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 WORKING WITH PHYSICS FOR EDUCATION I
Code PHYS165
Coordinator Dr HL Vaughan
Central Teaching Laboratory
H.L.Vaughan@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 4 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Aims

• To develop skills with spreadsheets 

• To develop skills in using computers to perform mathematical calculations 

• To illustrate the insight into physics which can be obtained by exploiting computational software packages 

• To improve science students'' skills in communicating scientific information in appropriate written and oral formats 

• To provide students with a broad introduction to astronomy and observational techniques 

• To provide experience in using astronomy concepts to solve quantitative and qualitative problems

• To provide students with experience in communicating physics and astronomy concepts to A-Level and school aged audiences

• To provide the students with knowledge and skills in tailoring their communication for outreach to A-Level and school aged audiences.

• To provide student with the opportunity to reflect on their own learning.

Learning Outcomes

Ability to use spreadsheets and mathematical packages to calculate and graph mathematical equations

Ability to apply mathematical software packages to physics problems 

Ability to communicate more confidently 

Understanding of some of the key factors in successful communication

Know and describe the evolution of stars and  structure of the universe at various scales

Know and use basic astronomical concepts to solve quantitative and qualitative problems related to distance and brightness measurements, instrumentation and detectors
Know and describe the basic methods used by astronomers to collect information about stars

Prepare and deliver a hands-on outreach activity for a small school aged audience with assistance and support

Apply knowledge of tailoring communication by altering and delivering the activity to suit a second, different audience

Describe reasons for communication success to two different audiences through a reflective journal

Summarise reasons for success of the sessions prepared through a reflective journal

Syllabus
1 

  • Spreadsheet exercises based on physics examples and on error evaluation.
  • Plotting functions, complex numbers, animations, integration and differentiation.
  • Important elements of good communication in oral presentations, written reports (including laboratory reports).
  • Basic concepts: The Earth in space, the Solar System
  • Instrumentation: Telescopes, Reflectors versus refractors, types of mount, foci, image scale, ground versus space
  • Detectors: Photometers, photography, CCD, introduction to imaging and spectroscopy
  • Measurement of brightness and distance: Magnitude system, Hertzprung-Russell diagram, evolution of stars, types of galaxy, distance ladder.
  • Issues in Contemporary Astronomy: the Big Bang and the fate of the Universe; protostars; black holes; the missing mass problem; the search for ex tra solar planets; gamma-ray bursters.
  • Working with school age groups to deliver safe scientific activities
  • Tailoring science communication to school age groups: tailoring content, use of props and use of langu age

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - Lectures that cover the whole syllabus of the module

11 x 1h/week (S1) 6 x 2h/week (S2)

Small Group Learning - Weekly workshops in which the students work in small groups

11 x 2h/week (S1) 6 x 2h/week (S2)

Small Group Learning - Weekly seminar sessions/problem based learning

6 x 3h/week (S2)

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 23
Lectures that cover the whole syllabus of the module
        34
Weekly workshops in which the students work in small groups
18
Weekly seminar sessions/problem based learning
75
Timetable (if known) 11 x 1h/week (S1) 6 x 2h/week (S2)
  		        11 x 2h/week (S1) 6 x 2h/week (S2)
6 x 3h/week (S2)
  		 
Private Study 75
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
Coursework  Weekly assignment  S1 (Wk 2 - Wk 12)  50  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  S1 workshops 
Coursework  Weekly problems  S2 Wk 1 - Wk 6  15  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  S2 workshops 
Coursework  Equivalent to 15 min  S2 Wk7-Wk12  17.5  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Session preparation, delivery and self-evaluation (Audience 1) 
Coursework  Equivalent to 15 min  S2  17.5  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Session preparation, delivery and self-evaluation (Audience 2) Notes (applying to all assessments) This assessment will be similar to problem based learning in design. Students will work together in groups to overcome outreach/communication problems which will culminate a final presentation. There will be an opportunity to get feedback on the assignment mid-way through the scheme of work which will allow students to develop their skills. Reassessment opportunity for presentations: Student can create and deliver outreach materials individually. The student will not have the opportunity to deliver in front of an authentic audience as in the original assessment.  

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: