PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
Mathematics and Physics
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
MSci
(where stopping off points exist they should be
detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
GF1H
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
Intakes from 2000
(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:
4 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)
Masters Level (Level 7)
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 four 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 together with
physics and/or astronomy.
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.
3. The application of critical and
analytical reasoning and the
presentation of logical and concise
arguments.
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.
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
Written presentations of solutions to problems set as
coursework and/or projects.
2. Apply physical insight and
mathematical techniques to the
solution of problems in applied
mathematics, particularly as well as
physics and/or astronomy.
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.
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/the-qualitycode/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):
Dr M L Roberts
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 MSci degree programme structure is summarised in the following Table. Years
1 and 2 are common with the BSc programme.
Year
1
2
Core Mathematics
MATH1101 Analysis
1*
MATH1203 Algebra
for Combined Honours
*
MATH1401/1402Math
ematical Models 1 &
2*
MATH2101 Analysis 3 *
MATH2301 Fluid
Mechanics*
MATH2401 Mathematical
Models 3 *
Mathematics
Options
Core Physics &
Astronomy
Physics &
Astronomy Options
Mathematics and/or
Physics &
Astronomy
Outside Options
3
Choice of 1 option from:
1.5 units of
designated maths
MATH7302 Analytical
options (possibly
Dynamics
plus further maths
MATH7402 Mathematical options).
Methods 4
PHAS1202 Atoms,
Stars and the
Universe*
PHAS1224 Waves,
Optics and Acoustics*
PHAS1247 Classical
Mechanics*
PHAS1228 Thermal
Physics*
4
1 unit of
appropriate 4th
year Mathematics
modules (possibly
plus further maths
options).
PHAS2222 Quantum
Physics*
PHYS2224 Atomic and
Molecular Physics*
PHAS2201 Electricity
and Magnetism 1*
PHAS2228 Statistical
Thermodynamics*
Choice of 3 options
from:
PHAS3255 Solid
State Physics
PHAS3224
Nuclear & Particle
Physics
PHAS3256
Quantum
Mechanics
PHAS3201
Electromagnetic
Theory
(possibly plus
more Physics
options)
1 unit of
appropriate 4th
year Physics
modules (possibly
plus more Physics
options)
Project (1 unit) *
Up to ½ unit
Up to ½ unit
In the above table, * denotes a compulsory core course. All courses are of half-unit value unless stated
otherwise.
The programme is evenly divided between Mathematics and Physics over the first 2 years, with very
little choice of courses. In the 3rd and 4th years, choices are made between suitable courses offered
by both subject departments at the appropriate level. A 1 unit project forms parts of the 4th year of
study and may be taken in either of the participating departments. In general, it is possible for a
student to specialise in one of the two subjects forming the combined degree, although a minimum of
1 unit in each subject must be followed.
Normally, at most, a half-unit of ‘outside’ options may be taken in Years 3 and 4, subject to the
approval of the appropriate departmental tutors and the constraints of the timetable. In Year 4, there
is a free choice of the fourth year courses offered by the two departments, apart from the restriction of
at least one unit to be studied in either department and the compulsory one unit of project supervised
in Mathematics and/or Physics & Astronomy.