Unit information: Study Skills in Physics in 2020/21

Unit name	Study Skills in Physics
Unit code	PHYS00200
Credit points	20
Level of study	QCA-3
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Lindsay
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Normally at least Grade C in GCSE Mathematics; Physics or Science containing Physics.
Co-requisites	none
School/department	School of Physics
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

The unit is mandatory (TB1 -20 CP) for Physics Preliminary Year students and is focused on enquiry-based learning and independent study. The unit aims are to enable students to:

• develop investigative skills
• develop communication (written and presentation) skills
• develop/improve analytical and IT skills
• experience collaborative, independent learning and group work.

The students will be given three assignments expected to be undertaken independently or in a group. The students' research will include: 1) literature and a web search for relevant information; 2) analysis and selection of information and 3) communication of their findings in written or oral form.

The students' research will include: 1) literature and a web search for relevant information; 2) analysis and selection of information and 3) communication of their findings in written or oral form.

The students will present their findings and produce the report for each assignment that will be a part of their electronic portfolio that will be submitted and assessed at the end of the unit.

Intended Learning Outcomes

The students will be able to

• Search and use scientific literature databases (electronic journals, reputable websites) to find and select relevant information;
• Communicate effectively their findings to their peers and general audience – in written or presentation format
• Create, edit and organise wiki page
• Work in a small group
• Work independently

Teaching Information

Weekly synchronous tutorial discussions addressing particular topics such as library skills, time management and more general discussion, together with guided independent learning.

Assessment Information

The unit mark will be based on evaluation of an electronic portfolio submitted at the end of the teaching block. To receive credit for the unit, students will be required to engage with weekly tutorials and to complete all coursework assignments satisfactorily.

Reading and References

To be decided in consultation with the tutor