PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
BSc Physics with Astrophysics and Cosmology
Core Programme Information and Award Details
Programme Name
Programme Code
Programme designation
Physics
Single honours
Joint
Major/minor
X
Final award
Award
BSc (Hons)
Title
Physics with
Astrophysics and
Cosmology
Nested awards
Award
Title
N/A
Exit awards
Award
N/A
Title
Ordinary
degree
Credit
Value
360
ECTS
equivalent
180
Any special criteria
Credit
Value
N/A
ECTS
equivalent
N/A
Any special criteria
Credit
Value
300
ECTS
equivalent
150
Any special criteria
120
N/A
60
N/A
Natural &
Mathematical
Sciences (Physics)
UG Diploma
Natural &
240
Mathematical
Sciences (Physics)
UG Certificate Natural &
120
Mathematical
Sciences (Physics)
Level in the qualifications framework
Awarding institution/body
Teaching institution
Lead Faculty
Lead Department
Campus
Programme organiser and contact details
UCAS code (if appropriate)
Date of production of specification
Date of programme review
N/A
N/A
N/A
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King’s College London
King’s College London
Faculty of Natural and Mathematical Sciences
Physics
Strand
Professor Samjid Mannan
Email: samjid.mannan@kcl.ac.uk
020 7848 1780
FF35
Updated in August 2018
2021/22
Collaborative provision, partnerships and placements
Is the programme involved in any
collaborative activity?
Does the collaboration involve one of:
Last update: August 2018
PAF checked for 2019/20: 28 Aug 2019
No
Joint Award within UoL
Joint Award outwith UoL
Multiple
1
Institution responsible for administration
Institution awarding the degree
Type of Collaboration
Dual
King's College London
Partner institution
Both institutions
King's College London
Partner institution
Both institutions
Programme has access/feeder
programme entry into it
Programme has an
articulation/progression agreement for
entry in it
Franchised programme
Partnership programme
Placements
Recognition for Study or Award of credit
through off-campus study or placement
Staff and Student exchange
Provision of learning support, resources
or specialist facilities
Validation provision
Distance learning and online delivery
involving work with deliver organisations
or support providers
List of Partner Institutions
Collaborating institution type
Off-campus study or placement type
No collaborating organisation
Large private company
Small or Medium (SME) Enterprise
Overseas Education Provider
Other UK Education Provider – private
Other UK Education Provider – public
sector
NHS
Other public sector organisation
Charity
Other
Multiple collaborators of different types
Year Abroad
Year in Employment
Internship
Placement
Other
Nature of study of off-campus study or
placement (how time is spent, length of
time out and the number of times during
the programme)
Is the collaborative activity compulsory?
Number of credits obtained
Last update: August 2018
PAF checked for 2019/20: 28 Aug 2019
2
Year(s) in which the study or placement
takes place (Full Time)
Rationale for any time out of College, other
than that which is a requirement of a PSRB
Modes of Attendance and Length of Study
Attendance
Full-time
Mode of Attendance
Minimum length of programme
Maximum length of programme
X
3 years
10 years
Part-time
N/A
N/A
N/A
Distance
Learning
N/A
N/A
N/A
Educational aims






To educate graduates so that they have an understanding of most fundamental laws and
principles of physics, along with their application.
To prepare students for a professional career either within or outside physics.
To ensure that students can manage their own learning with the aid of suitable resources.
To develop students’ ability to conduct experiments, analyse the results using various
quantitative methods and draw valid conclusions.
To provide a supportive environment, encouraging students to be critically receptive to new
ideas and to attain their full academic potential.
To introduce students to the application of the laws of physics to astrophysical and
cosmological problems.
The College standard learning aims and outcomes apply to the Exit Awards for this programme.
Educational objectives
The student should acquire:
 A sound knowledge and understanding in physics and related disciplines.
 Experience in the applications of physical principles in various branches of physics.
 The ability to analyse and solve problems in physics using a wide range of quantitative
methods and procedures.
 The ability to carry out experiments/investigations, critically analyse results, draw valid
conclusions and communicate findings orally and in writing.
 A wide range of transferable skills, including problem-solving, investigative, IT and personal
skills.
Knowledge and understanding
The programme provides a knowledge and
These are achieved through the following
understanding of the following:
teaching/learning methods and
strategies:
1. General and fundamental concepts,
principles, theories and results of physics.
Various teaching/learning methods and
2. The use of mathematical principles and
strategies, including lectures, problem
procedures in exploring and describing
sheets, tutorials, projects and practical
the physical world.
laboratory sessions.
3. The applications of fundamental physical
laws and principles within major areas of
Assessment:
physics
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Last update: August 2018
PAF checked for 2019/20: 28 Aug 2019
4. Ethical issues in physics, and professional
integrity.
5. Astrophysical and cosmological models
and how to use the ideas,
instrumentation and computational
modules of physics to understand
planetary, stellar, galactic and cosmic
structures and processes.
