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Undergraduate Programme Specification

BSc Physics with Astro-Physics

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title BSc Physics with Astro-Physics Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Bachelor of Science
Programme Code PHY-BSC-S UCAS Code F3F5 HECoS Code 100415 - Astrophysics - 15
100425 - Physics - 85
ATAS Clearance Required No
Mode of Study Full Time
Type of Programme Single Honours Length of Programme Full Time - 3 Academic Years
Total Credits for Programme 360
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Mathematics & Physics

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 6

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics (2019)

Accreditations (PSRB)

Institute of Physics

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 26-03-19

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

No

Programme Specific Regulations

Transfers to other Programmes

Students may transfer to the BSc Programme of Physics or Physics with Medical Applications, provided they have passed all the compulsory modules on the Programme to which they are transferring up to that time of transfer. Students can transfer to the MSci Physics with Astrophysics Programme at the end of Level 2 provided they have an overall weighted average of at least 55% before rounding.


Students must pass module PHY1004 Scientific Skills before progressing to Level 2.

For the award of the degree, in addition to the standard University requirements, it is required to pass modules PHY2003 and PHY3003. If the standard University requirements for the award of a BSc degree are met, but not these pass criteria, a BSc Physics may be awarded.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Educational Aims Of Programme

Interpret the physical world/universe and how it works through experimental observation and the application of fundamental postulates and assumptions, with particular emphasis on astrophysical bodies and phenomena.

Demonstrate mathematical, computational, practical, problem solving, and personal skills which prepares the student for postgraduate training, or employment in a range of sectors, such as those involved in industrial research and development, engineering, education, health care, software development, business and finance.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Exploit modern computer technology to analyse and present data, write basic computer programmes in common languages to solve simple physical problems.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

A combination of formal teaching and self-study in computer laboratories. Skills applied in experimental labs, computational projects/assignments and research project work

Methods of Assessment

Use of computing for laboratory/project analysis and reports, computational assignments

Perform dimensional analysis and order of magnitude estimates

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Discussed and demonstrated in lectures and tutorials.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, tutorial performance

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Display knowledge of a range of mathematical techniques and apply them in a variety of physical situations, especially astrophysical phenomena

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, workshops, tutorials and problem solving classes to acquire and practice mathematical techniques and their application

Methods of Assessment

Explicitly in examinations, class tests, written and online assignments. Implicitly in all other assessments using quantitative physical models

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in selected specialist physics topics, particularly astrophysics, and an awareness of current trends and developments

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures and directed self-study from a range of resources, research projects and group projects.

Methods of Assessment

Examinations, assignments, written reports/essays, oral presentations, and oral review meetings

Demonstrate knowledge and conceptual understanding of the theory and application of core physics concepts in the areas of classical and relativistic mechanics, quantum physics, condensed matter, electromagnetism, optics, thermodynamics and astrophysics.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Primarily through lectures and directed self-study from a range of resources. Reinforcement via tutorials, laboratory experiments and projects

Methods of Assessment

Examinations, class tests, written and online assignments, tutorial performance, written reports, oral presentations

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Plan and execute experimental or theoretical projects in physics and astrophysics including critical and quantitative assessment of their own work and the work of others

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Supervision of extended physics projects with an open-ended component, performed individually or in pairs.

Methods of Assessment

Risk assessments, oral presentations, laboratory performance, written report

Plan, execute and report the results of an experiment or investigation, particularly those of an astrophysical nature, and compare results critically with predictions from theory

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Laboratory experiments, computational projects and research projects

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, written reports, oral presentations, oral review meetings

Identify the principles underlying physical problems, particularly those of relevance to astrophysics, formulate them mathematically, and obtain analytical, approximate, or numerical solutions.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Concepts primarily introduced in lectures. Techniques used to obtain quantitative outcomes presented, discussed and practiced in lectures, tutorials, laboratories, individual and group projects

Methods of Assessment

Examinations, class tests, written and online assignments, tutorial performance, written reports, oral presentations

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Appreciate and demonstrate the importance of health and safety, risk assessment and scientific ethics

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Safety training courses, lectures, workshops, personal supervision.

