Date of
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Previous
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Programme Specification
A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be
registered.
All programmes of the University are subject to the University’s Quality Assurance
and Enhancement processes as set out in the DASA Policies and Procedures Manual.
Programme Title
Theoretical Physics
Final Award
MSci Honours
(exit route if applicable for
Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Programme Code
TPH-MSCI
UCAS
Code
F344
JACS
Code
Criteria for Admissions
A-level (or equivalent) grade A Mathematics and grade B
Physics.
(Please see General Regulations)
Mode of Study (Full-time, Part-time, other)
Full-time
Type of
Programme
MSci Honours –
Theoretical Physics
Length of
Programme
4 Years
Total
Credits for
Programme
Awarding Institution/Body
Queen's University Belfast
Teaching Institution
QUB, School of Mathematics and Physics
School/Department
School of Mathematics and Physics
Framework for Higher Education
Qualification Level
FHEQ Level 7
480
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/publications/informationan
dguidance
QAA Benchmark Group
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/AssuringStandardsAndQ
uality/subject-guidance/Pages/Subjectbenchmark-statements.aspx
Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research
Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics
Collaborative Organisation and form of
Collaboration (if applicable)
Accreditations
(PSRB)
ATAS Clearance
Institute of Physics
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit
2018
External Examiner Name:
External Examiner Institution/Organisation
Professor G O’Sullivan (Physics)
University College Dublin
Professor J Fyodorov (Applied Maths)
Queen Mary, University of London
Does the Programme have any approved
exemptions from the University General
Regulations
Yes
(Please see General Regulations)
Programme Specific Regulations
□
No
X
(If yes, please state here any exemptions to regulations which have
been approved for this programme)
Examinations
Candidates who have completed an MSci Pathway to the
satisfaction of the examiners shall be placed in one of two
honours classes, first and second, the second class being in
two divisions. When calculating the honours classification
the following module weightings are used –
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4
5%
15%
30%
5%
Students at the end of Stage 4 who do not achieve a 2.2
overall standard may be awarded a BSc degree. The final
degree classification is calculated as follows –
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
10%
30%
60%
Transfer to Other Pathways
At any time, normally up to the end of Stage 2, students may
transfer to the BSc Pathway in Theoretical Physics.
Students may transfer to other Pathways (BSc, or if they
have achieved a weighted average of at least 55%,, MSci),
provided they have passed all the compulsory modules on
the Pathway to which they are transferring up to that time of
transfer.
Students with protected characteristics
Are students subject to Fitness to
Practise Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)
Length of Programme
Progression
Stage 1
Students will normally take six modules (or their equivalent)
at Level 1 or above. Students must have passed at least five
Stage 1 modules in order to progress to Stage 2.
Stage 2
Students will normally take six modules (or their equivalent)
at Level 2 or above. In order to progress to Stage 3,
students must have passed at least five Stage 2 modules,
and all six Stage 1 modules, and have achieved an overall
average at Stage 2 of at least 55%. Students with an overall
average lower than 55% will be required to transfer to the
BSc degree.
Stage 3
Students will normally take six modules (or their equivalent)
at Level 3 or above. Students whose overall average, based
on 25% of Stage 2 and 75% of Stage 3 marks, is less than
55% will be required to transfer to the BSc Honours degree.
.
Please indicate Yes/No
Fitness to Practise programmes are those which permit
students to enter a profession which is itself subject to
Fitness to Practise rules
4 YEARS
Stage 3
60%
Educational Aims of Programm:
To provide a high quality education in mathematics and physics (with an emphasis on the theoretical aspects of physics) for students, which provides opportunities for them to
realise their potential in these subjects to the highest possible extent within the timescale available to them for study;
To equip them with the necessary base from which to embark on a research degree in mathematical and physical subjects which provides them with opportunities to test their
aptitude for and interest in research;
To provide opportunities for a balanced and coherent education in mathematics and physics while retaining students' right to choose their modules flexibly according to their
aptitudes and interests;
To develop students' knowledge and skills base in ways which, inter alia, will enhance their employment opportunities and enable them to make a valuable contribution to
society.
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills
On the completion of this course successful students will have
developed their ability to:
think logically;
analyse problems and situations;
choose the appropriate mathematics and/or physics needed for the
solution of those problems;
carry out structured organisation of their work;
learn independently, under guidance;
combine their mathematical and physical understanding to develop
insights into physical phenomena;
work with other students towards a common goal.
Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills
On the completion of this course successful students will have
developed:
skills of analytic thinking and critical analysis;
organisational skills and time management;
presentational skills, in both written and oral form, of mathematical,
graphical and tabular material;
the ability to work independently;
the ability to meet deadlines.
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies
Methods of Assessment
By its nature, mathematics has to be presented
logically. The lectures provide exemplars of this
process, as do the model answers for the
assignments. Applications of theory are
discussed in lectures and in problems classes or
tutorials, in a manner, which brings out the need
to call upon a range of mathematics and physics
skills in order to solve a problem. The use of
targeted assignments requires students to
organise their work, sometimes collaboratively
but mostly independently.
