MODULE SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE
See the Code of Practice for Quality Assurance for Taught Programmes: Annex B before
completing this template - available on http://www.ukc.ac.uk/registry/quality/code2001/annexb.html and the relevant Faculty notes of guidance.
To use this template, download the file and insert text in the sections provided. You should
consult your Department Director of Learning and Teaching when preparing a proposal. Directors
of Learning and Teaching are required to sign off proposals before submission to the Faculty
Learning and Teaching Committee. Please delete all the sections in italics before submission to
the Faculty Officer.
Instructions:
1. If the module is part of a programme of study in a University department, please
complete sections 1 and 2.
2. If the module is part of a programme of study in an Associate College, please
complete Sections 1 and 3.
SECTION 1: MODULE SPECIFICATIONS
1. The title of the module:
Research Review
2. The Department which will be responsible for management of the module:
3. The Start Date of the Module:
SPS
September 2009
4. The cohort of students (onwards) to which the module will be applicable. 1st year M.Sc in
Physics (Euromasters).
5. The number of students expected to take the module:
up to 20
6. Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with
other relevant Departments and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None
7. The level of the module (eg Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate [M])
M
8. The number of credits which the module represents
15
9. Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
1st and 2nd Semester
10. Prerequisite and co-requisite modules B.Sc honours degree in Physics/Astrophysics or
equivalent
11. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
M.Sc in Physics (Euromasters)
12. The intended subject specific learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to
programme learning outcomes
References refer to the learning outcomes detailed in the programme specifications

An appreciation of the “state of the art” in a chosen focussed area of Physics (A3)

An ability to explain complex physical arguments to an audience of experts (B6, B7,
C1, C2, C3).

An ability to make a critical analysis of specialist literature (B2, B4, C6).
13. The intended generic learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to programme
learning outcomes
References refer to the learning outcomes detailed in the programme specifications

An understanding at the frontier of knowledge in a subject (B7).

An ability to make a critical analysis of published scientific literature (B2, B4, C2,
C6, D2, D3)

Enhancement of the ability to interpret theory (B7, C2, C6, D2, D3)

An ability to present information graphically and textually at an advanced intellectual
level (B7, C1, C2, C3, C8, C10).

An ability to explain complex physical arguments to a scientifically literate, but nonspecialist audience (B7, C1, C2, C3, C8, C10).

An ability to produce a substantial piece of independent work (D5)
14. A synopsis of the curriculum

Introduction (1 lecture)

There is no curriculum. In consultation with a member of staff the student will choose
a topic within astrophysics, planetary science or condensed matter physics and write an
article on that topic that would be suitable for publication in the scientific literature as a
review article.
15. Indicative Reading List

Journal: Reviews of
Modern Physics (American Physical Society)

Journal: Reports on Progress in Physics (Institute of Physics)

Journal: Condensed Matter Physics: Eds Seitz, Turnbull and Ehrenreich (Academic
Press)

Journal: Astronomy and Astrophysics Review (Springer)
16. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the
total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of
the intended learning outcomes

This module is essentially self-taught. The students will be assigned a tutor for the
module who can advise them on the subject, direct them to the relevant literature and
advise them on the subject as and when required. They are expected to spend a total
of 150 hours on this module.
17. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning
outcomes
80% Review Article, 20% Oral presentation. All learning outcomes are tested in the review
article
itself, while the ability to communicate to a scientifically literate, but non-specialist
audience is also tested orally in the presentation.
18. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
None
19. A statement confirming that, as far as can be reasonably anticipated, the curriculum, learning
and teaching methods and forms of assessment do not present any non-justifiable
disadvantage to students with disabilities
As far as can be reasonably anticipated, the curriculum, learning and teaching methods
and forms of assessment do not present any non-justifiable disadvantage to students with
disabilities.
If the module is part of a programme in an Associate College, please complete the following:
20. Associate College:
21. University Department (for cognate programmes) or Faculty (for non-cognate programmes)
responsible for the programme:
SECTION 2: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME OF STUDY IN A UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT
Statement by the Director of Learning and Teaching: "I confirm I have been consulted on the
above module proposal and have given advice on the correct procedures and required content of
module proposals"
................................................................
..............................................
Director of Learning and Teaching
Date
…………………………………………………
Print Name
Statement by the Head of Department: "I confirm that the Department has approved the
introduction of the module and, where the module is proposed by Departmental staff, will be
responsible for its resourcing"
.................................................................
..............................................
Head of Department
Date
…………………………………………………….
Print Name
SECTION 3: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME IN AN ASSOCIATE COLLEGE
(Where the module is proposed by an Associate College)
Statement by the Nominated Officer of the College: "I confirm that the College has approved
the introduction of the module and will be responsible for its resourcing"
.................................................................
..............................................
Nominated Responsible Officer of the Associate
Date
College
………………………………………………….
Print Name
…………………………………………………..
Post
…………………………………………………….
Associate College