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Programme code | 2PHYS024U |
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Programme type | Single Honours |
Programme director(s) |
Andrew Young
Tony Short |
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 (2008) (benchmark statement)
Physics, astronomy and astrophysics (2019) (benchmark statement) |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 4 years (full time) |
This programme aims to develop the student’s interest in and knowledge and understanding of phenomena in the physical world based on a conceptual and mathematical understanding of the laws of the universe. All our degree programmes share the University's aim of "offering students the best possible learning experience in a research environment".
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Lectures are the principal form of teaching. Tutorials are held weekly in the first year and are informal in style and used both to discuss solutions to problems issued weekly by the lecturers and to develop confidence in using physical ideas in a wider context. Problems delivered and assessed electronically are also discussed in tutorials, permitting individual attention to students. Problems Classes are held in later years associated with particular lecture courses and are normally of 2 hours duration. Surgeries, arranged by lecturers, are normally associated with the more advanced lecture courses at level H and M. Laboratory Classes, supervised by staff members and supported by postgraduate demonstrators and laboratory staff, provide a structured development of the students' experimental skills in the first two years of the programme. A Project forms a major part of the final year's work, enabling students to demonstrate initiative and self-reliance, usually closely associated with a research group. Computational and Communications Skills form part of the programmes at all levels both through timetabled classes and as part of the assessment of practical work. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Assessment is through a combination of unseen written examinations, moderated course work, laboratory reports and project reports or dissertations, IT work, oral presentations and interviews. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Intellectual skills are developed through the learning and teaching methods outlined in the section above. Tutorials, assessment of laboratory and IT work and the write up of projects, the viva and poster session are all key to developing intellectual and presentational skills. |
Methods of Assessment | |
The methods of assessment outlined above all contain components which assess these skills. In particular, those associated at all levels with laboratory and project work have a component reflecting the presentation and performance of the skills detailed here. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Transferable skills are developed through the learning and teaching methods outlined above. The project is key to developing decision-making, time-management and efficient use of resources. Group working is also developed, and general communication skills are used as part of project, involving as it does a written report and a viva. ICT skills are acquired throughout the programmes either in specific courses or as part of laboratory and project work, which includes literature surveys and distillation of information from diverse sources. |
Methods of Assessment | |
The methods of assessment outlined above all contain components which assess these skills. In particular, those associated at all levels with computation, laboratory and project work have a component reflecting presentation and performance of the skills detailed here. |
Statement of expectations from the students at each level of the programme as it/they develop year on year.
Level C/4 - Certificate |
They will have a sound knowledge of the basic concepts of a subject, and will have learned how to take different approaches to solving problems. They will be able to communicate accurately, and will have the qualities needed for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility. |
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Level I/5 - Intermediate |
They will have developed a sound understanding of the principles in their field of study, and will have learned to apply those principles more widely. Through this, they will have learned to evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems. Their studies may well have had a vocational orientation, enabling them to perform effectively in their chosen field. |
Level H/6 - Honours |
They will have the qualities necessary for employment in situations requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision-making. They will have developed an understanding of a complex body of knowledge, some of it at the current boundaries of an academic discipline. Through this, the graduate will have developed analytical techniques and problem-solving skills that can be applied in many types of employment. The graduate will be able to evaluate evidence, arguments and assumptions, to reach sound judgments, and to communicate effectively. They should have the qualities needed for employment in situations requiring the exercise of personal responsibility, and decision-making in complex and unpredictable circumstances. |
Level M/7 - Masters |
Much of the study undertaken at Masters level will have been at, or informed by, the forefront of an academic or professional discipline. Students will have shown originality in the application of knowledge, and they will understand how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research. They will be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, and they will show originality in tackling and solving problems. They will have the qualities needed for employment in circumstances requiring sound judgment, personal responsibility and initiative, in complex and unpredictable professional environments. |
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 undergraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/undergraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
Workload Statement
The Faculty of Science expects a minimum work input by its undergraduates of 40 hours per week for every week of the academic year. The 40 hours is made up of a portfolio of different components. The balance between these components varies slightly from programme to programme reflecting the varying academic demands of different subject areas.
Lectures, practical work, tutorials, seminars and required coursework and homework for may take up around 20 hours per week. While this volume of formal teaching is common in the early years of programmes, in later years there is more self directed learning and the opportunity to carry out supervised research work. In total the formal teaching and the students learning should amount to the 40 hours a week mentioned.
The Faculty of Science requires students to do some academic work in the periods between the terms, both required work and that which reflects their interest in, and commitment to their programmes of study.