The assessment of these skills is implicit
in all forms of assessment, but for the
most part is not explicitly measured. The
overall degree of success achieved by
each student reflects the extent to which
these skills have been acquired.
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies
Methods of Assessment
Analytic thinking and critical analysis permeate
any study of mathematics and therefore all forms
of assessment. Students will only be successful
if they plan their own timetables of work, outside
formal classes, to maintain a balance between
their different modules and between study and
other pursuits. Much of their work is done
individually, though in one project-based module,
team working is encouraged and assessed, and
in the physics practical components to modules it
is developed and encouraged whilst not being
explicitly assessed
All students make a series of oral
presentations of their project work; the
final one, lasting for 30 minutes, is
assessed and contributes 20% of the
total project mark. Individual feedback on
the earlier presentations is provided to
give guidance on how to make
improvements. Most of the assessment,
in examinations as in dissertations, is
based on students’ written presentation.
Feedback on assignment submission is
designed partly to enhance the students’
skills in this area.
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding
On the completion of this course successful students will have
developed knowledge and understanding of:
basic mathematical methods and techniques of calculus and analysis,
algebra, vector methods, numerical methods;
the use of these basic techniques in areas of application of
mathematics and physics, such as classical mechanics, fluid
mechanics, numerical analysis, optics, electricity and magnetism,
quantum and statistical mechanics and astronomy;
basic principles of physics, including the handling of experimental
equipment, the planning of experiments and their analysis;
the application of physics and mathematical principles to matter in
various forms such as crystals, semiconductors, atoms, nuclei and
radiation;
a selection of more specialist optional topics in theoretical physics;
particular areas related to theoretical physics which would bring the
students to the point from which they can embark on research
Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific Skills
On the completion of this course successful students will have
developed
a broad range of skills within each of applied mathematics and physics;
a high level of numeracy;
their ability to construct mathematical proofs and derivations of key
physics laws;
an ability to construct computer programs in languages such as
MATLAB or FORTRAN to aid the solution of mathematically based
problems;
their ability to formulate situations in mathematical terms, and to
express mathematical solutions in the context in which problems were
originally posed;
an awareness of ways in which both mathematics and phsyics are of
importance in the world of work;
their ability to undertake a small research project in theoretical physics.
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies
Methods of Assessment
Lectures constitute the foundation for the
presentation of the knowledge and
understanding required of successful students.
These are augmented by a range of measures –
tutorials, problems classes, practical classes –
as appropriate.
Model answers to all assignments are
made available to students. For the
mathematics modules, the assignments
typically do not contribute to the
assessment: they are part of the learning
process rather than the assessment
process. In physics, they typically count
towards 10% of the final module mark
Assessment is mainly through formal
examinations, either at the end of each
module or in class tests held during the
module. In some modules, practical work
is assessed. In the context of project
work, knowledge and understanding are
assessed through the write-up or
dissertation, and through verbal
presentation of the project work.
Assignments, comprising sets of questions
relevant to the material recently covered in
lectures, and normally set at weekly intervals,
form the major vehicle for a student’s learning of
the various areas of mathematics. Assignments
submitted are marked within one week and
returned to the students to provide individual
feedback on progress.
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies
Methods of Assessment
Mathematical skills are acquired through doing
and applying mathematics. While lectures
provide a basis for this process, it is the
undertaking of the weekly assignments, which is
key for developing a breadth and depth of
mathematical ability. Physics skills are similarly
acquired by doing assignments designed to
reinforce material presented through lectures
while practical skills are acquired through doing a
series of laboratory experiments/projects of
increasing difficulty across the broad range of the
subject. Confidence is thereby engendered, and
this is enhanced through discussion in tutorials
and problems classes. Practical classes develop
skills in the use of mathematical software and the
solution of problems for which an analytic
approach does not lead to a full solution.
One third of the final year’s workload
comprises a research project in either
applied mathematics or physics,
individually supervised by a researcher
from among the academic staff.
We link closely with the University
Careers Service who provide lectures
and workshops involving employers of
mathematicians and physicists.
Assessment is through formal
examinations, practical assignments and
project dissertations.
Programme Requirements
Module Title
Module
Code
Level/
stage
Credits
Availability
S1
Duration
Pre-requisite
S2
Assessment
Core
Option
Coursework %
Examination %
Stage 1 Students are required to take the four compulsory modules AMA1001, AMA1002, PHY1011 and PHY1022 together with either PHY1012 and PHY1024 or PMA1012
and PMA1014.