Methods of Assessment

Appreciate and demonstrate the importance of health and safety, risk assessment and scientific ethicsSafety training courses, lectures, workshops, personal supervision.Project/lab risk assessments, online safety tests, assignments

Work independently and as part of a team/group of peers while demonstrating time management and the ability to meet deadlines.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Laboratory experiments, research projects, group projects, and personal tutoring/supervision/mentoring

Methods of Assessment

Written reports, oral presentations, peer review. Time management /deadlines implicit to all continuous assessment,

Write computer programmes and use software packages to analyse data, perform numerical calculations, report results and prepare documents.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures and computer practicals on computer coding principles, syntax for specific languages, using Excel and Matlab, data analysis and numerical techniques.

Methods of Assessment

Coding and numerical problem solving assignments and mini-projects (group and individual)

Communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner both orally and in a written format with proper regard for the needs of the audience.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures/workshops on how to prepare and execute oral presentations, scientific reports/popular articles, and writing concisely. Re-enforced at all levels through supervision during labs, research projects and group projects, and formative and summative feedback for student coursework.

Methods of Assessment

Written reports and essays, oral presentations (for individual and group projects)

Search for, evaluate and reference relevant information from a range of sources

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures/workshops on how to use and reference and review library books, scientific papers, and internet sources. Supervision during labs, research projects and group projects, and formative and summative feedback for student coursework.

Methods of Assessment

Written reports and essays, oral presentations (for individual and group projects), literature reviews

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Computational Modelling in Physics PHY1003 1 20 YES YES 18 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Foundation Physics PHY1001 1 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 30% 0% 70%
Mathematics for Scientists and Engineers PHY1002 1 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 20% 0% 80%
Scientific Skills PHY1004 1 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 50% 50% 0%
Mathematical Physics PHY2006 2 20 YES -- 12 weeks Y YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Atomic and Nuclear Physics PHY2005 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks Y YES -- 20% 20% 60%
Astrophysics I PHY2003 2 20 YES -- 12 weeks Y YES -- 40% 20% 40%
Quantum & Statistical Physics PHY2001 2 20 YES -- 12 weeks Y YES -- 20% 20% 60%
Electricity, Magnetism and Optics PHY2004 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks Y YES -- 20% 20% 60%
Physics of the Solid State PHY2002 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks Y YES -- 20% 20% 60%
Employability for Physics PHY2010 2 0 YES -- 10 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Physics in Medicine PHY3006 3 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 50% 0% 50%
Advanced Electromagnetism and Optics PHY3004 3 20 YES -- 12 weeks Y -- YES 20% 0% 80%
Quantum Mechanics and Relativity PHY3001 3 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 20% 0% 80%
Physics Single Project PHY3007 3 20 YES YES 12 weeks N -- YES 75% 25% 0%
Physics Projects PHY3010 3 40 YES YES 24 weeks N -- YES 75% 25% 0%
Professional Skills PHY3008 3 20 YES YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Computational Projects PHY3009 3 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Astrophysics II PHY3003 3 20 -- YES 12 weeks Y YES -- 20% 0% 80%
Advanced Solid State Physics PHY3002 3 20 -- YES 12 weeks Y -- YES 20% 0% 80%
Nuclear and Particle Physics PHY3005 3 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 20% 0% 80%

Notes

At Stage 2, students must take the SIX compulsory modules listed (120 units).
PHY2010 is compulsory for students wishing to take a placement year.

At Stage 1, students must take the FOUR compulsory modules listed (120 units).

At Stage 3, students must take PHY3003, PHY3008, PLUS either PHY3010 or both PHY3007 and PHY3009 (80 units), and an approved combination of TWO other modules from those listed (40 units).