Apply the scientific method to experiment and theory.: 1,2,3,4Write in a scientific style.: 1,2,3,4Present original work, giving appropriate credit to the work by others.: 1,2,3,4Plan a project including risk assessment.: 2,4Make and organise accurate recordings of data and information.: 3,4Recognise and avoid bias.: 1,4Present and argue a case in an articulate manner.: 1,2,3,41,3
24hr lectures12hr tutorials4hr presentation sessions30hr preparing essay30hr designing experiment30hr preparing and reporting on presentation20hr preparing portfolio
Description of Module Assessment
1: Essay weighted 25%Critique (~1000 words)Written essay (approximately 1000 words) presenting arguments for
and against a theory and a critical assessment of both.
2: Research Proposal weighted 25%Research ProposalDesign of an experiment to test or falsify a theory, including project planning and risk assessment. Assessment is based on a completed proforma template, equivalent to approximately 1000 words.
3: Oral Presentation weighted 25%Oral presentationA 10-minute oral presentation, questions and answers¿ summarised in a brief proforma.
4: Portfolio weighted 25%PortfolioPresentation of a module portfolio, with evidence of reflection. The portfolio consists of a report of approximately 1000 words, submitted along with any supporting material.