Program Overview

Physics Group Project (PHAS0052)

Key Information

The Physics Group Project is a module offered by the Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, specifically through the Physics and Astronomy teaching department. It carries a credit value of 15. To be eligible for this module, students must have completed PHAS0028 Practical Physics 2A, PHAS0020 Practical Astrophysics and Computing, or PHAS0030 Computational Physics.

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

Outline

This module involves students undertaking a challenging, extended, open-ended project in a small group. The project relies on practical and computing skills developed in the first two years of the undergraduate Physics/Astrophysics programs. Students participate in training for group interaction and management, then apply these skills to address a complex technical problem in physics that requires group cooperation for its solution.

Aims

The primary aim of this module is to teach students to function effectively as members of a project team in a group situation, simulating the professional environments they will encounter in their careers, whether as physicists or in other fields.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Through an initial teaching session and subsequent group work, students accomplish a significant and challenging technical task. The specific skills developed and practiced include:

• Understanding group roles and how groups work
• Project management skills
• Risk identification and assessment
• General health and safety
• Working successfully within constrained resources
• Communicating effectively both orally and in writing
• Setting and meeting deadlines
• Working effectively as a team
• Running and participating effectively in meetings
• Generating and critically assessing ideas
• Problem-solving
• Planning and setting priorities
• Decision-making
• Negotiating skills
• Presentational skills
• Report writing

Teaching and Learning Methodology

The module is delivered through group projects conducted by students with guidance from academic staff.

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

Intended Teaching Term

The module is intended to be taught in Term 2, targeting undergraduate students at FHEQ Level 6.

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of study: In person
• Methods of assessment:
  • 60% Group activity (3 assessments)
  • 40% Coursework
• Mark scheme: Numeric Marks

Other Information

• Number of students on the module in the previous year: 173
• Module leader: Professor Mario Campanelli

This module description was last updated on 10th March 2026.