Physics (PHYS) 496

Overview

PHYS 495 and PHYS 496 are based on contracted study arrangements between the student and an approved supervisor. Students improve their skills to choose and define problems, obtain information from libraries or experiments, organize facts and ideas, and report ideas and conclusions in written form.

These courses are for students who wish to carry out research in physics or its branches, including geophysics and engineering but not normally biophysics. A student may complete one three-credit project (PHYS 495) or two three-credit projects (PHYS 495 and PHYS 496).

These courses may involve library, field, laboratory or computational work as agreed to by the student and the supervisor. Students are expected to obtain and pay for all materials used in the projects. Project supervisors may be paid an honorarium by the University for their services. Before registering, students must submit an acceptable project proposal to the course professor. The research undertaken will represent new work.

Evaluation

The assessment for this course is based upon the student's written reports and other prepared materials as outlined in his or her learning contract. The evaluation is based on the research supervisor's assessment of the student's work and his or her written thesis. PHYS 495 and PHYS 496 are excluded from the challenge for credit policy. To receive credit for PHYS 495/496 , you must achieve a grade of 50 percent on the project and a course composite grade of at least “D” (50 percent).

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.