BSc Projects

1
BSc Projects

• Tom Maccarone
• tjm_at_phys.soton.ac.uk
• http//www.astro.soton.ac.uk/tjm/

2
BSc project goals

• To develop the ability to work independently on a
  project whose goals are not made clear from the
  start
• To learn the proper way to present the results of
  a scientific investigation
• To learn some advanced techniques in physics

3
Required work

• Do the project!
• Write a report
• about 20 pages
• due at the end of exam period, viva early in
  second semester
• Alternatively, you may turn it in before exams,
  and have the viva during exams
• Give a presentation
• 12 minute talk, with audience of your fellow
  students and a few members of academic staff
• late in academic term you will be given at
  least 3 weeks notice after it is scheduled.
• Progress report
• halfway into the term
• mainly to ensure that you have started working on
  the project and have gotten the required level of
  support.

4
Dos

• Arrange a regular meeting with your partner and
  project supervisor for weekly discussions
• Arrange 6 hours per week of time to work with
  your partner
• more or less may be necessary depending on how
  much time you each spend working separately
• start working right away

5
Don'ts

• Take weeks off
• pad your project report
• try to bluff during your viva
• expect your supervisor to spend more than one
  hour in any given week on the project

6
If problems arise...

• First step your supervisor
• If problems with supervisor you may come see
  me, and I'll try to mediate
• If problems with lab space/equipment you may
  come see me, or talk with the technicians in the
  teaching labs

7
Further details

• Some further details may be announced by emails
  throughout the term
• Please ensure I have your email address
• Questions?