Physics Research Project Pt 5 (PHYC90054)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 37.5Not available in 2025

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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: 4 March 2025