Investigations

Overview

Students conduct a short practice investigation, followed by two short investigations (in small groups and solo) in a range of problems in Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. This is followed by a long investigation, which is a literature study of a Mathematical or Theoretical Physics topic not covered in the offered (or chosen) modules. The two short and the long investigation are typed up in reports and submitted for assessment.

Learning Objectives

On completion of the module, it is intended that students will be able to:

consider a problem or phenomenon and develop a mathematical model that describes it, stating any assumptions made;

solve the model or its simplified version and analyse the results;

suggest generalisations or extensions of the model to related problems or phenomena, and indicate possible ways of solving them;

communicate the results of an investigation in a written (typed) report, with mathematical equations, tables, etc. as required, and illustrated by diagrams;

investigate an unfamiliar topic using one or a number of literature sources, and write (type) a report that explains the topic in a logical manner, puts the topic in a wider context, uses equations, mathematical derivations, graphs and tables as necessary, and contains a bibliography list.

Skills

Research skills, presentational skills. Use of many sources of information.

Assessment

None.