Programme Specifications
Physics with Planetary and Space 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
Bachelor of Science
5 : Programme title
Physics with Planetary and Space Physics
6 : UCAS code
F364
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 the specialist area of planetary and space physics. The programme follows a tailored combination of physics and planetary and space physics modules.
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.
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-A5
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
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods used to enable the outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated encompass:
• Lectures (A1-A5)
• Problem-solving workshops (A1,A3-A4)
• Feedback classes (A1-A3)
• Laboratory work (A4)
• Group and individual project work (A4-A5)
Assessment Strategies and Methods
Assessment methods include:
• Time-constrained examinations (A1-A3,A5)
• Open- and closed-book tests (A1-A3)
• Examples sheets (A1-A3)
• Laboratory diaries and reports (A4)
• Literature searches and reviews (A5)
• Project reports (A4-A5)
• Oral/Poster presentations (A4-A5)
• Mathematical and numerical exercises (A1,A3)
• Computational exercises (A4)
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-B5
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
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-B5)
• 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-B5)
• Time constrained examinations (B1-B2)
• Oral presentations (B3)
• 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 a 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 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
BSC Physics with Planetary and Space Physics [F364]
Academic Year: 2024/2025Single Honours scheme - available from 2000/2001
Duration (studying Full-Time): 3 years12 : 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.