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
MPhys (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics
6. Modes of Attendance offered
Full-time/Part-time
7. UCAS Code
not on ucas
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 core physics,
astrophysics and mathematical methods appropriate to the degree title, some of which are at
the forefront of the discipline.
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 specialist research training and experience employing knowledge and advanced
skills as a basis for future employment or PhD study.
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.
A1.
A2.
A3.
A4.
Knowledge and Understanding
Describe and explain most fundamental physical laws and principles.
Apply these principles to diverse areas of physics appropriate to the degree title.
Use appropriate mathematical techniques to model physical systems.
Discuss uncertainties and limitations of physical theory.A5. Describe, explain and apply
physical principles at greater depth and mathematical rigour eg application in some areas at
(or informed by) the forefront of the discipline and interpretations of mathematical descriptions
of physical phenonena.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures and laboratories supported by tutorials and seminars. Project supervision. 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 and
detailed project viva.
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 complex scientific ideas, the conclusion of an experiment, investigation or
project effectively.
B5. Demonstrate a mature level of subject skills including the competent use of specialised
equipment or techniques; their application to specialised areas some of which are current
research topics and communicate these complex scientific ideas, the conclusions of an
experiment, investigation or project accurately and informatively.
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 complex ideas concisely, accurately and informatively through oral and written
media, using appropriate ICT.
D2. Use appropriate ICT packages/systems effectively for the retrieval of appropriate information,
analysis of data and modelling to the level required for extended project work.
D3. Manage own learning, making optimum use of learning materials, appropriate textbooks,
research articles and other primary sources.
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. MPhys project viva. Presentations.
Essays, Setting and meeting deadlines (project and group study, and assessment deadline.)
13. Programme Structures
Level
Level 7
Level 6
Module
Code
AA4046
AA4047
AP4553
AP4852
Ap4870
AP4871
AP4872
MP4708
Module Title
AA3010
Formation, Structure and
Evolution of Stars
Cosmology and Relativity
Year 3 Laboratory
Condensed Matter
Nuclear and Particle Physics
Electrodynamics and Adv
Quantum Mechanics
BSc (Hons) Project
Partial Differential Equations and
Integral Systems
Fluid Dynamics
20
Ordinary Differential Equations
Vector Calculus
Lagrangian and Hamiltonian
Mechanics
Astrophysics II
Electromagnetism and waves
Year 2 Laboratory
Scientific Computing
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
AA3053
AP3060
AP3841
AP3842
AP3843
AP3950
MA3831
MA3842
Level 5
MA2831
MA2832
MA2841
AA2001
AP2043
AP2060
AP2235
AP2858
Level 4
14. Awards and Credits
AP1840
AP1011
AA1051
MA1831
AP1852
AP1841
Galaxies and Quasars
Sun, Earth and Geospace
MPhys Project
Advanced Laboratory
Magnetism
Molecular Modelling
Lasers and Modern Optics
Renewable Energy Technology
Credit
rating
20
20
60
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
MPhys (Hons) Physics with
Astrophysics
Requires a total of 480 credits
with a minimum of 120 credits at
Level 7 or above, a minimum of
200 at level 6 or above and
minimum of 360 at level 5 or
above.
BSc (Hons) Physics with
Astrophysics
Requires 360 credits including a
minimum of 220 at Level 5 or
above and 100 at Level 6 or
above.
BSc Physics with Astrophysics
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
20
Diploma of Higher Education in
Physics
Requires 240 credits including a
minimum of 100 at Level 5 or
above.
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 final year project is viewed as a preparation for a future research career and research active staff
advise individual students on research degrees.
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 300-320 ucas points or BBB overall from their A2 Alevel subjects to include Physics at with a minimum of grade B (A2) and Mathematics at a minimum of
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
Core (C),
Compulsory
(COMP) or
Option (O)
Knowledge and
understanding
LEVEL 7
A1
AP4553
AP4852
AP4870
AP4871
AP4872
AA4046
AA4047
MPhys Project
Advanced Laboratory
Magnetism
Molecular Modelling
Lasers and Modern Optics
Galaxies and Quasars
Sun, Earth and Geospace
Renewable Energy
MP4708 Technology
LEVEL 6
AA3010
AA3053
AP3060
AP3841
AP3842
AP3843
AP3950
MA3831
MA3842
Formation, Structure and
Evolution of Stars
Cosmology and Relativity
Year 3 Laboratory
Condensed Matter
Nuclear and Particle Physics
Electrodynamics & Advanced
Quantum Physics
Physics/Astronomy Project
Partial Differential Equations
And Integral Transforms
Fluid Dynamics
Comp
Comp
O
O
O
O
O
Comp
O
O
O
A3
A4
A5
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B1
Thinking Skills
B2
B3
B4
C1
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C2
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C3
C4
D1
D2
D3
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D4
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O
O
Comp
Comp
Comp
O
A2
Subject-specific
Skills
Other skills
relevant to
employability and
personal
development
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18. Curriculum Skills Map continued
Programme Learning Outcomes
Module
Level Code
Module Title
Core (C),
Compulsory
(COMP) or
Option (O)
Knowledge and
understanding
LEVEL 5
A1
AA2001 Astrophysics II
Electromagnetism and
AP2043
Waves
AP2060 Year 2 Laboratory
AP2235 Scientific Computing
AP2858 Thermal & Quantum Physics
Ordinary Differential
Equations
Lagrangian and Hamiltonian
MA2841
Mechanics
LEVEL 4
MA2831
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
A2
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Comp
Comp
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Comp
O
Comp
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Comp
Comp
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A5
B1
B2
B3
B4
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Comp
Comp
A4
Thinking Skills
C1
C2
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Comp
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Comp
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C4
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D2
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C3
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Comp
O
A3
Subject-specific
Skills
Other skills relevant
to employability and
personal
development
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