Students

PHYS3810 – Professional Physics

2020 – Session 2, Weekday attendance, North Ryde

Notice

As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group learning activities on campus for the second half-year, while keeping an online version available for those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.

To check the availability of face to face activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor, lecturer, academic mentor
Helen Pask
Lecturer, academic mentor
Deb Kane
Academic mentor
Michael Withford
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
PHYS301 or PHYS3010
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

As the PACE unit for the physics specialisation, this unit brings together the learning outcomes, and explores how a physics degree can open doors to a wide range of career paths. The unit begins with a reflective stage in which small groups build their own model of the technical themes and generic skills developed during their degree, and consider how to market these skills to potential employers. Students then develop a professional resume and cover letter targeting actual employment advertisements seeking physicists, and engage in peer review of their documents. The larger part of the unit provides an opportunity to engage with the broader community through a PACE activity of 100 hours duration, conducted in partnership with an industrial, research, or educational institute. Students will apply their skills to a real-world problem of interest to the partner, and report on their experiences, solutions and the project outcomes in a variety of formats including a technical report, high level executive summary, and oral presentation.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Apply problem-solving skills in a real-world context using discipline-specific knowledge and skills from throughout the degree.
  • ULO2: Employ the tools, methodologies, language and conventions of Physics to develop and test new ideas.
  • ULO3: Articulate the goals and results of a project using different forms of communication.
  • ULO4: Apply techniques of project planning and time management, demonstrating the capacity to meet deadlines agreed upon with the partner.
  • ULO5: Demonstrate networking skills and capabilities that will assist with either moving into the workforce or further study.
  • ULO6: Work effectively and ethically in a multifaceted scientific environment.

General Assessment Information

In order to pass the unit, you must obtain a total mark of at least 50%, as well as a mark of at least 50% in the project report.

As a PACE and Capstone unit, this unit involves a major project and, in most cases, group work. 60% of the overall mark for the unit is related to the major project, and the components of this mark are the Project Report (25%), Project Documentation (15%), Presentation (10%) and Project Performance (10%).  Students will receive individual marks for their documentation, presentation and project performance. 

Project Report

Due: Week 13 Weighting: 25% This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

The students are required to submit a 2500-5000 word Project Report based on their external placement at the partner organisation. This will generally follow the structure of a scientific report, including introduction to the project topic, description of the data, tools and methods used, presentation of results and analysis, discussion of the findings, and conclusions. Typically, students will work in pairs with the partner. In those cases each student is expected to contribute equally to the project report, and the report must include a statement describing the contributions of each student to the joint project. Note that in some cases Project progress and timely conclusion can be influenced by circumstances that are outside of the Student’s control. This will be taken into account when assessing the report. Under normal circumstances, the students contributing to a group report will receive a common mark. In exceptional circumstances, e.g. dictated by the statements of contributions, individual marks may be considered.

Students are strongly encouraged to make a specific appointment around Week 8-9 to discuss their Project Report with their mentor. They should bring along an outline for their report, and any parts they have drafted.

The Project Report is a hurdle requirement.  You must obtain a mark of at least 50% in the report to be eligible to pass the unit. If your mark in the report is less than 50%, you may be a given a chance to revise and resubmit your report. The mark awarded for the revised report towards your final unit mark will be capped at 50%.

On successful completion you will be able to:

  • Apply problem-solving skills in a real-world context using discipline-specific knowledge and skills from throughout the Physics program.
  • Employ the tools, methodologies, language and conventions of Physics to develop and test new ideas.
  • Demonstrate planning and management skills, including a capacity to meet agreed deadlines.
  • Articulate the goals and results of a project using different forms of communication.
  • Work effectively and ethically in a multifaceted scientific environment.

Project Documentation

Due: Weeks 5 and 10 Weighting: 15%

Documentation is a key component to any project, and acts as an important record of your progress during the semester. It will also form an invaluable record when writing your final report, and will allow you to easily pick up where you left off the previous week when returning to your project. Keeping a quality record of your work which is seen regularly by your host could also be highly beneficial should you ask them tor a reference (or a job) in the future. The format of this documentation is flexible, and can be tuned to the specific nature of your PACE project. For example, some projects are well suited to keeping a lab book, either physical or electronic, which records all your daily tasks, recorded values, results, plots, thoughts, useful numbers, etc. For other projects, this documentation may come in a different form, e.g. organised notes or minutes from project meetings, GitHub commit records, or progress reports.

