Programme Specifications

Physics


1 : Awarding Institution / Body
Aberystwyth University

2a : Teaching Institution / University
Aberystwyth University

2b : Work-based learning (where appropriate)


Information provided by Department of Physics:



3a : Programme accredited by
Aberystwyth University

3b : Programme approved by
Aberystwyth University

4 : Final Award
Master in Physics

5 : Programme title
Physics

6 : UCAS code
F303

7 : QAA Subject Benchmark


Information provided by Department of Physics:

This Programme Specification has been designed to conform to the QAA Benchmark Statement for Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics.


8 : Date of publication


Information provided by Department of Physics:

September 2023

9 : Educational aims of the programme


Information provided by Department of Physics:

1. To provide a thorough understanding of the core principles of physics within the general areas of classical and quantum physics.
2. To apply the core principles of physics to specialist areas.
3. To apply research activity to inform the learning and teaching.
4. To produce graduates with competence in subject-specific skills: problem solving, scientific methodology, experimental techniques, modelling, numerical and computational methods.
5. To provide training, and use of, in a wide range of transferable key skills needed for employment at a graduate level.
6. To present advanced physics and enhanced subject skills that are informed by current research to students who wish to become professional physicists in academic research or industry.


10 : Intended learning outcomes


Information provided by Department of Physics:

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:



10.1 : Knowledge and understanding


Information provided by Department of Physics:

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

A1-A6

A1 Understanding of fundamental concepts of a core of physics

A2 Ability to apply these fundamental concepts to advanced topics approaching the frontiers of the subject

A3 Appropriate working knowledge of mathematical techniques

A4 A range of skills in practical physics, including experimental work, data manipulation and numerical modelling

A5 Ability to interpret topics and results in terms of relevant literature and to construct and communicate the arguments logically

A6 Knowledge and understanding of advanced physics areas, and ability to apply enhanced subject-specific skills

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods used to enable the outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated encompass:

• Lectures (A1-A6)

• Problem-solving workshops (A1,A3-A4,A6)

• Feedback classes (A1-A3)

• Laboratory work (A4)

• Group and individual project work (A4-A6)

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Assessment methods include:

• Time-constrained examinations (A1-A3,A5-A6)

• Open- and closed-book tests (A1-A3)

• Examples sheets (A1-A3,A6)

• Laboratory diaries and reports (A4)

• Literature searches and reviews (A5-A6)

• Project reports (A4-A6)

• Oral/Poster presentations (A4-A6)

• Mathematical and numerical exercises (A1,A3,A6)

• Computational exercises (A4,A6)



10.2 : Skills and other attributes


Information provided by Department of Physics:

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

B1-B6

B1 Analytical and problem-solving skills

B2 Numerical skills

B3 Ability to plan, execute and report on an experiment or investigation

B4 Capability of independent work and group work in physics

B5 Ability to develop mathematical and computing skills used to model and describe the physical world

B6 Ability to plan, execute and report on an extended individual research-led project

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods used to enable the outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated include:

• Problem-solving workshops (B1-B2,B5)

• Laboratory classes (B3-B5)

• Group and individual projects (B1-B6)

• Lectures (B1-B2)

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Assessment methods include:

• Example sheets (B1-B2)

• Laboratory diaries and reports (B3)

• Group and individual project reports (B3-B6)

• Time constrained examinations (B1-B2)

• Oral presentations (B3,B6)

• Open- and closed-book tests (B1-B2)

10.2.2 Professional practical skills / Discipline Specific Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

C1-C6

C1 Competency in working in a practical laboratory

C2 Ability to estimate uncertainties in measurements and results

C3 Ability to assess and minimise risks in practical situations

C4 The use of numerical, IT and computing skills to support practical work

C5 Competency in recording practical work in laboratory diaries and reporting on the work in written accounts and oral presentations

C6 Competency in carrying out a literature review and reporting on an extended major project via written and oral presentations

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods used to enable the outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated include:

• Laboratory classes (C1-C5)

• Project work (C1-C6)

• Oral presentations (C5-C6)

• Lectures and workshops (C2-C6)

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Assessment methods include:

• Laboratory diaries and reports (C1-C5)

• Group and individual project reports (C1-C6)

