Professor Tim Naylor explains how his research feeds into his teaching.
Teaching and learning
All degree programmes involve a combination of lectures, tutorials and interactive learning. Projects provide a link with the world of research and are important not only in terms of the programme but in providing evidence to employers of your achievement. Small-group tutorials form the core of our academic and personal support and was praised in the latest QAA (see below). Meeting every week during full term, they provide an opportunity for two-way communication as well as for assignments to be set, marked and discussed. As well as working with fellow students, you will get to know the academic staff and feel part of the department.
In a typical week in the first year you will spend 18 hours in a formal teaching environment and will be expecting to spend a further 18 hours in independent study. You’ll have 10 lectures in physics, two lectures in mathematics, one tutorial and spend a day in the teaching laboratory. Every week there is a problem-solving class which lasts approximately two hours. Time in private study is spent developing the lecture material, tackling assigned problems, doing tutorial work and writing up reports on experiments.
Learning facilities
Our undergraduate students have access to many of the department’s research facilities, including a research-standard astronomical telescope located on the roof of our building, a state-of-the-art nanophotonics fabrication facility, a whole-body MRI scanner and high-speed computing systems. In addition, our undergraduate laboratories have recently been completely refurbished, and we have a computer suite available for independent study and completion of written reports.
We’re actively engaged in introducing new methods of learning and teaching, including increasing use of interactive computer-based approaches to learning through our virtual learning environment (ELE), where the details of all modules are stored in an easily navigable website. Students can access detailed information about modules and learning outcomes and interact through activities such as the discussion forums.
Learning from experts
We believe every student benefits from being part of a research-led culture and being taught by experts – you will discuss the very latest ideas in classes and tutorials and become actively involved in research yourself. Find out more about our academic teaching staff in the Staff Profiles pages. Here you can read about their areas of research, their publications, which modules they teach and about their external professional responsibilities.
Academic support
All students have a Personal Tutor who is available for advice and support, both academic and pastoral, throughout their studies. Our system of small-group tutorials was highly praised by the QAA. Meeting every week during full term, they provide an opportunity for two-way communication as well as for assignments to be set, marked and discussed. Weekly problem classes for both mathematics and physics courses provide further opportunities for academic support.
Assessment
Modules are assessed by a combination of continuous assessment, practical exercises, project work, report writing, presentations and examination. You must pass your first year assessment in order to progress to the second year, but the results do not count towards your degree classification. Written examinations are held in January and June. For some modules, coursework also contributes to the assessment of the module.
The lecture courses that I teach comprise various principles of fundamental physics, but I always try to cram them with examples and new lessons learnt in fresh and modern science research. Wherever possible, I include up-to-date results from my own work and explain the way it is being applied in modern technology. For instance, in the 1st year undergraduate module Waves and Oscillations that I teach, we learn about how waves (such as light waves) can interfere in ways that control energy flow from one place to another. Some of my own research highlights the spectacular way that some specialised insects have evolved the ability to do this; indeed, the lessons learnt from this research are currently being applied by L’Oreal, the cosmetics manufacturer, to produce a new range of pigment-free make-up. The ideas we’ve learnt from nature are also being used by solar cell manufacturers to improve the efficiency of their solar cells.
Dr Pete Vukusic, Associate Professor.
Dr Vukusic was awarded the prestigious L’Oreal Art and Science of Colour Prize, worth €30,000 in recognition of his world-leading research.
The most notable feature of academic support is the well-organised and effective small-group tutorial system that operates in all years. Undergraduates have a one hour tutorial every week, and there is a tutorial report at the end of each term, which can recommend remedial action such as the special mathematics classes. Present and former students report very favourably on the excellent quality of the academic and pastoral care that is offered, on the speed and thoroughness with which assignments are marked, and on the friendliness of all the staff and on their ready availability to help with all problems, either in person, or often by email. In later years, tutors offer valued advice on options within the programmes, and possible career pathways.
U.K. Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education report on Physics teaching at Exeter
Tutorials are extremely helpful and it's useful having a different tutor each year because you have more than one person to approach in the department at any time when you need help. Doors are always open when you need help or advice about the course or career prospects.
Exeter Physics undergraduate
My Mphys project supervisor has been amazing - giving me advice not just on the project but also on employability and performing as a student. Also Dr. E. Mariani's lectures on solid state physics are an example of how a potentially difficult and dry subject can be made enjoyable.
Exeter MPhys Physics student
