PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
Mathematics and Physics
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
BSc
(where stopping off points exist they should be
detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
GF13
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
Intakes from 2002
(e.g. from 2015 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
University College London
Teaching institution:
University College London
Faculty:
Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Parent Department:
Mathematics
(the department responsible for the administration of
the programme)
Departmental web page address:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/maths/
(if applicable)
Method of study:
Full time
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the
programme:
See:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/maths/prospective-students/undergraduates
Length of the programme:
3 years
(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)
Advanced Level (Level 6)
Mathematics
(see Guidance notes)
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme
and
its
assessment
methods:
See: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/maths/prospectivestudents/undergraduates/degree-programmes
(see guidance notes)
Board of Examiners:
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
Name of Board of Examiners:
Mathematics
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit:
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
To provide a three year degree programme for undergraduate students which is intellectually challenging and
rigorous as well as providing a qualification that will enable graduates to be well-placed to continue study for a
postgraduate qualification or to enter employment.
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:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
1. Core topics in various branches of
advanced pure and applied
mathematics, and theoretical physics.
Lectures, problem classes, tutorials and private study.
2. A range of optional advanced topics
in courses which are informed by the
scholarship and/or research interests
of the staff of the Department of
Mathematics and Physics and
Astronomy.
3. The application of critical and
analytical reasoning and the
presentation of logical and concise
arguments.
4. A range of modern applications of
mathematics to branches of
theoretical physics and astronomy.
Assessment:
Written unseen examinations for all courses apart from
the totally computer-based courses that have project
based examinations. There is also an additional
coursework and/or project component to the
assessment for all core courses and most optional
courses.
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
1. Understanding sophisticated
mathematical arguments and rigorous
proofs.
2. Comprehension of high levels of
abstraction in pure mathematics.
3. Comprehension of modern theories of
physics.
Lectures, problem classes, tutorials and projects where
appropriate.
Assessment:
See above.
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
1. The assimilation and manipulation of
substantial bodies of knowledge.
Essays and other forms of written presentation of
solutions to problems set as coursework and/or projects.
2. Apply physical insight and
mathematical techniques to the
solution of problems in mathematics
and physics.
The accumulation of material necessary to write a report
on a project.
Written work produced under examination conditions.
3. Develop investigative skills required
for problem solving.
4. Use of IT for analytical and numerical
modelling and for more general
applications.
Assessment:
See above.
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
1. Structure and communicate ideas
effectively.
2. Manage time and work to deadlines.
3. Work independently or within a group.
4. Develop self-confidence and reliance.
5. Use information technology and
retrieval systems in acquiring
investigative skills.
6. Assess the relevance and importance
of ideas and develop the ability to
identify the significant aspects in a
problem that is necessary in
mathematical modelling.
Courses with coursework and/or project work introduce
information that needs to be assessed critically.
Training in the presentation of logical and precise
arguments.
Contribute to Peer Assisted Learning programmes.
Encouragement to participate effectively in discussion
groups such as tutorials.
Assessment:
See above.
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/thequality-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)
Dr M L Roberts
Name(s):
Date of Production:
August 2003
Date of Review:
November 2014
Date approved by Head of
Department:
November 2014
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
November 2014
February 2015
APPENDIX
The Mathematics and Physics BSc degree programme structure is summarised in the following Table.
Year
1
2
Core Mathematics
MATH1101 Analysis 1*
MATH1203 Algebra for
Combined Honours*
MATH1401/1402
Mathematical Methods 1 &
2*
MATH2101 Analysis 3*
MATH2301 Fluid Mechanics*
MATH2401 Mathematical
Methods 3*
Mathematics Options
Choice of 1 option from:
MATH7302 Analytical
Dynamics
MATH7402 Mathematical
Methods 4
Core Physics and
Astronomy
PHAS1202 Atoms, Stars
and the Universe*
PHAS1224 Waves, Optics
and Acoustics*
PHAS1247 Classical
Mechanics*
PHAS1228 Thermal
Physics*
3
1 unit from suitable
Maths options (and
possibly more Maths
options)
PHAS2222 Quantum Physics*
PHYS2224 Atomic and
Molecular Physics*
PHAS2201 Electricity and
Magnetism 1*
PHAS2228 Statistical
Thermodynamics*
Physics and
Astronomy Options
Outside Options
Choice of 3 options
from:
PHAS3255 Solid State
Physics
PHAS3224 Nuclear &
Particle Physics
PHAS3256 Quantum
Mechanics
PHAS3201
Electromagnetic
Theory
(and possibly more
Physics options)
Up to 1/2 unit
In the above table, * denotes a compulsory core course.
All courses are of half unit value unless stated otherwise.
Normally at most, a half-unit of ‘outside’ options may be taken in Year 3, subject to the approval of the appropriate
Departmental tutors and the constraints of the timetable.