University home > Unit and programme catalogues in 2015/16 > Programme catalogue > Faculty of Science > School of Physics > Condensed Matter Physics (PhD) > Specification
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Programme code | 2PHYS029R |
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Programme type | Postgraduate Research Degree |
Programme director(s) |
Stephen Hayden
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Faculty | Faculty of Science |
School/department | School of Physics |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 1 years (full time) |
This programme aims to develop the student’s interest in, and knowledge and understanding of, condensed matter physics. Condensed matter physics is a major underpinning area of science and technology. For example, the physics of electrons in solids underpins much of modern technology and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. The programme centres around an "EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Condensed Matter Physics". The themes covered in the CDT address some very fundamental questions in science such as the physics of superconductors, novel magnetic materials, single atomic layer crystals, plasmonic structures & metamaterials, and also more applied topics in power electronics, optoelectronics and sensor development.
All students recruited to the programme will already have an MSci/BSc undergraduate degree in one of the core disciplines of Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, and the MRes programme of study will build on this foundation. The CDT is run in partnership with the University of Bath. The MRes programme is an exit award from an integrated 4-Year PhD programme, CDT in Condensed Matter Physics. Students successfully completing their first year and carrying on to an integrated PhD will have their PhDs registered at Bristol or Bath.
The MRes is a training programme beyond undergraduate level 6 and 7 taught courses. It will function as a preparatory programme of study and research for a PhD programme, or will enable the successful graduating student to enter industry or commerce with a higher standard of training that that obtained from an undergraduate programme.
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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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 are expected to understand the basic concepts of condensed matter theory and its realisation in computation and experiment, at a level above that of a typical undergraduate course. They are expected to be able to write and speak intelligently about condensed matter physics, communicating in a way that is scientifically sound. They should have an appreciation for the field at large, as well as their own place within it. |
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Level M/7 - Postgraduate Diploma |
In addition to satisfying the level M Postgraduate Certificate criteria, students are expected to have an advanced understanding of the theory and practice of condensed matter physics, well above the undergraduate level. They are expected to have engaged with primary sources of research and demonstrated their own research potential. They should be able to formulate their own opinions that they can defend in a sound scientific manner. |
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Masters |
In addition to satisfying the level M Postgraduate Diploma criteria, students are expected to have accomplished work at the level of current research in condensed matter physics, working independently under the supervision of an expert. Students at this level will appreciate the demands of modern research and have demonstrated the ability to engage. They are expected to be mature graduate students capable of planning and managing a research project, including conveying results to the international research community. |
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.
An undergraduate degree in physics or related subject is a pre-requisite for the programme.
Further information from School of Physics Web Site: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/physics/cdtcmp/
The first year of the Condensed Matter Physics PhD is taught and students who leave at the end of the first year having successfully completed 180 credit points may be awarded the MRes.
A Postgraduate Certificate may be awarded on successful completion of 60 credit points and a Postgraduate Diploma on successful completion of 120 credit points.
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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The Physics of Novel Materials (Core lectures I) | PHYSM0011 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Device Fabrication and Physical Characterisation (Core lectures II) | PHYSM0008 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Theoretical Modelling and Simulation (Core lectures III) | PHYSM0012 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Physics Techniques | PHYSM0015 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Research Project | PHYSM0013 | 60 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Journal Club | PHYSM0009 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Exploratory Research Project I | PHYSM0029 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Select from either: | ||||
Group Problem Solving | PHYSM0010 | 10 | Optional | TB-2 |
Exploratory Research Project II | PHYSM0030 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 |
Or: | ||||
Industry Placement Condensed Matter Physics | PHYSM0031 | 30 | Optional | TB-2 |
MRes | 180 |
The assessment of the taught component of a doctoral degree is governed by the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and is assessed separately from the research project. Progression to the research project may be dependent on the successful completion of the taught component - please refer to the relevant handbook for the structure of the particular programme.
The pass mark set by the University for any level 7(M) unit is 50 out of 100.
It may be possible to exit the programme with a taught award. For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Research Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.
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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