BSc Theoretical Physics
Academic Year 2019/20
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 Theoretical Physics | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Bachelor of Science | |||||||||||
Programme Code | TPH-BSC-S | UCAS Code | F340 | HECoS Code | 100403 |
ATAS Clearance Required | No | |||||||||||||
Mode of Study | Full Time | |||||||||||||
Type of Programme | Single Honours | Length of Programme | 3 Academic Year(s) | Total Credits for Programme | 360 | |||||||||
Exit Awards available |
INSTITUTE INFORMATION
Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
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School/Department |
Mathematics & Physics |
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Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level |
Level 6 |
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QAA Benchmark Group |
Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research (2015) |
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Accreditations (PSRB) |
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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 No |
Programme Specific Regulations Students will not be permitted to register for Stage 2 unless they have passed all their core Level 1 modules. |
Students with protected characteristics N/A |
Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations (Please see General Regulations) No |
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF PROGRAMME
- Demonstrate appropriate understanding of the basic body of knowledge of theoretical physics and its mathematical underpinning, and appropriate skill in manipulation of this knowledge, including in its application to problem solving
- Apply core physics and associated mathematics concepts in well-defined contexts, through the judicious use of analytical and computational methods, tools and techniques and the judicious use of logical arguments
- Interpret the physical world/universe and how it works through their description in terms of theoretical physics and associated mathematics
- Communicate theoretical physical arguments to a range of audiences in both written and oral form
- Carry out a range of experimental and/or computational investigations related to physics
- Demonstrate mathematical, computational, practical, problem solving, and personal skills which can be exploited by a variety of employers, such as those involved in engineering, education, health care, software development, business and finance.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Apply physical and mathematical knowledge logically and accurately in the solution of examples and small-scale problems |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies By their nature, physics and its underpinning mathematics have to be presented logically. The lectures and model examples to problems provide exemplars of this logical structure. They also identify the tools needed to address certain problems. Tutorial problems and assignments offer the students opportunities to develop their logical reasoning skills, to develop skills in organising their reasoning and application of mathematical and physical principles, and to develop skills in the selection of techniques. Methods of Assessment The assessment of these skills is implicit in most methods of assessment, including exams, coursework, practicals and project work. The overall degree of success in any assessment depends to a large extent on students’ mastery of logical and accurate methods of solution, well-organised structure of answers, and the identification of the appropriate solution method. |
Conduct a small-scale theoretical physics investigation under supervision |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The project modules will offer the students the opportunity to identify what it takes to carry out a longer investigation within theoretical physics. These skills are also developed through extended assignments in a wide range of modules across the entire spectrum Methods of Assessment These skills are assessed mainly through project reports and oral presentations on project work in both physics and mathematics of increasing complexity, culminating in the final project |
Analyse small-scale problems and situations in physical and mathematical terms, and identify the appropriate physical and mathematical tools and techniques for their solution |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies By their nature, physics and its underpinning mathematics have to be presented logically. The lectures and model examples to problems provide exemplars of this logical structure. They also identify the tools needed to address certain problems. Tutorial problems and assignments offer the students opportunities to develop their logical reasoning skills, to develop skills in organising their reasoning and application of mathematical and physical principles, and to develop skills in the selection of techniques. Methods of Assessment The assessment of these skills is implicit in most methods of assessment, including exams, coursework, practicals and project work. The overall degree of success in any assessment depends to a large extent on students’ mastery of logical and accurate methods of solution, well-organised structure of answers, and the identification of the appropriate solution method. |
Organise their work in a structured manner |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies By their nature, physics and its underpinning mathematics have to be presented logically. The lectures and model examples to problems provide exemplars of this logical structure. They also identify the tools needed to address certain problems. Tutorial problems and assignments offer the students opportunities to develop their logical reasoning skills, to develop skills in organising their reasoning and application of mathematical and physical principles, and to develop skills in the selection of techniques. Methods of Assessment The assessment of these skills is implicit in most methods of assessment, including exams, coursework, practicals and project work. The overall degree of success in any assessment depends to a large extent on students’ mastery of logical and accurate methods of solution, well-organised structure of answers, and the identification of the appropriate solution method. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate understanding of the connection between theoretical physics and mathematics. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures provide the core method for the presentation of the knowledge required for students to be successful. Each lecture-based module has associated tutorials, and, where appropriate, laboratory and /or practical classes to assist the student with the development of understanding of the core contents, including its application. Assignments are provided to assist further development of understanding. These assignments are marked and returned to students typically within one week with individual feedback. Model solutions to these assignments are made available to students for additional self-study. Methods of Assessment This is built into the heart of the programme by the combination of mathematics and physics modules. This is tested in particular in the project modules, as this is where the combination of mathematics and physics may be exploited in particular. |
