Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title PHYSICS INTERNSHIP
Code PHYS309
Coordinator Professor U Klein
Physics
Uta.Klein@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 6 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Aims

Provide students with an insight into the process of scientific research and debate or communicating science in a STEM-related setting different from the University of Liverpool;

Expose students to new research, cultural and working environments;

Develop the confidence to work independently and in a team, to effectively and efficiently apply science to attain a STEM-related goal;

Develop students’ ability to communicate scientific concepts and findings in a variety of formats;

Develop students' employability skills.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) to maintain accurate records of experiments or classroom related experiences, and reliable and comprehensive account of any methodologies used

(LO2) to prepare and deliver oral presentations to high scientific and professional standards that describes the experiences during the internship, the research objectives and the rationale behind the project design.

(LO3) to write a professional report on the project priorities, the internal and external drivers of the project strategy and the potential impact of the project on the local and wider community.

(LO4) to analyse and evaluate data, information and experiences and to draw valid conclusions while working in a professional environment.

(LO5) to identify and articulate their personal and professional transferable skills and connect them to their employability.


Syllabus

 

Students execute a limited investigation of a physics-based or physics-related problem. Projects may be experimental, observational, computational, theoretical and partially extended literature-based. If possible, students should have encountered research-level material. School placement internships will involve participation in a variety of secondary school lessons to learn about the role of a science teacher and work on a smaller project to aid the school. In general, all projects are designed to meet the same set of learning outcomes, including background reading, conducting a STEM-related project, analysing and communicating findings orally and in writing. However, the exact nature and format of projects may vary.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1: Seminar
Briefing seminars prior to the internship (S2 of Year 2) where students receive essential instructions and information for a safe and successful internship. Only if students have engaged with these sessions, are allowed to take this module. Students have to attend all briefing sessions and are responsible for organisational aspects prepared in time (e.g. Visa, travel insurance, DBS, Safeguarding). If components are fulfilled insufficiently, students may will not be allowed to take the module.
De-briefing seminars at start of Year 3 where students discuss their experiences, plan the report and next career steps.

Teaching Method 2: Internships
Description: This refers to scheduled available time for the non-UoL, off-campus internship.
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: The internship is a 4 weeks research or other professional STEM-related placement in summer between Year 2 and 3 Physics undergraduate studies. This module replaces 15 c redits in Year 3 depending on the programme of study. The internship must provide the opportunity for students to gain new skills and experiences quite different with the research projects in the Department of Physics.

Teaching Method 3: Project report
Post-internship project work to produce a report within the first 6 weeks of S1 (Year 3) guided by discussions with the UoL supervisor.
Attendance Recorded: Yes for weekly scheduled contact with supervisor


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours         118

8

6

132
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 18
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Oral Presentation to research team, and assessed by internship supervisor  15 minutes    10       
Weekly online reflective portfolio to be completed during the internship (individual).      40       
Research Internship Report  10-30 pages    50       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.