Whatever form you and your supervisor think is appropriate, your project documentation should:

  • Include a project plan formed during the first few weeks of the project. This should include key milestones and dates.
  • Be legible and clearly laid out, with dates against every entry/contribution.
  • Include regular entries or updates. Most projects will make weekly progress, and so should have weekly updates to the documentation collection.

Your project mentor will review your project documentation during week 5 to provide feedback on your project plan, as well as feedback on your overall record keeping. You are required to show your complete project documentation to your academic mentor at the end of your placement, which is typically week 10. If your documentation is an electronic record, you may be asked to send it by email.

On successful completion you will be able to:

  • Apply problem-solving skills in a real-world context using discipline-specific knowledge and skills from throughout the Physics program.
  • Employ the tools, methodologies, language and conventions of Physics to develop and test new ideas.
  • Demonstrate planning and management skills, including a capacity to meet agreed deadlines.
  • Articulate the goals and results of a project using different forms of communication.
  • Work effectively and ethically in a multifaceted scientific environment.

Oral Presentation

Due: Week 12 Weighting: 10%

Each student will give a 10 minute presentation (with 3 minutes for questions) on their work in the final week of semester. For students working in pairs, they may present a joint 20 minute talk, as long as each person presents approximately half of the work. The talk should cover both the research component of the project, and the experience of working at the partner organisation. Students will be graded individually.

On successful completion you will be able to:

  • Employ the tools, methodologies, language and conventions of Physics to develop and test new ideas.
  • Demonstrate planning and management skills, including a capacity to meet agreed deadlines.
  • Articulate the goals and results of a project using different forms of communication.
  • Work effectively and ethically in a multifaceted scientific environment.
  • Demonstrate networking skills and capabilities that will assist with either moving into the workforce or further study.

Reflective Journal

Due: Weeks 2-13 Weighting: 15%

Each student will maintain an individual reflective journal consisting of three parts.

Part 1: Initial self-reflection addressing the skills and knowledge gained during your degree thus far. This is the first section of the journal, and is due in Week 2.

Part 2: Reflective Diary: Entries which capture your thoughts about the project as it progresses. You will be given some key topics to address in this part of your journal as you go along.

Part 3: Reflection on the unit overall. This should be written after completing the project.

Further details and advice are provided on iLearn and in Workshop 1, and students are encouraged to contact the Unit staff for advice if they are struggling with this task.

On successful completion you will be able to:

  • Employ the tools, methodologies, language and conventions of Physics to develop and test new ideas.
  • Demonstrate planning and management skills, including a capacity to meet agreed deadlines.
  • Work effectively and ethically in a multifaceted scientific environment.
  • Critically reflect on the development of Graduate Capabilities and experience working in an external organisation.
  • Demonstrate networking skills and capabilities that will assist with either moving into the workforce or further study.

Professional Engagement

Due: Week 13 Weighting: 15%

A key role of professional scientists is engaging both with other scientists and with the public (through relevant outreach activities). To develop this skill, students will engage in activities such as

  • joining a professional organisation,
  • attending Physics and Astronomy Department colloquia and seminars,
  • attending a careers event,
  • reading and discussing a journal paper or an article in Australian Physics,
  • volunteering to help on University Open Day, and/or
  • giving a presentation at a school.
  • reading and discussing the code of conduct of a professional society.

Further examples and instructions will be provided on iLearn.  'Professional engagement credits' will be awarded for these activities, up to a total of 15, with no more than 5 credits for similar activities.

Each student needs to prepare and submit a Record of Professional Engagement. This should be one single document with a summary table at the beginning that documents each activity and the number of credits claimed. Then for each activity, please provide a few details, a piece of evidence of your activity, and describe in a few sentences how each activity has contributed to your professional development and career prospects as a physicist. You may wish to use the word template provided on iLearn to document each activity. Photos are encouraged.

On successful completion you will be able to:

  • Employ the tools, methodologies, language and conventions of Physics to develop and test new ideas.
  • Demonstrate planning and management skills, including a capacity to meet agreed deadlines.
  • Work effectively and ethically in a multifaceted scientific environment.
  • Critically reflect on the development of Graduate Capabilities and experience working in an external organisation.
  • Demonstrate networking skills and capabilities that will assist with either moving into the workforce or further study.

