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Programme code | 2PHYS025T |
---|---|
Programme type | Postgraduate Taught Degree |
Programme director(s) |
James Annett
|
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
School/department | School of Physics |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Relevant QAA subject benchmark groups | Physics, astronomy and astrophysics (2019) (benchmark statement) |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 1 years (full time) |
This taught MSc Physics is aimed at students who already have a BSc Physics and wish to develop their knowledge and understanding to Masters level via a structured, taught programme. The Programme complements the existing MSc by Research available within the School. On completion of the Programme, the student will be equipped with the advanced skills necessary for high-level entry in the work place as a professional physicist, or to move comfortably into PhD research, so at a level that is at least equivalent to our MSci students on graduation.
The Programme puts equal emphasis on lecture-based learning and training in practical skills; it comprises 90cp of lecture-based units with 90cp of practical work. The lecture units will be chosen from a portfolio of existing level M and H lecture units in Physics and other Schools (Mathematics and Earth Sciences; unit choices are subject to timetabling constraints, and prerequisites being met). The practical work consists of a 30cp practical skills component (comprising computing skills, laboratory skills, presentation/seminar skills) and a 60cp research project. Students can choose from a wide range of existing units, thereby allowing them the flexibility to emphasize certain topics within the research strengths of the Schools involved; for example, it is possible to generate an MSc Physics with >50% of the cps in the area of particle physics, astrophysics or condensed matter physics.
Students will complete 120cp of taught units during weeks 1-24. They will then progress to work exclusively on the research project, to be completed over the summer.
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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|
Lectures, monitored reading and literature research/review, attending and giving talks at seminars |
Methods of Assessment | |
Written examination, extended essays, seminar, literature review, oral presentations. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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|
Computer skills lab, practical training in lab skills and project units, supervision of literature review |
Methods of Assessment | |
Assessment of computing exercises, lab skills and project unit reports and project interview, continual assessment of project work |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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|
Lab skills training, project supervision, seminars and literature review, group work in lab training and project, research for literature review and seminar |
Methods of Assessment | |
Technical skills are assessed via the lab skills and project unit reports and project interview. Research and written and oral communication skills assessed in literature review and seminar. Time management and organisation skills are assessed as part of ongoing project supervision. |
Statement of expectations from the students at each level of the programme as it/they develop year on year.
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Certificate |
Students will have developed a solid foundation of modern Physics. Students will have gained some experience and skills in using modern equipment and techniques for the acquisition and analysis of data, and have showed ability to organise their work and communicate orally and in writing. |
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Level M/7 - Postgraduate Diploma |
Students will have broader and deeper subject knowledge and a more comprehensive range of Physics skills. They will be more confident and effective in the use of modern equipment and techniques for the acquisition and analysis of data. They will be effective communicators of complex technical subject matter, both orally and in writing. |
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Masters |
Students will be have developed the level of knowledge and understanding to begin semiindependent research in their chosen area. They will be able to develop new approaches and techniques for the acquisition and analysis of data and provide theoretical description of observed phenomena. Students will manage their time and examine and interpret their work critically, and be confident and proficient in communicating and defending their work orally and in writing. |
The intended learning outcome mapping document shows which mandatory units contribute towards each programme intended learning outcome.
For information on the admissions requirements for this programme please see details in the postgraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/postgraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
School of Physics website: www.bristol.ac.uk/physics
Email science-pg-admissions@bristol.ac.uk
This programme is currently not recruiting.
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Laboratory Skills Not available in this year | PHYSM3413 | 10 | Mandatory | |
Student Seminar 431 | PHYSM3100 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Computing Skills Not available in this year | PHYSM3415 | 10 | Mandatory | |
MSc Research Project Not available in this year | PHYSM3412 | 60 | Mandatory | |
Students who did not take a BSc Physics programme at Bristol as undergraduates must take the above computing skills unit, and then 90cp of lecture units from the list of approved level 6 and 7 options below, with at least 60cp at level 7. | ||||
Students who DID take a BSc Physics programme at Bristol as undergraduates may not take the computing skills unit, and must instead take either the following laboratory skills 2 unit, plus 90cp of lecture units from the list of approved level 6 and 7 options below, with at least 60cp at level 7 OR 100cp of lecture units from the list of approved level 6 and 7 options below, with at least 70cp at level 7. | ||||
Relativistic Field Theory | PHYSM3417 | 10 | Optional | TB-1 |
Theoretical Particle Physics | PHYSM0800 | 10 | Optional | TB-2 |
Condensed Matter 410 - Magnetism and Superconductivity | PHYSM1000 | 10 | Optional | TB-1 |
General Relativity and Cosmology | PHYSM1900 | 10 | Optional | TB-2 |
Semiconductor Physics | PHYSM2100 | 10 | Optional | TB-1 |
The Physics of Gas and Plasma in the Universe | PHYSM3409 | 10 | Optional | TB-1 |
Advanced Quantum Physics | PHYSM3416 | 10 | Optional | TB-1 |
Current Topics in Physics | PHYSM3407 | 10 | Optional | TB-4 |
Air Water Fire Earth 301 | PHYS31010 | 10 | Optional | TB-2 |
Condensed Matter Physics 311 | PHYS31111 | 10 | Optional | TB-2 |
Galaxies 301 | PHYS34011 | 10 | Optional | TB-2 |
High Energy Astrophysics 301 | PHYS34012 | 10 | Optional | TB-1 |
Particle Physics | PHYS32012 | 10 | Optional | TB-1 |
Quantum Physics 301 | PHYS32011 | 10 | Optional | TB-1 |
Stellar Structure and Evolution 301 | PHYS34013 | 10 | Optional | TB-2 |
Biophysics 321 | PHYS31211 | 10 | Optional | TB-1 |
Methods of Theoretical Physics 3 | PHYS30015 | 10 | Optional | TB-2 |
Nanophysics | PHYS32600 | 10 | Optional | TB-2 |
Physics World 301 | PHYS38010 | 10 | Optional | TB-1,TB-2 |
Quantum Information Theory | MATHM5610 | 10 | Optional | TB-1A |
Quantum Chaos | MATHM5700 | 10 | Optional | TB-1B |
Advanced Fluid Dynamics | MATHM0600 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Complex Networks 4 | MATHM6201 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Asymptotics | MATHM4700 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Seismology | EASCM0018 | 10 | Optional | TB-1A |
Geophysical Fluid Dynamics | EASCM0025 | 10 | Optional | TB-1B |
Statistical Mechanics 34 | MATHM4500 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Only one of the following may be chosen: | ||||
Solid State Physics 3021 | PHYS30021 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
MSc | 180 |
The pass mark set by the University for any level 7(M) unit is 50 out of 100.
For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to exit from the programme with a postgraduate diploma or certificate.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
An award with Merit or Distinction is permitted for postgraduate taught masters, diplomas and certificates, where these are specifically named entry-level qualifications. An award with Merit or Distinction is not permitted for exit awards where students are required to exit the programme on academic grounds. An exit award with Merit or Distinction may be permitted where students are prevented by exceptional circumstances from completing the intended award.
The classification of the award in relation to the final programme mark is as follows:
Award with Distinction*: at least 65 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation. **Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
Award with Merit*: at least 60 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 60 out of 100 for the dissertation. Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
* The MA in Law has separate regulations for awarding distinction and merit.
** For the award of Distinction, the Faculty of Engineering requires at least 70 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to choose, or be required, to leave at the postgraduate diploma or certificate stage.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
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.
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