PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
(where stopping off points exist they should be
BSc Physics with Medical Physics
BSc detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme specification is applicable:
(e.g. from 2015 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
Teaching institution:
Faculty:
Parent Department:
(the department responsible for the administration of the programme)
Departmental web page address:
(if applicable)
F351
September 2008 onwards
University College London
University College London
Engineering Sciences
Medical Physics & Bioengineering http://www.ucl.ac.uk/medphys/
Method of study:
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the programme:
Full time
A-levels: AAA-ABB to include Physics and Mathematics.
IB Diploma: 34-38 points overall. 16-18 points in three higher level subjects (including Mathematics and Physics), with no score lower than 5.
3 academic years Length of the programme:
(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such as study abroad or placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes
)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
(see Guidance notes)
Brief outline of the structure of the programme and its assessment methods:
(see guidance notes)
Advanced Level (Level 6)
QAA subject benchmark statement for Physics; March 2008
See http://www.ucl.ac.uk/medphys/undergrad/bsc

Board of Examiners:
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
Name of Board of Examiners: Board of Examiners in the
Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering
Institute of Physics Date of next scheduled accreditation visit: Sept 2009
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
To encourage students to develop critical modes of thought and study, to acquire an in-depth knowledge of the subject and to develop a range of technical and inter-personal skills. They should be prepared for a wide variety of careers, both within professions connected directly with physics or in a wide range of other activities.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
1. Theoretical structure of the core topics in Physics and Medical
Physics, with a selection of advanced research topics related to both medicine and surgery
2. The mathematical basis of Physics.
3. The structure of compiled computer programmes.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
1 and 2. Lectures with associated problem sheets and tutorials. Access to recommended textbooks and webmaterial. Hospital visits.
3. Lectures and workstation-based courses in first year and (optionally) third year.
Assessment:
1 and 2. Unseen examinations. Continuous assessment marks from problem sheets.
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
1. Application of their knowledge to unseen problems.
2. Ability to combine mathematics and verbal explanation in a coherent rigorous argument.
3. Online testing of computing knowledge.
B: Skills and other attributes
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
1 and 2. Fortnightly problem-sheets on all courses, supported by tutorial discussion. Special problemsolving classes with staff+postgraduate supervision in
First year.
Assessment:
1 and 2. Unseen written examination. Problem sheets used in coursework mark.

Practical skills (able to):
1. Carry out laboratory experiments to demonstrate physical principles and measure constants of Nature.
2. Use spreadsheet package to present and calculate physics results.
3. Present results with appropriately
C: Skills and other attributes
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
1. Set experiments, starting simply in first year; more open ended in later years. Close advice and supervision.
2, 5. and 6. Workstation-based hands-on courses;
first year, Excel, Visual Basic, Word etc; calculated errors.
4. Report experimental results clearly and methodically.
5. Use computer packages for word-
6. processing, webpage management and manipulation of mathematical functions.
Use compiled or interpreted computer languages to write original programs.
7. Design an experiment and/or computer-based investigation to study and solve an open-ended research problem.
second year Mathematica,
third year object oriented programming option
(Java).
3. Supplementary lectures linked to set experiments.
4. Preparation of workbooks and detailed reports.
7. Second year mini-projects. Whole-unit or 1/2 unit final year project.
Assessment:
1, 3 and 4. Grading of Lab. reports.
2, 5 and 6. Online testing and written exercises.
4. Oral presentation. Observation of group process.
Written report.
7. Observation of progress. Written and oral reports.
Transferable skills (able to):
Write clear accounts of scientific subjects at a level appropriate to audiences ranging from complete lay-people to fully qualified colleagues.
D: Skills and other attributes
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Communications Skills course, involving essays, reports and oral presentations running over the first three years
Assessment:
Essays, reports and presentations marked and included separately in the scheme for award of honours
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:

the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
( http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Framework-Higher-Education-Qualifications-08.pdf
);

the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements:
( http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements );

the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);

UCL teaching and learning policies;

staff research.
Please note: This 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. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by
UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s)
Name(s):
Director of Studies: Prof Alan Cottenden
Date of Production: October 2002
January 2013 Date of Review:
Date approved by Head of
Department:
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
3 October 2008
Professor Jem Hebden
3 October 2008
Dr Alan Cottenden