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PH30072: Problem-solving skills

Academic Year: 2018/9
Owning Department/School: Department of Physics
Credits: 6      [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Period:
Semester 1
Assessment Summary: CW 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework (CW 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
PH30072D - Reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: Before taking this module you must take PH10102 AND take PH20105
Description: Aims:
The aim of this unit is to enhance the problem-solving and self-directed learning skills of BSc Physics students. Working in small groups, the students will have to apply knowledge acquired during their study to the tackling of a comprehensive physical problem. After taking this unit the students should have acquired a sound understanding how to apply the physical understanding and mathematical tools at their disposal to a general physics or engineering problem.

Learning Outcomes:
After taking this unit the student should be able to:
* demonstrate an enhanced ability to solve problems in physics and present the solutions clearly;
* appreciate how different parts of classical and modern physics come together in real-world problems;
* appreciate the benefits and challenges of working with others;
* demonstrate the ability to plan and research a design project and work with others to produce a group report and presentation.

Skills:
Written Communication T/F A, Numeracy T/F A, Information Technology T/F A, Problem Solving T/F A, Working as part of a group T/F A.

Content:
The project concerns the design of a space mission. Over the first 6 weeks students become acquainted with the theoretical description of this problem and the different parts of physics involved in a number of preliminary theoretical assignments which are disseminated using informal PowerPoint presentations. Work is conducted in groups of about 5 under the facilitation of an academic with whom the group meets weekly to present and discuss their work. Special topics include mission preparation, propulsion, navigation/communication, on-board electricity generation, cruise phase and encounter. There are two problem solving tests based on the work covered in weeks 1 to 6, designed to explore individual student engagement. For the remaining time, smaller groups tackle distinct mission design projects which build on work in the first six weeks, culminating in a group report and short presentation.
Before taking this module you must take PH20105
Programme availability:

PH30072 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Physics

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2018/19 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2019/20 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2018/19.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Undergraduates: .
  • Postgraduates: .