Assessment

The assessment is broken into two parts. 50% coursework and 50% on your research project.

Coursework - 50%

Your coursework is made up of two compulsory courses and three electives, totalling 24 lecture units. It is completed in the first academic semester.

This year the courses are:

• Electromagnetism, 6 units, compulsory
• Scientific Skills, 4.5 units, compulsory
• Quantum Optics, 4.5 units, elective
• Introduction to non-linear physics, 4.5 units, elective
• Relativistic Quantum Mechanics, 4.5 units, elective
• Physics Problem Solving, 4.5 units, elective
• Foundations of Statistical Mechanics, 4.5 units, elective
• Plasma Physics, 4.5 units, elective
• Nuclear Phsyics, 4.5 units, elective

Courses will run subject to enrolments. Detailed information on courses and timetables can be found here.

Electromagnetism is worth 25% of your total coursework mark. Scientific Skills and the elective courses are weighted equally over the remaining 75%.

Research Project - 50%

Your research project will be assessed on an ongoing basis, as follows:

• Mid Year Oral Exam, 30 minutes, unmarked
• Mid Year Seminar, 15+5 minutes, unmarked
• Thesis, 100% of your project mark
• Final Seminar, 25+5 minutes, marked under Scientific Skills course

Honours students are required to complete a project in an appropriate topic. They will be expected to carry out independent research on this topic whilst working under a supervisor, usually in one of the research groups of the Department or of one of the research schools. The project work is presented in the form of a seminar and a thesis.

The final thesis, of around 50 pages of body text, should be written at the level of a research paper. You should look at a previous example of the assessment form (rtf, pdf) given to thesis examiners.

The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers help with thesis writing. See their web site for details.

Important Dates

• Coursework Starts: February
• Coursework Ends: Early June
• Oral Exam: To Be Scheduled on 2,3,4,5 June
• Mid Year Seminar: Monday 1st June
• Thesis Submission: 30 October, 3pm College of Physical Sciences / College of Medicine, Biology and Environment office
• Final Seminar: Monday 9 and Tuesday 10, November

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