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Physics Research Project Pt 3 (PHYC90049)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 37.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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This subject is part of a sequence of three or four parts (depending on the research project stream) taken in successive semesters that together constitute the 100-point research project offered through the Master of Science (Physics).

In this subject, students undertake a substantial program of original research in one of the many research fields in which the School of Physics is active and internationally recognised: astrophysics, condensed matter physics, optics, and particle physics. The research may be experimental and/or theoretical in nature. It will be conducted under the supervision of a member of the School’s academic staff. The results will be reported in the form of a substantial thesis. In most instances, it is expected that the results will also be submitted for publication in a learned scientific journal. As part of their introduction to the research topic, students will be required to complete a seminar series and/or reading course providing advanced theoretical and/or practical training in the field.

Intended learning outcomes

The objectives of this subject are:

  • to introduce students to the excitement and challenge of fundamental and applied research in physics;
  • to challenge students to deepen their knowledge of fundamental physical principles by pushing outward the boundaries of knowledge;
  • to complete a substantial piece of original research whose quality is sufficiently high that it is publishable in a leading international physics journal;
  • to prepare students for further advanced research in physics, for example through doctoral studies.

Generic skills

At the completion of this subject, students should have gained the ability to:

  • analyse how to solve a problem by applying fundamental laws to complicated situations;
  • apply abstract ideas to real-world situations;
  • participate as an effective member of a research team;
  • develop excellent written and oral communication skills through writing a major thesis and presenting results in departmental seminars;
  • manage time effectively;
  • start to develop the capacity for fully independent research

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
PHYC90033 Physics Research Project Pt 2
July (On Campus - Parkville)
January (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Assessment

Additional details

The assessment requirements below are applicable to the entire 100 point Research Project.

  1. A preliminary literature survey and research plan at the end of year one or after the student has enrolled in 25 points of Research Project, (10 pages of mixed text, diagrams, and mathematical formulas; pass/fail);
  2. An oral presentation at the end of year one or after the student has enrolled in 25 points of Research Project (up to 20 minutes; pass/fail).
  3. Major thesis, comprising up to 50 pages of mixed text, diagrams, and mathematical formulas, due at the end of the second year of the MSc (90% of the final grade).
  4. An oral presentation lasting up to 30 minutes, given at the end of the second year of the MSc (10% of final grade).
  5. Successful completion of a seminar series and/or reading course (depending on the research stream) providing advanced theoretical and/or practical training, marked on a pass/fail basis.

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Dates & times

  • January
    CoordinatorJeffrey McCallum
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursThis subject is an individual research project and weekly contact hours will vary depending on the nature of the project.
    Total time commitment510 hours
    Teaching period 2 January 2019 to 2 June 2019
    Last self-enrol date 1 February 2019
    Census date31 March 2019
    Last date to withdraw without fail26 April 2019
    Assessment period ends28 June 2019
  • July
    CoordinatorJeffrey McCallum
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursThis subject is an individual research project and weekly contact hours will vary depending on the nature of the project.
    Total time commitment510 hours
    Teaching period 1 July 2019 to 27 October 2019
    Last self-enrol date24 July 2019
    Census date31 August 2019
    Last date to withdraw without fail 4 October 2019
    Assessment period ends22 November 2019

Time commitment details

This subject is an individual research project and weekly contact hours will vary depending on the nature of the project. Students should discuss this with their supervisor but as a guide, a student enrolled in a 50 point research project subject would be expected to be engaged in their research for an average of 50 hours per week.

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.

Last updated: 3 November 2022