Physics Research Project Pt 1 (PHYC90029)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1 (Extended)
Semester 2 (Extended)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 (Extended) Semester 2 (Extended) |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
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: 8 April 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
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: 8 April 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Satisfactory outcomes for Progress Review Reports completed at the end of each semester (pass/fail) | End of each semester | N/A |
Group seminar (15 min + 5 min questions) or preliminary research report (5 pages of mixed text, diagrams, and mathematical formulas) due after the student has enrolled in 25 points of Research Project; (pass/fail) | Due after the student has enrolled in 25 points of Research Project | N/A |
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)
| At the end of year one or after the student has enrolled in 25 points of Research Project | N/A |
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 | Enrolment in the seminar series is required after completion of 25pts of Research Project | N/A |
Major thesis, comprising up to 50 pages of mixed text, diagrams, and mathematical formulas, due at the end of the final semester of Research Project enrolment
| Due at the end of the final semester of Research Project enrolment | 70% |
An oral presentation lasting up to 30 minutes, given at the end of the final semester of Research Project enrolment
| At the end of the final semester of Research Project enrolment | 10% |
Assessment of research performance based on attendance, application, initiative and demonstrated skills | 20% |
Additional details
The assessment requirements above are applicable to the entire 100 point Research Project.
Last updated: 8 April 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1 (Extended)
Principal coordinator Katie Auchettl Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours This subject is an individual research project and weekly contact hours will vary depending on the nature of the project. Total time commitment 120 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 30 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 30 June 2025 Semester 1 (Extended) contact information
- Semester 2 (Extended)
Principal coordinator Katie Auchettl Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours This subject is an individual research project and weekly contact hours will vary depending on the nature of the project. Total time commitment 120 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 24 December 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 24 December 2025 Semester 2 (Extended) contact information
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 12.5 point research project subject would be expected to be engaged in their research for an average of 10 hours per week.
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Additional delivery details
This subject is delivered either partially or fully in-person in Second Half Year 2020. Please ensure you are able to attend any essential in-person requirements or speak to Stop 1 about alternative subject options.
Last updated: 8 April 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
Last updated: 8 April 2025