UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
Programme Specification
This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme
and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and
demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17
1. Awarding Institution / Body
University of Central Lancashire
2. Teaching Institution and Location
of Delivery
University of Central Lancashire, Preston Campus
3. University School/Centre
Physical Sciences and Computing
4. External Accreditation
Institute of Physics (IoP)
5. Title of Final Award
BSc (Hons) Physics
6. Modes of Attendance offered
Full-time/Part-time
7. UCAS Code
F300
8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking
Group(s)
Physics (IoP)
9. Other external influences
National STEM Projects
10. Date of production/revision of
this form
11. Aims of the Programme
07 September 2015
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To provide a good grounding in the principles, knowledge and skills of physics and
mathematical methods appropriate to the degree title.
To provide sufficient in-depth subject knowledge to enable students to embark on future
employment or further study (eg MSc) or academic/industrial research.
To provide experience in a variety of working styles such as group, collaborative and
independent working essential for the modern workplace.
To provide the opportunity to develop skills and techniques used in physics which have wider
applications (eg independent working, scientific problem solving, data analysis,
computational techniques, preparation of scientific reports and use of (IT), communication of
scientific ideas.)
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A. Knowledge and Understanding
A1. Describe and explain most fundamental physical laws and principles.
A2. Apply these principles to diverse areas of physics appropriate to the degree title.
A3. Model physical systems using appropriate mathematical techniques.
A4. Discuss uncertainties and limitations of physical theory.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures and laboratories supported by tutorials and seminars. Self-study aided by worked
examples and practice problems. Feedback on assessed and unassessed work. Recommended
textbooks and on-line resources.
Assessment methods
Examinations, assessed problem sheets, logbooks, scientific reports, seminar presentations.
B. Subject-specific skills
B1. Solve problems in physics using appropriate mathematical techniques.
B2. Use a range of laboratory apparatus and appropriate experimental techniques.
B3. Apply a variety of techniques (experimental, mathematical and/or computational) to specialist
areas.
B4. Communicate scientific information effectively through scientific reports and presentations.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Tutorials, examples classes and lectures, project work, group work, computer sessions.
Self-test questions and problem sheets requiring the use of mathematical techniques, calculator,
PC, to solve quantitative problems.
Laboratory classes with pre-laboratory preparation, research methods lectures and self-study.
Feedback on assessed and unassessed work.
Assessment methods
Problem sheets, exams, reports and essays, project report and viva.
C. Thinking Skills
C1. Identify relevant principles and fundamental laws and formulate problems in precise terms.
C2. Manipulate precise and intricate ideas to solve closed and open-ended problems using
appropriate physical laws and mathematical techniques.
C3. Plan practical/theoretical investigations using textbooks and wide range of other sources,
execute the plan, critically analyse the results and evaluate their significance.
C4. Construct logical arguments following a critical analysis of appropriate information sources and
draw conclusions.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, tutorials, laboratories, workshops and project work, computer sessions, self-study.
Practice problems, open-ended problems, group and collaborative work.
Assessment methods
Logbooks, lab and project reports, group reports, essays, seminars, problem sheets, examinations.
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1. Communicate effectively through oral and written media, using appropriate ICT.
D2. Use appropriate ICT packages/systems effectively for the retrieval of appropriate information,
the analysis of data and modelling.
D3. Manage own learning, making optimum use of appropriate texts and learning materials.
D4. Work collaboratively and as part of a group working towards a common goal.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Group work, formal group study meetings. Project work, laboratory classes and Miniprojects/extended experiments. Skills workshops. Seminars, project supervisory meetings, self
study. Risk assessments are an integral part of the laboratory and project work.
Feedback on assessed and unassessed work.
Assessment methods
Formal scientific reports for laboratory work and projects. Project viva. Presentations. Essays,
Setting and meeting deadlines (project and group study, and assessment deadline.)