Assessment Statement
https://www.bris.ac.uk/science/undergraduates/satementonassessment.pdf
Programmes in Bristol physics are very flexible, allowing students to move between degree programmes as they develop self-knowledge through learning throughout their study. MSci students can move between Physics and Theoretical Physics at the end of the first year.
The practical skills of a theoreticalpPhysicist, especially computer programming skills, are strongly developed, as well as more foundational aspects, available through philosophy units.
An understanding of experiment is also a component, in keeping with the Bristol physics research tradition of maintaining a close relationship between theory and experiment.
School of Physics web site http://www.bristol.ac.uk/physics/
Undergraduate contact email phys-ug@bristol.ac.uk.
This Integrated Master's programme has been designated as type II: Advanced Study in accordance with the QAA descriptors for Master's programmes. Please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes for further information on this type of programme.
PHYS10005, PHYS10006, PHYS10004, MATH11004, PHYS11400, MATH10003, MATH10006, MATH11007, MATH10015 and MATH11300 are must pass units. For the definition of must pass units please see the Glossary of Terms from Annex 1 to the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/esu/assessment/annex/glossary.html
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Core Physics I:Mechanics and Matter | PHYS10006 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Core Physics II: Oscillations, Waves and Fields | PHYS10005 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Physics Laboratory | PHYS10004 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Students must take the three Mandatory units above together with either: | ||||
Linear Algebra | MATH10015 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 |
Analysis | MATH10011 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 |
ODEs, Curves and Dynamics | MATH10012 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 |
Probability 1 | MATH11300 | 10 | Optional | TB-1 |
This challenging option is available only to those with A or above in Mathematics and Further Mathematics at A level, or equivalent. | ||||
Or: | ||||
Essential Maths for Physics | PHYS11400 | 10 | Optional | TB-2 |
Mathematics 1A20 | MATH11004 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Plus 40 credit points from the following, subject to availability: | ||||
Communicating Science | PHYS10001 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 |
Stars and Planets 106 | PHYS10600 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Galaxies and the Universe | PHYS11500 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Big Ideas in Science | CHEM10001 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 |
Introductory Chemistry for Chemical Physicists | CHEM10005 | 40 | Optional | TB-4 |
Introduction to Philosophy A | PHIL10005 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Introduction to Philosophy B | PHIL10006 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Sustainable Development | UNIV10001 | 20 | Optional | TB-1,TB-2 |
Choose open units | OPEN | 20 | Optional | |
Certificate of Higher Education | 120 |
Students will be offered a blended educational experience with a mix of in person and online teaching. The in person teaching will consist of small group work, laboratory practicals and field work/alternative activities. To achieve the intended learning outcomes across the programme and to satisfy any accreditation requirements, students will be expected to undertake some in person teaching. Where this is not possible, students will be asked to contact their School to discuss arrangements.
This Integrated Master's programme has been designated as type II: Advanced Study in accordance with the QAA descriptors for Master's programmes. Please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes for further information on this type of programme.
PHYS22050, PHYS20007, PHYS20020, PHYS23020, PHYS29031, PHYS22040, PHYS24010 and PHYS20006 are must pass units. For the definition of must pass units please see the Glossary of Terms from Annex 1 to the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/esu/assessment/annex/glossary.html
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Mechanics, Oscillations and Quantum Mechanics I | PHYS20028 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Electromagnetism, Waves and Quantum Mechanics II | PHYS20029 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Thermal Physics | PHYS20027 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Mathematical Physics 202 | PHYS23020 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Practical Physics 212 | PHYS29031 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Nuclear and Particle Physics | PHYS22040 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Cosmology 201 | PHYS24010 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Methods of Theoretical Physics 2 | PHYS20006 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Diploma of Higher Education | 120 |
This Integrated Master's programme has been designated as type II: Advanced Study in accordance with the QAA descriptors for Master's programmes. Please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes for further information on this type of programme.