Job Application

Due: Week 12 Weighting: 10%

Each student will write a job application in the form of a cover letter and curriculum vitae in response to a genuine job advertisement or as an open application to an organisation. You will be expected to use the tools and techniques you have acquired during the unit to find a suitable opening or organisation relevant to the skills you have developed during your degree.  The job application needs to be tailored specifically to the job opening, by showing how your skills and capabilities meet selection criteria.

On successful completion you will be able to:

  • Employ the tools, methodologies, language and conventions of Physics to develop and test new ideas.
  • Demonstrate planning and management skills, including a capacity to meet agreed deadlines.
  • Articulate the goals and results of a project using different forms of communication.
  • Work effectively and ethically in a multifaceted scientific environment.
  • Critically reflect on the development of Graduate Capabilities and experience working in an external organisation.
  • Demonstrate networking skills and capabilities that will assist with either moving into the workforce or further study.

Project Performance

Due: Week 13 Weighting: 10%

There is no submission required for this task.

Your Macquarie mentor will assign a mark based on your individual performance during the project. This will be based partly on input from your external project supervisor, as well as the exchanges you have had with your Macquarie Mentor during the course of the project. The mark will grade performance on topics related to the learning outcomes of the unit, the quality of your contribution to the project and partner organisation, and ability to work as part of the project team. Engagement with the project activity will also be included in this assessment.

On successful completion you will be able to:

  • Apply problem-solving skills in a real-world context using discipline-specific knowledge and skills from throughout the Physics program.
  • Employ the tools, methodologies, language and conventions of Physics to develop and test new ideas.
  • Demonstrate planning and management skills, including a capacity to meet agreed deadlines.
  • Articulate the goals and results of a project using different forms of communication.
  • Work effectively and ethically in a multifaceted scientific environment.
  • Critically reflect on the development of Graduate Capabilities and experience working in an external organisation.

Workshop participation

Due: Friday weeks 1 and 11 Weighting: 0%

There are three workshops scheduled. Workshop 1 (Unit Introduction and Orientation) and Workshop 2 (My Degree - themes, skills, knowledge) will run sequentially on Friday 31st July (Week 1), with a break for lunch (will be provided). Workshop 3 (CVs, Cover Letters and Job Interviews) will be held on Friday of Week 11).

Students must participate meaningfully in all three workshops. If you miss a workshop due to unforeseen circumstances, you should apply for special consideration.

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Mentor report 10% No Week 13
Oral presentation 10% No Week 12
Project Report 25% Yes Week 13
Reflective journal 15% No Weeks 2-13
CV and cover letter 10% No Week 12
Professional engagement 15% No Week 13
Project documentation 15% No Weeks 5 and 10

Mentor report

Assessment Type 1: Teacher performance assessment
Indicative Time on Task 2: 0 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 10%

 

The Macquarie Project Mentor will provide a report on each student's individual performance during the project. This will be based partly on input from the external project supervisor at the host organisation, as well as exchanges with the Project Mentor during the course of the project. The report will grade performance on topics such as meeting the learning outcomes of the unit, the quality of the student's contribution to the project and partner organisation, and ability to work as part of the project team.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply problem-solving skills in a real-world context using discipline-specific knowledge and skills from throughout the degree.
  • Employ the tools, methodologies, language and conventions of Physics to develop and test new ideas.
  • Apply techniques of project planning and time management, demonstrating the capacity to meet deadlines agreed upon with the partner.
  • Work effectively and ethically in a multifaceted scientific environment.

Oral presentation

Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 7 hours
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 10%

 

Each student will give a presentation (with time for questions from the audience) on their work in the final week of session. For students working in pairs, they may present a joint talk, as long as each person presents approximately half of the work. The talk should cover both the research component of the project, and the experience of working at the partner organisation.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply problem-solving skills in a real-world context using discipline-specific knowledge and skills from throughout the degree.
  • Employ the tools, methodologies, language and conventions of Physics to develop and test new ideas.
  • Articulate the goals and results of a project using different forms of communication.
  • Apply techniques of project planning and time management, demonstrating the capacity to meet deadlines agreed upon with the partner.