Students are mainly assessed by means of
formal examinations, as well as reports,
poster and oral presentations.
Skills and other attributes
These are achieved through the following
teaching/learning methods and
strategies:
Analyse and solve a variety of problems in
physics by means of appropriate
Intellectual skills are developed through
applications of physical principles and
formal lectures, problem sheets, tutorials,
mathematical techniques.
practical sessions, directed self-learning,
Formulate theoretical and practical
problem classes and projects.
problems in physics.
Analyse and compare experiment and
Assessment:
investigation results, test the strength and
validity of numerical results and
Students are mainly assessed by means of
hypotheses.
formal examinations, as well as reports,
Illustrate a sound understanding of the
poster and oral presentations.
role of mathematical modelling,
uncertainty and approximation in physics.
Critically evaluate arguments,
assumptions, abstract concepts and data.
Understand the principles and ethics of
the scientific method.
Intellectual skills:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Practical skills:
1. Conduct experiments in physics safely,
using basic laboratory apparatus and
techniques effectively.
2. Produce clear and accurate scientific
reports and make technical presentations.
3. Make appropriate and effective use of
scientific literature, including research
articles.
4. Use computational tools and packages
effectively in calculations and analysis.
Generic/transferable skills:
1. Demonstrate effective problem-solving
skills in both theoretical and practical
contexts.
Last update: August 2018
PAF checked for 2019/20: 28 Aug 2019
These are achieved through the following
teaching/learning methods and
strategies:
Laboratory courses and projects, in which
there is informal and formal help and
feedback on reports and presentations.
Assessment:
Assessment of practical and scientific
reporting skills is through marking of lab
books, experimental write-ups, project
reports and oral examinations.
These are achieved through the following
teaching/learning methods and
strategies:
4
2. Work independently and effectively,
managing self-learning/teaching and show
self-reliance and personal responsibility.
3. Participate effectively and constructively
as part of a team.
4. Demonstrate clear and effective oral and
written communication skills.
5. Manage time, prioritise workloads and
work to deadlines.
6. Evaluate and assess their own abilities,
performance and understanding.
Transferable skills are developed through
various activities.
Although they are not all explicitly taught,
these skills are learnt throughout the
programmes in a structured manner. The
first skill is developed primarily through
lectures, problem sheets, tutorials,
laboratory and project units. Other skills
are encouraged throughout the
programmes, and are nurtured particularly
within the context of small group tutorials
and project work.
QAA Benchmarking
Relevant QAA subject benchmark/
professional and statutory body guidelines
How the programme has been informed by
the relevant subject benchmark statements(s)
and/or professional and statutory body
guidelines
Programme accredited by PSRB?
Date of PSRB accreditation
Frequency of validation
Date of next accreditation validation
QAA benchmarks for Physics, Astronomy and
Astrophysics
Institute of Physics
Institute of Physics
76 Portland Place
London W1B 1NT
2017
5 years
2022
Department contribution to teaching
Department
Nature of the contribution of each
Department
Rationale for particular subject combination in
the case of Joint Honour Programmes
Department
Physics
Contribution (%)
100%
N/A
Programme Structure and Curriculum
Credits taken in each year of the programme
Year
Full-time Part-time
Year 1
120
N/A
Year 2
120
Year 3
120
Pattern of Study
numbers of compulsory and optional modules to be taken in each year of the programme
Year 1: 30-credits core and 90-credits compulsory modules.
Year 2: 105-credits compulsory and 15-credits optional modules.
Year 3: 15-credit core, 90-credits compulsory and 15-credits optional modules.
Exceptionally students may be permitted to take level 7 modules.
Within the required 120 credits per year normally no more than 30 credits in optional modules may
be taken outside the programme during the third year, including no more than 15 credits outside of
the Department, and must be with prior approval of the Department.
Last update: August 2018
PAF checked for 2019/20: 28 Aug 2019
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Transfers between programmes
Students who transfer between the programmes: BSc Physics, MSci Physics, BSc Physics with a Year
Abroad, BSc Physics with Astrophysics and Cosmology, MSci Physics with Astrophysics and
Cosmology can normally change programme without penalty, since the same modules are available.
There may be some differences on the Cr/Cp/O designations for some modules, with which the
students will normally be expected to conform.
Students who transfer onto this programme from other Physics major/minor or Physics Joint
honours degree programmes are normally permitted to have omitted:
4CCP1100: Physics Skills and Techniques (if transferring after the first year)
5CCP2100 Experimental Physics (if transferring after the second year)
Modules taken in their minor or joint subject can substitute for optional modules (and 4CCP1100,
and 5CCP2100) in all years for these transfer students.
If a Master’s programme, are level 6 credits permitted within the
N/A
programme?
Maximum credits for a condoned fail?
45
A maximum of 30 credits can be condoned at the top level.
