MSc Dissertation in Physics Education (180 credits) (P02950)

? Credit Points : 180 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : PHY-P-MScPER

A research programme tailored to the student's area of interest within Physics Education, which will develop conceptual and research skills specific to that area, leading to a dissertation describing a body of original research work. The student will be supported by both a primary supervisor and a second supervisor drawn from physics and / or e-learning/education, as appropriate. The programme will also develop a range of professional and subject skills which will contribute to the student's intellectual development and career aims and aspirations. This may be achieved through attendance at taught courses and workshops delivered by the School of Physics or the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Assessment (TLA) as appropriate.

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

? Pre-requisites : Available to suitably qualified postgradate students only.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Postgraduate (School of Physics and Astronomy), (School of Physics and Astronomy, Schedule Q)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Full Year (Blocks 1-4)

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

Knowledge & understanding
- Demonstrate a depth of understanding in areas of general educational theory and practice, together with the dimensions of these relevant to the subject context in Physics.
- Critically evaluate the growing body of Physics Education research literature relevant to their chosen research topic
- Show how this body of research relates to and justifies the design choices for their proposed research

Intellectual
- Understand the relationship between theory and methodology, and the influence of one upon the other.
- Evaluate the appropriateness of methods of data collection and analysis for the research questions under study.
- Critically analyse methods of data collection, both quantitative and qualitative, and demonstrate an appreciation of the inherent strengths and weaknesses of each approach.
- Carry out independent research that demonstrates an advanced level of knowledge and understanding in the field of study

Professional/subject-specific/practical
- Develop a structured research proposal for investigating a well-defined hypothesis, including a plan for meeting research milestones
- Design and manage a programme of research, embedded within the discipline context
- Demonstrate well-developed written, numerical, and analytical skills
- Prepare work for publication and presentation at appropriate conferences, meetings and journals

Transferable skills
- Use well-developed written, oral and electronic means of delivery for the dissemination of research findings
- Show interpersonal and communication skills
- Work both independently and as part of a team
- Use computers proficiently across different platforms and programs.