Project Report

Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 25%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

 

The students are required to submit a Project Report based on their external placement at the partner organisation. This will generally follow the structure of a scientific report, including introduction to the project topic, description of the data, tools and methods used, presentation of results and analysis, discussion of the findings, and conclusions. Typically, students will work in pairs with the partner. In those cases each student is expected to contribute equally to the project report, and the report must include a statement describing the contributions of each student to the joint project.

The Project Report is a Hurdle Assessment. Students must obtain a mark of at least 50% in the report to be eligible to pass the unit. If the mark for the report is less than 50%, students may be a given a chance to revise and resubmit the report. The mark awarded for the revised report towards the final unit mark will be capped at 50%.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply problem-solving skills in a real-world context using discipline-specific knowledge and skills from throughout the degree.
  • Employ the tools, methodologies, language and conventions of Physics to develop and test new ideas.
  • Articulate the goals and results of a project using different forms of communication.
  • Apply techniques of project planning and time management, demonstrating the capacity to meet deadlines agreed upon with the partner.
  • Work effectively and ethically in a multifaceted scientific environment.

Reflective journal

Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 8 hours
Due: Weeks 2-13
Weighting: 15%

 

Each student must maintain an individual reflective journal on iLearn consisting of three parts:

Part 1: Initial self-reflection addressing the skills and knowledge gained during your degree thus far. This is the first section of the journal, and should be completed before starting the project.

Part 2: Weekly reflective diary entries, capturing thoughts about the project as it progresses, written using a reflective learning cycle. Students will also be given some key topics to address in this part of their journal. These entries should be written throughout the semester. Bulk submissions in the last weeks will be penalised.

Part 3: Reflection on the project overall. This should be written near the project's completion, and should address: i) What were the main learning outcomes arising from the project? ii) Given the experience in the project, what do students now feel are the most valuable or attractive attributes of their future workplace? How have these changed from before? iii) If the unit could be repeated, what would students do differently and why?

Journal entries are only visible to the unit convenor.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Articulate the goals and results of a project using different forms of communication.
  • Demonstrate networking skills and capabilities that will assist with either moving into the workforce or further study.
  • Work effectively and ethically in a multifaceted scientific environment.

CV and cover letter

Assessment Type 1: Non-academic writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 10%

 

Students will be required to provide a cover letter and curriculum vitae (CV) in response to a genuine job advert that they have researched and selected. An open application to an organisation chosen by the student is also permitted if a suitable job advert is not available. Students will be expected to use the tools and techniques acquired during the unit to find a suitable job opening or organisation, and provide job-specific application materials in the form of a CV and cover letter.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate networking skills and capabilities that will assist with either moving into the workforce or further study.

Professional engagement

Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 11 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 15%

 

A key role of professional scientists is engaging both with other scientists (through attending seminars) and with the public (through outreach activities). Various opportunities for such activity are available throughout the semester, and may also arise as a result of the placement (e.g. events at the host organisation). To encourage a pro-active approach professional development, students will build a portfolio of such activities that they chose and plan themselves, and will be required to accrue 'professional engagement credits' during the course of the unit. Activities may include attendance of research seminars, career networking events, and public outreach activities. Diversity of activities is also required.

Students must document their Professional Engagement by providing evidence of engagement and learning, e.g. for seminar attendance, give the date, speaker name, title, and short summary (few lines) of the talk. They may include photos, or any other relevant evidence of the activity. Each activity must include a few sentences describing how the activity has contributed to the student's professional development and career prospects as a scientist.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate networking skills and capabilities that will assist with either moving into the workforce or further study.
  • Work effectively and ethically in a multifaceted scientific environment.

Project documentation

Assessment Type 1: Lab book
Indicative Time on Task 2: 0 hours
Due: Weeks 5 and 10
Weighting: 15%

 

Documentation is a key component to any project, and acts as an important record of progress during the semester. It will also form an invaluable record when writing the final report, and will allow students to easily pick up where they left off the previous week when returning to the project. The format of this documentation is flexible, and can be tuned to the specific nature of the PACE project. For example, some projects are well suited to keeping a lab book, either physical or electronic, which records all the daily tasks, recorded values, results, plots, thoughts, useful numbers, etc. For other projects, this documentation may come in a different form, e.g. organised notes or minutes from project meetings, GitHub commit records, or progress reports. The documentation is completed during the PACE activity.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply problem-solving skills in a real-world context using discipline-specific knowledge and skills from throughout the degree.
  • Employ the tools, methodologies, language and conventions of Physics to develop and test new ideas.
  • Apply techniques of project planning and time management, demonstrating the capacity to meet deadlines agreed upon with the partner.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

Workshop Activities

There will be three main workshops associated with the unit, for which attendance is mandatory:

Workshop 1 (Friday morning Week 1, Location and time will be posted on iLearn): Unit Orientation.  This introductory morning workshop will review the unit goals, give students the chance to introduce themselves and their project, and review some basic content on best work practices, health and safety, ethics, professional development, and reflective practice. These are essential tools for making the most of your practical experience during the unit.