Condoned fails are permitted, at the discretion of the Assessment Board, for marks in the range of
33-39% for level 4 and compulsory level 5 and 6 modules, 1-39% for optional level 5 and 6 modules
and 1-49% for level 7. For modules from departments without dispensation to condone down to 1%,
the Assessment Board can decide to condone a failed module for marks in the range of 33-39% for
levels 4, 5 and 6, and 40-49% for level 7.
Students permitted to take additional credits?
Yes
Further optional modules with a credit value up to the maximum permitted by the CF regulations
may be taken during the degree programme, subject to the approval of the Programme Board.
Students permitted to take a substitute module?
No
Exceptions to the regulations regarding credits, progression or award
No
requirements?
Progression
To progress from Year 1 to Year 2 a student must have no mark lower than 33% in level 4 Physics
modules and have obtained at least 120 credits. In exceptional cases these requirements may be
suspended for students with mitigating circumstances at the discretion of the Department.
Last update: August 2018
PAF checked for 2019/20: 28 Aug 2019
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Module List
Title
Credit
level
Year One
4CCP1100
Physics Skills and Techniques
4CCP1300
Mathematics and Computation for Physics
4CCP1200
Classical Physics
4CCP1905
Introduction to Modern Physics
4CCP1987
Introduction to Astrophysics
Year Two
5CCP2100
Experimental Physics
5CCP3000
Mathematical Methods for Physics
5CCP4000
Thermal Physics and Properties of Matter
5CCP2242
Quantum Mechanics I
5CCP2380
Electromagnetism
5CCP5000
Relativity and Sub-atomic Physics
5CCP9400
Stellar Structure and Evolution
Students to select one of the following modules:
5CCP9200
Mathematical Methods for Theoretical
Physics
Galactic Dynamics and Interstellar Medium
5CCP9500
Year Three
3rd year Project in Physics (Astrophysics/Cosmology related)
6CCP3131
6CCP3212
Statistical Mechanics
6CCP3380
Optics
6CCP2000
Condensed Matter I
6CCP3221
Quantum Mechanics II
6CCP3241
Particle Physics
6CCP9400
Relativistic High Energy Astrophysics
Students to select 15 credits from the following modules:
Advanced Mathematical Methods for
6CCP9100
Theoretical Physics
Credit value
Status
Pre-requisite /
Co-requisite
Assessment
4
4
4
4
4
30
30
30
15
15
Cr
Cp
Cp
Cp
Cp
Coursework and oral
Exam and coursework
Exam and coursework
Exam and coursework
Exam and coursework
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
Cp
Cp
Cp
Cp
Cp
Cp
Cp
Coursework and presentations
Exam and coursework
Exam and coursework
Exam and coursework
Exam and coursework
Exam and coursework
Exam and coursework
5
15
O
Exam and coursework
5
15
O
Exam and coursework
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
Cr
Cp
Cp
Cp
Cp
Cp
Cp
Report, presentation, poster
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
6
15
O
Exam
7
Last update: August 2018
PAF checked for 2019/20: 28 Aug 2019
General Relativity and Cosmology
6CCP3630
Language module (beginners or more advanced) – subject to
approval by the Department.
Other modules approved by the Department
Last update: August 2018
PAF checked for 2019/20: 28 Aug 2019
6
15
O
4, 5, 6
4, 5, 6
15
15
O
O
Exam
Various
Various
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Examination Boards and Marking
Marking Criteria Used
Board of Examiners
The marking scheme for this programme follows
the College generic criteria and additionally those
in the Faculty of Natural and Mathematical
Sciences
The Physics Sub-Board of Examiners reports to
the Undergraduate Board for Natural and
Mathematical Sciences
Inclusivity Statement
Features to reduce barriers experienced by disabled students and ensure that the programme is
accessible to all:
Admissions: All those in receipt of an offer receive a booklet on the support services offered. Those
who have indicated they have a disability in their application receive a letter from the School
Disability Adviser with contact details and offering the opportunity to discuss their requirements.
Publicity and Course Booklets: These clearly communicate key skills that will be required, content of
modules, teaching methods to be used and module status (core/compulsory/optional).
Teaching Methods: A wide range of teaching methods are utilised.
Assessment: Advice has been taken from the Equality and Diversity Department to ensure
assessment methods do not discriminate against those with disabilities. The College’ Special
Examination Assessment Committee (SEAC) considers requests for adjustments to assessment to
take account of learning and/or physical disabilities. Module outlines specify the assessment
methods and explain that SEAC will need to be notified about requests for alternative assessment.
The form of alternative assessments is specified for each module in advance.
Feedback: Feedback is regularly collected about students’ learning experience. This is used towards
development and improvement of the programme. In particular, it has prompted closer working
with ISS to ensure that subject resources are offered in a range of alternative formats wherever
possible.
Last update: August 2018
PAF checked for 2019/20: 28 Aug 2019
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