Programme Specifications

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 astrophysics. The programme follows a tailored combination of physics and astrophysics 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.

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.

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

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)

10.2.1 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)

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)