Vector Algebra & Dynamics
AMA1001
I
20
12 Weeks
A-level Maths B
Foundation Physics 1
PHY1011
I
20
12 Weeks
Computational Methods
PHY1012
I
20
12 Weeks
Numbers, Sets and
Sequences
PMA1012
I
20
12 Weeks
PHYF011 &
PHYF022 or Aphyics (C) & Amaths (C)
At least A-level
Maths & AS-level
Physics or equiv.
A-level Maths B
Waves and Vector Fields
AMA1002
I
20
12 Weeks
AMA1001 (corequisite)
Foundation Physics 2
PHY1022
I
20
12 Weeks
PHY1011 (corequisite)
Computational Modelling in
Physics
PHY1024
I
20
12 Weeks
PHY1012 (corequisite)
Analysis and Linear Algebra
PMA1014
I
20
12 Weeks
A-level Maths B
PMA1012 (corequisite)
10
90
30
70
100
100
20
80
30
70
100
100
Module Title
Module
Code
Level/
stage
Credits
Availability
S1
Duration
Pre-requisite
S2
Assessment
Core
Option
Coursework %
Examination %
Stage 2 Students must take an approved combination of Level 2 modules chosen from the table below and of total weight 120 CAT Credits. The choice must include at least
40 CAT Credits in each of Applied Mathematics and Physics.
Students should take note of pre-requisites for Level 3 and Level 4 modules before finalising their choices of Level 2 modules. AMA2001, AMA2003, PHY2081, PHY2082 and
PHY2084 are compulsory.
Classical Mechanics
AMA2001
II
20
12 Weeks
AMA1001 and
AMA1002
Methods of Applied
Mathematics
AMA2003
II
20
12 Weeks
None
Modern Physics
PHY2081
II
20
12 Weeks
PHY1011 and
PHY1022
Astronomy
PHY2083
II
20
12 Weeks
PHY1011 and
PHY1022
Numerical Analysis
AMA2004
II
20
12 Weeks
None
Fluid Mechanics
AMA2005
II
20
12 Weeks
AMA1002
Physics of the Solid State
PHY2082
II
20
12 Weeks
PHY1011 and
PHY1022
Optics, Electricity and
Magnetism
PHY2084
II
20
12 Weeks
PHY1011 and
PHY1022
Atoms, Nuclei and Radiation
PHY2085
II
20
12 Weeks
PHY1011 and
PHY1022
100
100
30
70
30
70
40
60
100
30
70
30
70
30
70
Module Title
Module
Code
Level/
stage
Availability
S1
Duration
Pre-requisite
S2
Assessment
Core
Option
Coursework %
Examination %
Stage 3 Students must take an approved combination of six Level 3 modules normally chosen from the list below. AMA3001, AMA3002, AMA3003, AMA3013 and AMA4020
are compulsory.
Students should take note of pre-requisites for Level 4 modules before finalising their choice of Level 3 modules
Electromagnetic Theory
AMA3001
III
20
12 Weeks
None
Quantum Theory
AMA3002
III
20
12 Weeks
None
Advanced Numerical
Analysis
AMA3004
III
20
12 Weeks
AMA2004
Partial Differential Equations
AMA3006
III
20
12 Weeks
None
Solid State Physics
PHY3012
III
20
12 Weeks
PHY2082
Tensor Field Theory
AMA3003
III
20
12 Weeks
None
Calculus of Variations &
Hamiltonian Mechanics
AMA3013
III
20
12 Weeks
None
Astrophysics
PHY3023
III
20
12 Weeks
None
Investigations
AMA4020
III
20
12 Weeks
None
100
100
30
70
100
30
70
100
100
30
100
70
Module Title
Module
Code
Level/
stage
Availability
S1
Duration
Pre-requisite
S2
Assessment
Core
Option
Coursework %
Examination %
Stage 4 Students must take an approved combination of modules of total weight 120 CAT Credits. These modules must be chosen from the list below except one of the
elective modules in the list may be substituted by a Level 3 module, from the above list, not previously taken. AMA4001, AMA4004 and AMA4005 are compulsory.
Advanced Quantum Theory
AMA4001
IV
20
12 Weeks
AMA3002 or
PHY3011
Practical Methods for Partial
Differential Equations
AMA4006
IV
20
12 Weeks
None
Astrophysics
PHY4012
IV
20
12 Weeks
PHY3023
Condensed matter and
materials science
PHY4024
IV
20
12 Weeks
PHY3012
Advanced Mathematical
Methods
AMA4003
IV
20
12 Weeks
None
Statistical Mechanics
AMA4004
IV
20
12 Weeks
AMA3002 or
PHY3011
Mathematical Methods for
Quantum Information
Processing
Information Theory
AMA4021
IV
20
12 Weeks
AMA2003 or
PMA2007
AMA4009
IV
20
12 Weeks
None
Project
AMA4005
IV
20
24 Weeks
None
100
25
75
10
90
10
90
100
100
100
100
100
Approved by Director of Education:
Print Name: ……………………………………………………..
Signature: …………………………………………
Date: ……………………………..