Overview
PHYS 495 is a senior research project course based on contracted study arrangements between the student and an approved project supervisor (AU academic or external). It is intended for students who wish to carry out a project in physics or a related field. The course is also a venue to obtain formal recognition of related skills and training, received through work experience, by applying them to a new project. Students improve their skills to choose and define problems, obtain relevant information, design real or virtual experiments, organize facts and information, and report ideas and conclusions.
A PHYS 495 project normally involves a theoretical, empirical, or simulation study designed to investigate or solve a problem in physics or its branches, including physics education, geophysics, and engineering physics.
Permission to register will be given once the student has a project proposal accepted and recognized as a Learning Contract by the Course Coordinator. The assigned project supervisor will provide mentorship and ensure the student completes what is planned.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to
- develop a research question and critically evaluate relevant resources from appropriately chosen physics literature.
- develop a suitable methodology and collect data to address the research question.
- perform proper analysis and interpretation of data and draw relevant conclusions.
- effectively communicate the research activities and findings in accordance with disciplinary norms.
- apply ethical standards in all stages of the project.
Evaluation
The results of this project must be presented in thesis form and in other prepared materials as outlined in the Learning Contract. The student must also present a summary of the project through a live conference-style presentation, which can be done online. The evaluation is completed by the Course Coordinator in consultation with the project supervisor.
To receive credit, the student must achieve a minimum of 50 percent on the final project report and a course composite grade of at least D (50 percent). The final grade is based on marks received for the following:
| Activity | Weight |
| Approved project proposal | 15% |
| Final report describing the project and its results | 60% |
| Online oral presentation outlining the project and main findings | 25% |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
This course either does not have a course package or the textbooks are open-source material and available to students at no cost. This course has a Course Administration and Technology Fee, but students are not charged the Course Materials Fee.
Students are expected to obtain and pay for all materials used in the course project.