• Oral presentations (C5-C6)

• Coursework examples (C2)

• Computational and numerical exercises (C4)



10.3 : Transferable/Key skills


Information provided by Department of Physics:

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

D1-D6

D1 Problem-solving, analytical and investigative skills

D2 Ability to work independently and in groups

D3 Time-management and planning skills

D4 Ability to communicate in writing and orally

D5 Ability to apply IT skills

D6 Professional behaviour including appreciation of the requirements: to be objective, unbiased and truthful; to acknowledge the work of others; and to adopt a safe working environment

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods used to enable the outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated include:

• Project work (D1-D6)

• Laboratory classes (D1-D6)

• Lectures (D1)

• Workshops (D1)

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Assessment strategies and methods include:

• Group and individual project work (D1-D6)

• Laboratory diaries and reports (D1,D4-D6)

• Oral presentations (D4)

• Written project reports (D4,D6)

• Example sheets (D1-D2)



11 : Program Structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards



MPHYS Physics [F303]

Academic Year: 2024/2025Integrated Masters scheme - available from 2000/2001

Duration (studying Full-Time): 4 years

Part 1 Rules

Year 1 Core (110 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
MP10610

Calculus

PH10020

Dynamics, Waves and Heat

PH15700

Laboratory Techniques for Experimental Physicists and Engineers (20 Credits)

PH16210

Algebra and Differential Equations

Semester 2
MP11010

Further Algebra and Calculus

PH11120

Electricity, Magnetism and Matter

PH12910

Physics Career Planning and Skills Development

PH14310

Modern Physics

PH15720

Laboratory Techniques for Experimental Physicists and Engineers (20 Credits)

Year 1 Options

Choose 10 credits

Semester 1
PH18010

Astronomy

PH19510

Communication and Technology

Semester 2
PH19010

Energy and the Environment

Part 2 Rules

Year 2 Core (120 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
PH21510

Thermodynamics

PH24520

Sensors, Electronics & Instrumentation

PH26600

Numerical Techniques for Physicists

PM26020

Mathematical Physics

Semester 2
PH22010

Optics

PH22510

Electricity and Magnetism

PH23010

Principles of Quantum Mechanics

PH25720

Practical Research Skills

PH26620

Numerical Techniques for Physicists

Year 3 Core (100 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
PH32410

Concepts in Condensed Matter Physics

PH33000

Particles, Quanta and Fields

PH34510

Lasers and Photonics

PH37500

Project (40 Credits)

Semester 2
PH33020

Particles, Quanta and Fields

PH33610

Semiconductor Technology

PH33810

Materials Physics

PH37540

Project (40 Credits)

Year 3 Options

Students must take a further 20 credits at Level-3 subject to pre-requisites, timetable and approval by the Degree Scheme co-ordinator

Year 4 Core (120 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
PHM2510

Electromagnetic Theory

PHM3010

Advanced Quantum Physics

PHM5800

Major Project

PHM6420

Advanced Skills in Physics

Semester 2
PHM5860

Major Project

PHM7020

Advanced Research Topics


12 : Support for students and their learning
Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor. Personal Tutors have an important role within the overall framework for supporting students and their personal development at the University. The role is crucial in helping students to identify where they might find support, how and where to seek advice and how to approach support to maximise their student experience. Further support for students and their learning is provided by Information Services and Student Support and Careers Services.

13 : Entry Requirements
Details of entry requirements for the scheme can be found at http://courses.aber.ac.uk

14 : Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
All taught study schemes are subject to annual monitoring and periodic review, which provide the University with assurance that schemes are meeting their aims, and also identify areas of good practice and disseminate this information in order to enhance the provision.

15 : Regulation of Assessment
Academic Regulations are published as Appendix 2 of the Academic Quality Handbook: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/aqro/handbook/app-2/.

15.1 : External Examiners
External Examiners fulfill an essential part of the University’s Quality Assurance. Annual reports by External Examiners are considered by Faculties and Academic Board at university level.

16 : Indicators of quality and standards
The Department Quality Audit questionnaire serves as a checklist about the current requirements of the University’s Academic Quality Handbook. The periodic Department Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of quality assurance processes and for the University to assure itself that management of quality and standards which are the responsibility of the University as a whole are being delivered successfully.