Group Studies runs for 10 weeks during semester 2 and counts as a double module of 20 credits.
Students usually spend 8 hours per week working directly on the project with 2 hours spent in group meetings (100 contact hours). Students have the opportunity to take lecture courses in semester 2 that are directly relevant to their Group Study project, e.g. Nanoscale Physics, Particle Physics and Images and communications, Planetary Astronomy and Spacecraft Design. Please note that groups are chosen after an introductory meeting towards the end of the first semester. Typically there are about 15-20 students in each Group. The activities are student-led. Each Group appoints an overall leader who co-ordinates the efforts of (usually) three subgroups, who work on an aspect of the task. In 2005, there were five groups: three for non-Astrophysicists. Students organise meetings, group discussions, and seminars.
A Problem sheet, the individual seminar, and the written report from the basis of the assessment for this module. Students registered for Physics with Nanoscale Physics will usually undertake a relevant project, and students registered for Physics with Business Studies may investigate the business potential of an idea for their project.