Demonstrate understanding, and application of this understanding, within a range of more specialist optional topics within theoretical physics, *and an awareness of current trends and developments at the frontier of these subjects* |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures provide the core method for the presentation of the knowledge required for students to be successful. Each lecture-based module has associated tutorials, and, where appropriate, laboratory and /or practical classes to assist the student with the development of understanding of the core contents, including its application. Assignments are provided to assist further development of understanding. These assignments are marked and returned to students typically within one week with individual feedback. Model solutions to these assignments are made available to students for additional self-study. Methods of Assessment Formal exams, class tests, small reports, presentations |
Understand and appreciate the importance of mathematical logic |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures provide the core method for the presentation of the knowledge required for students to be successful. Each lecture-based module has associated tutorials, and, where appropriate, laboratory and /or practical classes to assist the student with the development of understanding of the core contents, including its application. Assignments are provided to assist further development of understanding. These assignments are marked and returned to students typically within one week with individual feedback. Model solutions to these assignments are made available to students for additional self-study. Methods of Assessment Formal exams, class tests, small reports, presentations |
Demonstrate knowledge and conceptual understanding of the theory and applications of core concepts in physics in the areas of classical and relativistic mechanics, quantum physics, condensed matter, electromagnetism, optics and thermodynamics. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures provide the core method for the presentation of the knowledge required for students to be successful. Each lecture-based module has associated tutorials, and, where appropriate, laboratory and /or practical classes to assist the student with the development of understanding of the core contents, including its application. Assignments are provided to assist further development of understanding. These assignments are marked and returned to students typically within one week with individual feedback. Model solutions to these assignments are made available to students for additional self-study. Methods of Assessment Formal exams, class tests, small reports, presentations, tutorial performance |
Use these fundamental concepts and techniques in a range of application areas, including, for example, quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, tensor-field theory and statistical mechanics |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures provide the core method for the presentation of the knowledge required for students to be successful. Each lecture-based module has associated tutorials, and, where appropriate, laboratory and /or practical classes to assist the student with the development of understanding of the core contents, including its application. Assignments are provided to assist further development of understanding. These assignments are marked and returned to students typically within one week with individual feedback. Model solutions to these assignments are made available to students for additional self-study. Methods of Assessment Formal exams, class tests, small reports, presentations |
Demonstrate understanding of the fundamental concepts and techniques of theoretical physics and its underpinning through calculus, analysis, algebra, and linear algebra |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures provide the core method for the presentation of the knowledge required for students to be successful. Each lecture-based module has associated tutorials, and, where appropriate, laboratory and /or practical classes to assist the student with the development of understanding of the core contents, including its application. Assignments are provided to assist further development of understanding. These assignments are marked and returned to students typically within one week with individual feedback. Model solutions to these assignments are made available to students for additional self-study. Methods of Assessment Formal exams, class tests, small reports, presentations |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Carry out basic physics experiments appropriately, including the correct handling of experimental equipment, adequate planning of experiments and accurate analysis of findings; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Laboratory experiments within Scientific Skills Module Methods of Assessment Written reports, oral presentations. |
Present mathematical and physical findings through oral and written means to a range of audiences |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Communication through reports and/or oral presentations forms a compulsory part of many modules across the entire range of modules offered. Methods of Assessment These skills are primarily assessed through compulsory reports and presentations within many modules. |
Use a range of mathematical software for the solution of theoretical physics problems |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Basic skills are developed through the scientific skills module, the professional skills modules and the computer algebra module. Numerical analysis has associated computer practical, using appropriate specialist software. Methods of Assessment These skills are primarily assessed through reports and presentations associated with work carried out using mathematical software. |
Plan, execute and report the results of an experiment or investigation, and compare results critically with predictions from theory |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Laboratory experiments, and computational projects Methods of Assessment Assignments, written reports, oral presentations, oral review meetings |
Perform dimensional analysis and order of magnitude estimates |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Discussed and demonstrated in lectures and tutorials. Routinely practiced in other modules. Methods of Assessment Assignments, tutorial performance |
Apply a wide range of analytic and/or numerical mathematical and physics-based techniques within well-defined contexts, and to formulate and solve problems in more loosely defined contexts |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Each lecture-based module has associated tutorials, and, where appropriate, practical classes to assist the student with the development of understanding and application of logical mathematical arguments, physical concepts and/or analytic/numerical mathematical techniques. Assignments also assist the development of understanding in these areas. Methods of Assessment Assessment is mainly through formal examination and class tests for lecture-based modules. This assessment is supplemented through written reports, oral presentations, on-line assessment and tutorial performance. For project modules, written reports and oral presentations form the main method of assessment. |