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Solid State Physics 3021 | PHYS30021 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Quantum Physics 301 | PHYS32011 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Practical Physics 301 | PHYS39010 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Group Work 301 | PHYS38013 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Computational Physics 301 | PHYS38012 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Select a further 60 credit points by choosing from either: | ||||
Mechanics 23 | MATH31910 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Analytical Mechanics | PHYS30008 | 10 | Optional | TB-2 |
Plus a maximum of 50 cp of level 6 Physics and Mathematics options from the following list to give a total of 120 credit points subject to timetable and availability: | ||||
Environmental Physics | PHYS30027 | 10 | Optional | TB-2 |
Biophysics 321 | PHYS31211 | 10 | Optional | TB-1 |
Condensed Matter Physics 311 | PHYS31111 | 10 | Optional | TB-2 |
Fields, Forms and Flows | MATH30018 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Fluid Dynamics 3 | MATH33200 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Galaxies 301 | PHYS34011 | 10 | Optional | TB-2 |
High Energy Astrophysics 301 | PHYS34012 | 10 | Optional | TB-2 |
Information Theory 3 | MATH34600 | 10 | Optional | TB-1A |
International mentoring | PHYS30024 | 10 | Optional | TB-4 |
Random Matrix Theory | MATH30016 | 10 | Optional | TB-2C |
Modern Mathematical Biology | MATH30004 | 10 | Optional | TB-2D |
Nanophysics | PHYS32600 | 10 | Optional | TB-2 |
Particle Physics | PHYS32012 | 10 | Optional | TB-1 |
Stellar Structure and Evolution 301 | PHYS34013 | 10 | Optional | TB-1 |
Materials Physics | PHYS30025 | 10 | Optional | TB-2 |
BSc Theoretical Physics | 120 |
This Integrated Master's programme has been designated as type II: Advanced Study in accordance with the QAA descriptors for Master's programmes. Please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes for further information on this type of programme.
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Physics Research Project | PHYSM3406 | 60 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Select at least one 10 credit point unit from: | ||||
Foundations of Modern Physics | PHYSM0023 | 10 | Optional | TB-4 |
Student Seminar 431 | PHYSM3100 | 10 | Optional | TB-4 |
Current Topics in Physics | PHYSM3407 | 10 | Optional | TB-4 |
Students may choose either PHYSM3407 Current Topics in Physics or PHYSM0023 Foundations of Modern Physics - not both. | ||||
Select at least 30 credit points from: | ||||
Advanced Quantum Physics | PHYSM3416 | 10 | Optional | TB-1A |
Relativistic Field Theory | PHYSM3417 | 10 | Optional | TB-2C |
Theoretical Particle Physics | PHYSM0800 | 10 | Optional | TB-2D |
The Physics of Phase Transitions. | PHYSM0300 | 10 | Optional | TB-2D |
Quantum Information Theory | MATHM5610 | 10 | Optional | TB-1A |
General Relativity and Cosmology | PHYSM1900 | 10 | Optional | TB-2D |
Further units to give a total of 120 credit points. Select from: | ||||
Advanced Computational Physics | PHYSM0032 | 10 | Optional | TB-1 |
Nuclear Reactor Physics | PHYSM0024 | 10 | Optional | TB-2 |
Magnetism and Superconductivity | PHYSM0038 | 10 | Optional | TB-1B |
Semiconductor Physics | PHYSM2100 | 10 | Optional | TB-2C |
Surface Physics | PHYSM0007 | 10 | Optional | TB-2D |
The Physics of Gas and Plasma in the Universe | PHYSM3409 | 10 | Optional | TB-1A |
Quantum Computation | MATHM0023 | 10 | Optional | TB-2C |
Quantum Chaos | MATHM5700 | 10 | Optional | TB-1B |
Theoretical Physics (MSci) | 120 |
Unit Pass Mark for Undergraduate Programmes:
For details on the weightings for classifying undergraduate degrees, please see the Agreed Weightings, by Faculty, to be applied for the Purposes of Calculating the Final Programme Mark and Degree Classification in Undergraduate Programmes.
For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.
Please refer to the specific progression/award requirements for programmes with a preliminary year of study, the Gateway programmes and International Foundation programmes.
All undergraduate degree programmes allow the opportunity for a student to exit from a programme with a Diploma or Certificate of Higher Education.
Integrated Master's degrees may also allow the opportunity for a student to exit from the programme with an equivalent Bachelor's degree where a student has achieved 360 credit points, of which 90 must be at level 6, and has successfully met any additional criteria as described in the programme specification.
The opportunities for a student to exit from one of the professional programmes in Veterinary Science, Medicine, and Dentistry with an Award is outlined in the relevant Programme Regulations (which are available as an annex in the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes).
An Ordinary degree can be awarded if a student has successfully completed at least 300 credits with a minimum of 60 credits at Level 6.
The pass mark for the professional programmes in Veterinary Science, Medicine and Dentistry is 50 out of 100. The classification of a degree in the professional programmes in Veterinary Science, Medicine, and Dentistry is provided in the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
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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