13. Programme Structures
14. Awards and Credits
Level
Module
Code
Module Title
Level 6
AA3053
AP3060
AP3841
AP3842
AP3843
Cosmology And Relativity
Year 3 Laboratory
Condensed Matter
Nuclear and Particle Physics
Electrodynamics and Advanced
Quantum Physics
BSc (Hons) Project
Partial Differential Equations and
Integral Transforms
Fluid Dynamics
20
20
20
20
20
Ordinary Differential Equations
Vector Calculus
Lagrangian and Hamiltonian
Mechanics
Electromagnetism and waves
Year 2 Laboratory
Scientific Computing
Measurement, Instrumention,
LabView & Interfacing
Thermal and Quantum Physics
20
20
20
Introduction to Physics
Introduction to Laboratory
Physics
Introduction to Astronomy
Functions, Vectors & Calculus
Applied Physics and Linear
Systems
Introduction to Mechanics
20
20
AP3950
MA3831
MA3842
Level 5
MA2831
MA2832
MA2841
AP2043
AP2060
AP2235
AP2857
AP2858
Level 4
AP1840
AP1011
AA1051
MA1831
AP1852
AP1841
Credit
rating
20
20
BSc (Hons) Physics
Requires 360 credits including a
minimum of 220 at Level 5 or
above and 100 at Level 6 or
above.
BSc Physics
Requires 320 credits including a
minimum of 180 at Level 5 or
above and 60 at Level 6 or above.
20
20
20
20
20
Diploma of Higher Education in
Physics
Requires 240 credits including a
minimum of 100 at Level 5 or
above.
20
Certificate of Higher Education
Requires 120 credits at Level 4 or
above.
20
20
20
20
15. Personal Development Planning
Transferable skills are embedded within many modules.
Students meet tutors individually in all years and the students are encouraged to engage in work
experience and internships.
In year 1, a seminar run by Futures introduces the facilities and careers advice that Futures offer, and
gives an overview of the careers available to physics graduates.
In year 2 there is another Futures seminar and invitation to individual careers appointments.
In year 3 a series of seminars shared between Futures and subject specialist staff give an overview of
employment and opportunities for further study, and practical advice on applications, CVs, personal
statements etc.
The year 3 project involves independent working, usually on an open-ended problem and is viewed as
a preparation for a future technical career.
16. Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications,
together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be
expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have
been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for
the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
To enter this programme students must have 280-320 ucas points or BBC from their A2 A-level
subjects to include Physics at grade B (A2) and Mathematics at grade C (A2).
Equivalent qualifications are accepted.
Year one is a common first year and students may transfer between the courses at the end of their
first year of study.
17. Key sources of information about the programme
Student Handbook
Module Catalogue
uclan website: on-line course content and key info
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18. Curriculum Skills Map
Programme Learning Outcomes
Module
Level Code
Module Title
LEVEL 6
AA3053 Cosmology and Relativity
AP3060 Year 3 Laboratory
AP3841 Condensed Matter
AP3842 Nuclear and Particle Physics
Electrodynamics & Advanced
AP3843 Quantum Physics
AP3950 Physics/Astronomy Project
Partial Differential Equations
MA3831 and Integral Transforms
MA3842 Fluid Dynamics
Core (C),
Compulsory
(COMP) or
Option (O)
Knowledge and
understanding
A1
A2
A3
A4
O
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Comp
Comp
O
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Comp
Comp
O
O
Subject-specific
Skills
A5
B1
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B3
B4
C1
C2
C3
C4
D1
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B2
Thinking Skills
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Other skills
relevant to
employability and
personal
development
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D2
D3
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D4
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18. Curriculum Skills Map continued
Programme Learning Outcomes
Module
Level Code
Module Title
AP2043
LEVEL 5
AP2060
AP2235
AP2857
AP2858
MA2832
MA2831
LEVEL 4
MA2841
Electromagnetism and
Waves
Year 2 Laboratory
Scientific Computing
Measurement,
Instrumentation, LabView and
Interfacing
Thermal & Quantum Physics
Vector Calculus
Ordinary Differential
Equations
Lagrangian and Hamiltonian
Mechanics
AA1051 Introduction to Astronomy
AP1840 Introduction to Physics
Introduction to
AP1011
Laboratory Physics
AP1841 Introduction to Mechanics
Functions, vectors and
calculus
Applied Physics and Linear
AP1852
Systems
MA1831
Core (C),
Compulsory
(COMP) or
Option (O)
Knowledge and
understanding
A1
A2
A3
Comp
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Comp
Comp
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Comp
Comp
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B2
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B3
B4
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C1
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D1
D2
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Comp
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Comp
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D4
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D3
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C4
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C3
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C2
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Comp
Comp
B1
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Comp
O
A5
Thinking Skills
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O
Comp
O
A4
Subject-specific
Skills
Other skills relevant
to employability and
personal
development
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