Workshop 2 (Friday afternoon Week 1, Location and time will be posted on iLearn): My Degree - Themes, Knowledge and Skills.  This afternoon workshop follows on from workshop 1, and will be aimed at reflecting on the skills and knowledge you have gained across your degree, how this might map to potential employers, and what they are looking for. We will look at how to recognise our strengths and make best use of them; as well as identifying areas where we can improve, and make plans on how to develop those areas during the unit. Finally, we will make a first draft of a personal curriculum vitae (CV, resume).

Workshop 3 (Friday Week 11, Location and time will be posted on iLearn): CVs, Cover Letters and Job Interviews.  This workshop will focus on two key opportunities where we present ourselves to our colleagues in a professional context: giving a formal presentation and giving a job interview. The workshop will look at techniques for delivering an informative and professional presentation, and will go through the process involved in a typical professional job interview. We will use a combination of delivered content and group exercises, including practice interviews, with a focus on developing confidence and experience in presenting in different situations.

Project

The main component of this unit is a project conducted with an external partner organisation. Projects range from pure research to projects with a more educational or outreach flavour. All projects, however, should give you exposure to a professional working environment, and the opportunity to contribute to a larger effort related to professional physics. You will spend nominally 100 hours working with the partner organisation, spread throughout the semester. We suggest you spend one week of the mid-semester break, and 9 Fridays working with the external organisation, however the hours will need to be negotiated with your external supervisor and you may be required to spend additional days during the mid-semester break. Projects should normally start in Week 2, concluding in Week 10, but again there will be some variations in schedule according to particular circumstances. If you miss a day of your placement due to unforseen circumstances, you should plan to make up the hours and/or apply for special consideration.

We will do our best to advise all students about their placement and project prior to Week 1. However we regret if due to circumstances beyond our control this is not possible for all students.

Supervisors and Mentors

Students will have a supervisor at the host organisation, who is able to devote some time to supervising the students on the days that they work with the host organisation. At the start of the project, agree on a time or day when you are most likely to have overlap with your supervisor. If you don't have regular access to your project supervisor, let the unit convenor know as soon as possible so that alternative arrangements can be made. The Physics and Astronomy Department at Macquarie University also appoints a PHYS3810 academic mentor to liaise with the host organisation, monitor progress and assist in advising students. Students will meet with their University mentor at least three times during the semester to review project documentation, progress against project objectives, etc. Some of these meetings will involve the host supervisor and academic mentor (usually around week 2 and week 10), and you are required to make an appointment with your Mentor during week 5 so they can review your project documentation and discuss your project plan with you. Owing to Covid-19 constraints, some meetings may take place by Zoom.

Required Unit Materials

In the event that you are working within the premises of the partner organisation. Compliance with standard Work Health and Safety (WHS, sometimes also called Occupational Health & Safety, or OH&S) practice is expected. This includes wearing appropriate clothing and footwear (e.g. covered shoes), and following all workplace rules as defined by the Partner. If you are unsure of these rules, ask your supervisors.

Required Text

Not applicable, but project supervisors may recommend relevant readings.

Record Keeping

Each student must maintain project documentation. The documentation needs to be completed for each day of work on the project. Students may be required to hand in their documentation to the Partner supervisor at the end of the unit. 

Teaching Strategy

Students spend around 100 hours working within the host organisation. This time should be used effectively in the pursuit of the objectives identified by the partner supervisor and unit learning outcomes. A clear understanding of the project objectives and appropriate planning will facilitate progress towards the project objectives. Students are expected to regularly graph and analyse their results (if appropriate), and keep comprehensive and up-to-date records. The host supervisor and University mentor will review the records to ensure good practice in this respect.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.