Demonstrate understanding of logical mathematical arguments, including mathematical proofs and their construction, and apply these arguments appropriately. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Each lecture-based module has associated tutorials, and, where appropriate, practical classes to assist the student with the development of understanding and application of logical mathematical arguments, physical concepts and/or analytic/numerical mathematical techniques. Assignments also assist the development of understanding in these areas. Methods of Assessment Assessment is mainly through formal examination and class tests for lecture-based modules. This assessment is supplemented through written reports, oral presentations, on-line assessment and tutorial performance. For project modules, written reports and oral presentations form the main method of assessment. |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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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 Project/lab risk assessments, online safety tests, assignments |
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. Re-enforced through supervision during labs. Methods of Assessment Written reports and essays, oral presentations (for individual and group projects), literature reviews |
Oversee small-scale projects, involving individual work and work within in a team |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Project work associated with modules at each Level is the prime method for development. The increase in level of complexity of such projects throughout the programme, in line with student’s overall development, will implicitly develop the students’ skills in project management. Methods of Assessment These skills are assessed implicitly as part of any project component to a module. A higher level of skill in time management will provide student with greater opportunity to present a well thought-through report, which allows the students to better highlight their achievements. |
Manage their time |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Project work associated with modules at each Level is the prime method for development. The increase in level of complexity of such projects throughout the programme, in line with student’s overall development, will implicitly develop the students’ skills in project management. Methods of Assessment These skills are assessed implicitly as part of any project component to a module. A higher level of skill in time management will provide student with greater opportunity to present a well thought-through report, which allows the students to better highlight their achievements. |
Present findings through oral communication |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Any assignment or coursework or project work involves the communication of mathematical and/or physical ideas, and these skills are thus embedded indirectly in any module. Methods of Assessment The assessment of communication skills takes place through the reports and presentations, where higher skill levels will result in higher overall marks |
Present findings through written reports |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Any assignment or coursework or project work involves the communication of mathematical and/or physical ideas, and these skills are thus embedded indirectly in any module. Methods of Assessment The assessment of communication skills takes place through the reports and presentations, where higher skill levels will result in higher overall marks |
Communicate mathematical and physical ideas and concepts |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Any assignment or coursework or project work involves the communication of mathematical and/or physical ideas, and these skills are thus embedded indirectly in any module. Methods of Assessment The assessment of communication skills takes place through the reports and presentations, where higher skill levels will result in higher overall marks |
Use computer technology efficiently for a variety of purposes |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Basic computer modelling skills are developed through the scientific skills module, and the computer algebra module. Numerical analysis has associated computer –oriented tasks, where students can develop skills in the use of appropriate specialist software. Methods of Assessment Computer modelling skills are primarily assessed through reports and presentations associated with work carried out using numerical software. |
Adopt an analytic approach to problem solving |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Analytic thinking is part of any module in mathematics and physics, and is therefore cultivated through the tutorials, practicals and assignments associated with each lecture-based module, including all the project components. Methods of Assessment Analytic thinking is embedded implicitly in every assessment within mathematics and physics. |
MODULE INFORMATION
Stages and Modules
Module Title | Module Code | Level/ stage | Credits | Availability |
Duration | Pre-requisite | Assessment |
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S1 | S2 | Core | Option | Coursework % | Practical % | Examination % | ||||||
Electricity, Magnetism and Optics | PHY2004 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Advanced Electromagnetism and Optics | PHY3004 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 20% | 0% | 80% | ||
Scientific Skills | PHY1004 | 1 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 70% | 30% | 0% | |
Tensor Field Theory | AMA3003 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 20% | 0% | 80% | ||
Quantum Theory | AMA3002 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 30% | 0% | 70% | ||
Classical Mechanics | AMA2001 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 20% | 0% | 80% | ||
Calculus of Variations & Hamiltonian Mechanics | AMA3013 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 30% | 0% | 70% | ||
Partial Differential Equations | AMA3006 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 20% | 0% | 80% | ||
Applied Mathematics Project | AMA3011 | 3 | 20 | YES | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 80% | 20% | 0% | |
Foundation Physics | PHY1001 | 1 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 0% | 30% | 70% | |
Analysis and Calculus | MTH1001 | 1 | 30 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 0% | 10% | 90% | |
Quantum & Statistical Physics | PHY2001 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Employability for Physics | PHY2010 | 2 | 0 | YES | 10 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Numbers, Vectors and Matrices | MTH1002 | 1 | 30 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 0% | 10% | 90% | |
Introduction to Partial Differential Equations | MTH2002 | 2 | 10 | YES | 6 weeks | Y | YES | 60% | 0% | 40% | ||
Computer Algebra | PMA3008 | 3 | 20 | YES | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 0% | 100% | 0% | |
Linear Algebra & Complex Variables | MTH2001 | 2 | 30 | YES | YES | 18 weeks | Y | YES | 10% | 0% | 90% | |
Physics of the Solid State | PHY2002 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% |
Notes
At Stage 1 Students are required to take the four compulsory modules listed
At Stage 2 Students are required to take 6 Compulsory Modules. Students wishing to take a placement year must enrol on Module PHY2010
At Stage 3 Students must take an approved combination of six Level 3 modules normally chosen from the list below. PHY3004, AMA3002, AMA3003, AMA3011 and AMA3013 are compulsory.