University home > Unit and programme catalogues in 2014/15 > Programme catalogue > Faculty of Science > School of Physics > Physics and Philosophy (BSc) > Specification
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Programme code | 2PHYS007U |
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Programme type | Joint Honours (UG) |
Programme director(s) |
Stephen Dugdale Physics
|
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
School/department | School of Physics |
Second School/department | Department of Philosophy |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Accrediting types: |
Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of partially meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist. (https://www.iop.org/education/support-work-higher-education/degree-accreditation-recognition) |
Relevant QAA subject benchmark groups |
Physics, astronomy and astrophysics (2019) (benchmark statement)
Philosophy (2019) (benchmark statement) |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 3 years (full time) |
All degree programmes share the University's aim of "offering students the best possible learning experience in a research environment" - enabling them to realise their full potential in their chosen careers. An important goal is to maximise student choice while maintaining academic consistency. Physics and Philosophy have much in common in exploring the intellectual basis for science at a fundamental level. The philosophy of science is a particular strength of the Philosophy Department in Bristol so it is natural that a course satisfying the desires of students of physics with a philosophical bent should be accommodated, whilst providing education in the wider aspects of the two disciplines. The programmes provide academic and practical training in Physics and Philosophy to:
· provide a suitable foundation for graduate studies or a professional career in philosophy or physics
· provide a first degrees whose standards are comparable to those in other European countries
· provide programmes of study which respond to the national need for high quality physics graduates
· produce graduates with a thorough knowledge of physics philosophy and the confidence to apply it to new situations, as a basis for problem-solving and continuing self-learning throughout their careers
· develop a more advanced knowledge of some topics particularly but not exclusively those relevant to other subjects in the programme
· develop skills in mathematical reasoning, problem-solving and mathematical manipulation
· develop the ability to think logically and critically and express ideas clearly
· provide a flexible, responsive and friendly learning environment
· deliver high quality teaching.
Specific additional aims are:
· (VF53) To experience the learning environment of a European country and provide experience for employment in an international setting.
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Lectures and Seminars (Philosophy) are the principal form of teaching. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Assessment is through a combination of unseen written examinations, moderated course work and class tests, seminars, laboratory reports and project reports or dissertations and essays, 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, seminars, assessment of laboratory and IT work and the write up of projects or dissertations and essays, vivas and poster session are all key to developing intellectual and presentational skills. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Assessment is through a combination of unseen written examinations, moderated course work and class tests, seminars, laboratory reports and project reports or dissertations and essays, IT work, oral presentations and interviews. |
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 or dissertation and essay are key to developing decision making, time-management and efficient use of resources. Group working is developed as part of seminars, the laboratory and project work, and general communication skills are used as part of project/dissertation/essay assessment, 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 | |
Assessment is through a combination of unseen written examinations, moderated course work and class tests, seminars, laboratory reports and project reports or dissertations and essays, IT work, oral presentations and interviews. |
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 judgements, 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 judgement, personal responsibility and initiative, in complex and unpredictable professional environments. |
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.
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.
All programmes are accredited by the Institute of Physics.
Physics
School of Physics website: www.bris.ac.uk/physics
Email: phys-ug@bristol.ac.uk
PHYS10004, PHYS10005, PHYS10006, PHYS11400 and MATH11004 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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Mathematics 1A20 | MATH11004 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Introduction to Philosophy A | PHIL10005 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Introduction to Philosophy B | PHIL10006 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Introduction to Formal Logic | PHIL10014 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Essential Maths for Physics | PHYS11400 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Physics Laboratory | PHYS10004 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Core Physics II: Oscillations, Waves and Fields | PHYS10005 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Core Physics I:Mechanics and Matter | PHYS10006 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Certificate of Higher Education | 130 |
PHYS20007, PHYS20020, PHYS22050, PHYS23020 and PHYS29010 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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Quantum Mechanics 202 | PHYS22050 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Mathematical Physics 202 | PHYS23020 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Practical Physics 201 | PHYS29010 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Realism and Normativity | PHIL20046 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Classical Physics I: Thermal Physics, Oscillations and Mechanics | PHYS20007 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Classical Physics II: Electromagnetism and Waves | PHYS20020 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Plus 20 credit points of Level I units in Philosophy | ||||
Epistemology | PHIL20009 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Philosophy of Mind | PHIL20010 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Ethics | PHIL20011 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Political Philosophy | PHIL20012 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Philosophy of Language | PHIL20017 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Philosophy of Natural and Social Science | PHIL20037 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Philosophy of Mathematics | PHIL20039 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Logic 2 | PHIL20036 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Ancient Philosophy | PHIL20040 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Death, dying and disease | PHIL20049 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Diploma of Higher Education | 120 |
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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One of the following: | ||||
First Extended Essay | PHIL30107 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Second Extended Essay | PHIL30108 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
40 or 50 credit points of approved level H Philosophy units including at least one Philosophy of Science unit. Students normally take PHIL30052 Philosophical Issues of the Physical Sciences. | ||||
One of the following: | ||||
Physics Project 333 | PHYS39330 | 30 | Optional | TB-4 |
Physics Dissertation 333 | PHYS38331 | 30 | Optional | TB-4 |
Physics Education 333 | PHYS39332 | 30 | Optional | TB-4 |
And either: | ||||
Solid State Physics 3021 | PHYS30021 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Core Physics 303 | PHYS30030 | 30 | Optional | TB-1 |
If required, an additional 10 credit points of level H Physics options chosen with the agreement of the School of Physics | ||||
Physics and Philosophy (BSc) | 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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