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 II
Code PHYS265
Coordinator Dr HL Vaughan
Central Teaching Laboratory
H.L.Vaughan@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 5 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Aims

To provide students with knowledge of Matlab programming and experience and practice at solving complex Physics programmes computationally.

To use programming techniques to solve problems in Physics, Nuclear Physics, Astrophysics and/or medical applciations of physics.

To develop skills in modelling the solution to a problem

To provide students with experience of working in a small group

To provide students with experience of teaching and communicating physics to different school aged audiences.

To provide students with experience of communicating to a large group of pupils.

To provide students with knowledge of safe-guarding, inclusivity and techniques in controlling sessions through activity design.

To provide students with the opportunity t o reflect on their own learning.

Learning Outcomes
Employ programming techniques to solve problems in physics

Computationally model the solution to a physics problem

Improved communication skills (written and oral)

Design and deliver an outreach session for a large school aged audience

Design and deliver teaching sessions for school aged audience

Apply knowledge about safe-guarding, inclusion and organisation in session design
Describe and explain reasons for communication success through a reflective journal

Explain and evaluate the success of session designed through a reflective journal

Syllabus
1 

1 The following is delivered through lectures and computing classes.

  • A basic introduction to programming with Matlab using a simple program that outputs text and does simple calculations. This will be used to evaluate simple formulae.
  • Use of more complex programming methods including parameter lists and loops; use of numerical integration and more complex mathametical expressions
  • Use of arrays, plotting in Matlab
  • Use of random numbers; generation of histograms and Gaussians
  • Applications of these techniques to problems through the use of sample programs
2 An introduction to Monte Carlo techniques (lectures)
  • The use of Monte Carlo techniques to solve problems using Matlab (computing sessions).
  • The problems will link be focused towards the Physics, Nuclear Physics, Astrophysics and Medical Physics programmes.
  • Write up of computing project report.
3 The following is delivered in seminars 

  • An introduction to basic safe-guarding, inclusivity and lesson and outreach session planning
4 The following will be problem based learning

  • Three communication scenarios will be set to the students: Primary school class, Secondary School class and an A-Level/general public audience. Students will work in teams to design and deliver activities, lessons or media suitable for the age group.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - MatLab Lectures

Semester 1 - with full Physics cohort

Laboratory Work - MatLab programming sessions

Semester 1 - with full Physics cohort

Problem Based Learning - Three real-life schools based communication problems

Semester 2 - in small groups

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 12
MatLab Lectures
    24
MatLab programming sessions
  36
Three real-life schools based communication problems
72
Timetable (if known) Semester 1 - with full Physics cohort
  		    Semester 1 - with full Physics cohort
  		  Semester 2 - in small groups
  		 
Private Study 78
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 problem class  Semester 1  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Problems set in computing sessions 
Coursework  Student directed (8-  Semester 1  30  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Computing Project 
Coursework  Equivalent to 15 min  Semester 2  5  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Design and Performance (Audience 1) 
Coursework  Equivalent to 30 min  Semester 2  15  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Design and Performance (Audience 2) 
Coursework    Semester 2  20  Yes    Design and Performance (Audience 3) 
Coursework  ~2500 words  Semester 2  10  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Portfolio Notes (applying to all assessments) Reassessment for the delivery and performances will be an equivalent written or recorded piece of work. Due to the nature of the work, it may not be possible to recreate the authentic audience for the performance element of the reassessment. 

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:

As for PHYS205 and 

1.       Capel, S. Leask, M. and Turner, T. (2013). Learning to Teach in the Secondary School (6th Edition). London: Routledge.