Outline

Overview

The ability to work across interdisciplinary boundaries is a crucial skill for tackling problems in our modern world. With quantitative modelling becoming widespread across industry and traditionally qualitative sciences, physicists have a crucial role to play in applying their expertise broadly. In this unit, you will gain an appreciation for the unique skills and ways of thinking that have allowed physicists to contribute to a wide range of real-world problems. This unit contains two components: (i) a lecture and interactive problem-based group-tutorial component on interdisciplinary physics, complex systems, and artificial intelligence, and (ii) an interdisciplinary project-based component. For the project component you will work in small interdisciplinary groups, including students from other 3888 units, to tackle a real-world interdisciplinary problem. For example, students may build a real-time brain-machine interface that use machine-learning techniques to extract meaningful patterns from live physiological measurements (e.g., human brain activity that is used to control computer software (e.g., a simple game). Through project-based learning, you will learn to leverage the diverse skills represented in your team, and develop skills in experimental measurement, numerical processing, and statistical modelling. Skills in identifying and solving problems, collecting and analysing data, and communicating your findings to diverse audiences are highly valued in modern research and by employers.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	PHYS3888
Academic unit	Physics Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	PHYS3941 or PHYS3991
Prerequisites ?	(PHYS2011 OR PHYS2911 OR PHYS2921) AND (PHYS2012 OR PHYS2912 OR PHYS2922)
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	John Bartholomew, john.bartholomew@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Ben Fulcher, ben.fulcher@sydney.edu.au
Project supervisor(s)	John Bartholomew, john.bartholomew@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Team work evaluation Contribution to the team: meeting minutes, peer assessment and reflections	25%	Multiple weeks	See Canvas for details.
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Computational assignment Solve interdisciplinary computational problems	10%	Multiple weeks	See Canvas for details
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Project pitch presentation Pitch your project work as a team	15%	Week 06	See Canvas for details
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Interdisciplinary Physics Assignment Evaluation of numerical and theoretical skills	20%	Week 08	See Canvas for details
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Project report Project report	30%	Week 13	See Canvas for details
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Computational lab assignments: Students must submit completed versions of the computer tutorials run in Weeks 2–6. Students have up to one week following each computational tutorial to submit their completed work.
Final assignment: In this take-home assignment, students will be tested on their knowledge of the lecture and computer lab material, including their ability to use their numerical skills to solve real-world problems.
Project pitch presentation: Students must pitch their interdisciplinary project proposal as a group.
Final project report: The group report summarises the outcomes from the group interdisciplinary project.
Reflection tasks: Reflection tasks assess the student’s interaction and insight into interdisciplinary project work.
Self/peer evaluation: Students are assessed on their continuity of contributions to the group.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, you achieve the unit learning outcomes to an exceptional standard. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects your exceptional ability to apply comprehensive knowledge, analytical, communication, and collaborative skills in diverse contexts to synthesise multiple advanced insights and produce original solutions for highly complex problems.
Distinction	75 - 84	At D level, you achieve the unit learning outcomes to an excellent standard. A ‘Distinction’ reflects your excellent ability to apply well-developed knowledge, analytical, communication, and collaborative skills in diverse contexts to synthesise multiple insights to produce original solutions for complex problems.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, you achieve the unit learning outcomes to a good standard. A ‘Credit’ reflects your ability to apply broad knowledge, analytical, communication, and collaborative skills in a variety of contexts to synthesise insights and produce adequate solutions for routine problems.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, you achieve the unit learning outcomes to a proficient standard. A ‘Pass’ reflects your ability to apply threshold knowledge, analytical, communication, and collaborative skills in some but not all contexts to combine insights and produce basic solutions for routine problems.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Interdisciplinary physics lectures (W1–6)	Lecture (2 hr)
	Interdisciplinary physics computer lab (W2–6)	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
	Interdisciplinary project workshops. These workshops will cover (i) Group work and collective decision making, (ii) Interpersonal communication and cultural competence, (iii) Scientific writing, and (iv) Science communication. (W2, 5, 7, 10)	Workshop (2 hr)
Weekly	Interdisciplinary project laboratory	Science laboratory (3 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. understand how physics knowledge and techniques can be used to solve interdisciplinary problems
LO2. analyse, simulate, and model real-world data using statistical and numerical modelling techniques
LO3. collaborate in groups, both within and across disciplinary boundaries, to design and implement a solution to a real-world problem
LO4. demonstrate integrity, confidence, accountability, and resilience in managing challenges, both individually and in teams
LO5. communicate project outcomes effectively to a broad audience.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

We have added tutor support for the project component and adjusted the structure of these sessions, to ensure more regular supervision of all project teams. We have provided more examples of questions to test understanding of each module to aid exam preparation. Computer tutorials have been modified to ensure students get the most out of the session, including improved quiz questions and prework.

Additional information

The School of Physics recognises that biases and discrimination, including but not limited to those based on gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and age, continue to impact parts of our community disproportionately. Consequently, the School is strongly committed to taking effective steps to make our environment supportive and inclusive and one that provides equity of access and opportunity for everyone.

The School has three Equity Officers as a point of contact for students and staff who may have a query or concern about any issues relating to equity, access and diversity. If you feel you have been treated unfairly, bullied, discriminated against or disadvantaged in any way, you are encouraged to talk to one of the Equity Officers or any member of the Physics staff.

More information can be found at https://sydney.edu.au/science/schools/school-of-physics/equity-access-diversity.html

Any student who feels they may need a special accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Disability Services:

http://sydney.edu.au/current_students/disability/ who can help arrange support.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PHYS3888: Physics Interdisciplinary Project

Semester 2, 2021 [Normal day] - Remote

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect