Course coordinator
Associate Professor Tyler Neely
Course overview
- Study period
- Summer Semester, 2024 (25/11/2024 - 08/02/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mathematics & Physics School
This course provides a short introduction to research in physics. Students choose a topic and a supervisor, and submit a written report by the end of semester.
This course provides a short introduction to research.ﾠ Students choose a topic and a supervisor, and submit a written report by the end of semester.
Course requirements
Restrictions
Permission of Head of School
Course contact
Timetable
Additional timetable information
This is a research project course, and as such there are no regularly scheduled contact hours. As a #2-unit subject, you are expected to contribute 12 hrs per week (respective of the shorter semester time frame) towards your research project.
You should have regular meetings as agreed with your supervisor. Typically this is one hour a week. You may find the provided document "ResearchProjectExpectations.pdf" on Blackboard useful in setting the expectations for roles in these regular meetings.
You need to map out a program of work with your supervisor in the early weeks of your project, as background to your project plan (due end of 2nd week), and discuss updates of the program at regular intervals.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of the research project is to develop the research skills of the student by carrying out a small project at the cutting edge of a specialised area of physics.ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Be able to plan, develop and carry out an independent research project.
LO2.
Obtain an in-depth knowledge of the specific topic area through a thorough literature review.
LO3.
Develop research skills and be able to locate and use information sources.
LO4.
Present results of research in a written thesis.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Outline of research
|
pass/resubmit/fail (100% penalty for fail/non-completion) |
6/12/2024 5:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Research report | 100% |
Exam week 1, Mon 10:00 am |
| Examination |
Interview
|
Helps examiners determine thesis grade (100% penalty for fail/non-submission) |
Exam week 1 Mon - Exam week 1 Fri |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Outline of research
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- pass/resubmit/fail (100% penalty for fail/non-completion)
- Due date
6/12/2024 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03
Task description
Write a research proposal of up to, but not more than, one page, describing the background and aims of your project. Make sure you include the project title, your name, and that of your supervisor. Please show this to your supervisor for feedback before you submit it.
This task has been designed to be challenging and complex, incorporating a number of aspects of your physics knowledge. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies as an aid in preparing written material, they should be only used for inspiration and/or reformatting writing and their usage must be referenced. This must include in-context referencing in the text, and the inclusion of a footnote in the bibliography or other appropriate place describing in detail the extent to which AI and/or MT technologies were used to assist in preparing the report.
Successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. Students need to be aware that submitted materials may be examined using AI detection capabilities in Turnitin. A failure to properly reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Failure to pass or submit the proposal will result in a failure for the course. Students will be able to resubmit the proposal if not passed by the examiners in the first instance.Submission guidelines
Submit via email to the course coordinator.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. Failure to submit by the due date will result in a fail for this item and a 100% penalty for the course, unless an extension has been approved.
Research report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 100%
- Due date
Exam week 1, Mon 10:00 am
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The student will write a formal, referenced report on their work for the semester. It will be examined by the supervisor and by one examiner allocated by the course coordinator. The supervisor and examiner mark contribute 50% each towards the final mark.
This is a #2 unit course. The report is expected to a 7-10 single column industry-style report. Guidelines on the report formatting are provided on Blackboard.
This task has been designed to be challenging and complex, incorporating a number of aspects of your physics knowledge. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies as an aid in preparing written material, they should be only used for inspiration and/or reformatting writing and their usage must be referenced. This must include in-context referencing in the text, and the inclusion of a footnote in the bibliography or other appropriate place describing in detail the extent to which AI and/or MT technologies were used to assist in preparing the report.
Successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. Students need to be aware that submitted materials may be examined using AI detection capabilities in Turnitin. A failure to properly reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools in the examination component of the course.
Submission guidelines
Submit via email to course coordinator.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.
Late submission
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item a penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item, or one grade per day if graded on the basis of 1-7, will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24 hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Interview
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- Helps examiners determine thesis grade (100% penalty for fail/non-submission)
- Due date
Exam week 1 Mon - Exam week 1 Fri
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L04
Task description
During the exam period after you hand in your report you will attend (either in person or online via Zoom or similar video conferencing technology) an oral examination with the examiners and your project supervisor. The course coordinator may also attend. You will need to discuss a suitable date and venue with your project supervisor, examiners, and course coordinator.
The expert examiner shall lead the examination, with the supervisor (and course coordinator, if they attend) as observers. The purpose of the oral examination is to clarify any aspects of the report for the examiners.
Hurdle requirements
Failure to attend the interview will result in a 100% penalty and failure for the course.Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Open Book examination |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students who obtain a final mark of less than 20% will obtain a grade of 1. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students who obtain a final mark of at least 20%, and less than 45%, will obtain a grade of 2. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Students who obtain a final mark of at least 45%, and less than 50%, will obtain a grade of 3. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students who obtain a final mark of at least 50%, and less than 65%, will obtain a grade of 4. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students who obtain a final mark of at least 65%, and less than 75%, will obtain a grade of 5. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students who obtain a final mark of at least 75%, and less than 85%, will obtain a grade of 6. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students who obtain a final mark of at least 85% will obtain a grade of 7. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
In the event that a student is awarded a 3 in their project, supplementary assessment will be available. This will consist of a revision and resubmission of the research report.
Additional assessment information
Artificial Intelligence
Assessment tasks in this course evaluate students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates
Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ – applying for an extension. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with extension requests, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons, may be found at my.UQ.
Please note:
- Requests for an extension to an assessment due date must be submitted through your my.UQ portal and you must provide documentation of your circumstances, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed. Your application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time.
- Applications for extension can take time to be processed so you should continue to work on your assessment item while awaiting a decision. We recommend that you submit any completed work by the due date, and this will be marked if your application is not approved. Should your application be approved, then you will be able to resubmit by the agreed revised due date.
- If an extension is approved, you will be notified via your my.UQ portal and the new date and time for submission provided. It is important that you check the revised date as it may differ from the date that you requested.
- If the basis of the application is a medical condition, applications should be accompanied by a medical certificate dated prior to the assignment due date. If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a written statement (Word document) outlining why you cannot provide the documentation. You must then upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
- If an extension is being sought on the basis of exceptional circumstances, it must be accompanied by supporting documentation (eg. Statutory declaration).
- For extensions based on a SAP you may be granted a maximum of 7 days (if no earlier maximum date applies). See the Extension or Deferral availability section of each assessment for details. Your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, additional extension requests for the assessment item will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
- Students may be asked to submit evidence of work completed to date. Lack of adequate progress on your assessment item may result in an extension being denied.
- If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, you are advised to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty - seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
- There are no provisions for exemption from an assessment item within UQ rules. If you are unable to submit an assessment piece then, under special circumstances, you may be granted an exemption, but may be required to submit alternative assessment to ensure all learning outcomes are met.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Not Timetabled |
Research Project: Independent study leading to a report. Independent study leading to a report. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Additional learning activity information
Students will be required to carry out an independent project on a topic agreed between the supervisor and the student. The project is largely self-directed but students should meet regularly with their supervisor to discuss progress, problems and direction of their research.
The Research Report will be written in the style of an Industry Technical Report, with details on report formatting and marking criteria provided on Blackboard.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.