Undergraduate Programme Specification
BSc Applied Mathematics and Physics
Academic Year 2021/22
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 Applied Mathematics and Physics | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Bachelor of Science | |||||||||||
Programme Code | AMA-BSC-JS | UCAS Code | GF13 | HECoS Code |
100403 - Mathematics - 50 100425 - Physics - 50 |
ATAS Clearance Required | No | |||||||||||||
Mode of Study | Full Time | |||||||||||||
Type of Programme | Joint Honours Single | Length of Programme | Full Time - 3 Academic Year(s) | Total Credits for Programme | 360 | |||||||||
Exit Awards available |
Institute Information
Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
School/Department |
Mathematics & Physics |
Quality Code Higher Education Credit Framework for England |
Level 6 |
Subject Benchmark Statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies |
Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research (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
|
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
|
Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations (Please see General Regulations) No |
Educational Aims Of Programme
On completion of the B.Sc. Applied Mathematics and Physics, a successful student will be able to:
- Demonstrate appropriate understanding of the basic body of knowledge of applied mathematics and physics, and appropriate skill in manipulation of this knowledge, including in its application to problem solving
- Apply core applied mathematics and physics concepts in well-defined contexts, through the judicious use of analytical and computational methods, tools and techniques and the judicious use of logical arguments
- Analyse problems through their formulation in terms of mathematics and physics
- Communicate mathematical and physical arguments to a range of audiences in both written and oral form
- Interpret the physical world/universe and how it works through application of fundamental postulates and assumptions
- Demonstrate mathematical, computational, practical, problem solving, and personal skills which can be exploited by a variety of employers, such as those involved in industrial or academic research and development, 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: |
|
Apply mathematical knowledge logically and accurately in the solution of examples and small-scale problems. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies By their nature, mathematics and physics 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, practical 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, mathematics and physics 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, practical 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. |
Analyse problems and situations within physics in mathematical terms, and identify the appropriate physics concepts and mathematical tools and techniques for their solution. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies By their nature, mathematics and physics 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, practical 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 an experimental or 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 in experimental or 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 of increasing complexity, culminating in the final project. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
|
Demonstrate understanding of the fundamental concepts and techniques of calculus, analysis, algebra, linear algebra and numerical methods. |
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 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. |
Use these fundamental concepts and techniques in a range of application areas, including, for example, partial differential equations, mechanics, numerical analysis, optics, quantum mechanics, electromagnetism 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 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 application of core physics concepts 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 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 Examinations, class tests, written and online assignments, tutorial performance, written reports, oral presentations. |
Understand and appreciate the importance of mathematical and physics 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 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, and application of this understanding, within a range of more specialist optional topics within applied 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 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 understanding in selected specialist physics topics (and an awareness of current trends and developments at the frontiers 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 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 Examinations, assignments, written reports/essays, oral presentations, and oral review meetings. |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
|
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 and oral presentations. For project modules, the latter is the main method of assessment. |
Apply a wide range of analytic and/or numerical mathematical techniques and physics concepts within well-defined mathematics and physics contexts, and to formulate and solve mathematics and physics 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 and oral presentations. For project modules, the latter is the main method of assessment. |
Use a range of mathematical software for the solution of mathematical and/or physics problems. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Basic skills are developed through the mathematical modelling module, the professional skills modules and the computer algebra module. Numerical analysis has associated computer practicals, using appropriate specialist software. Methods of Assessment These skills are primarily assessed through reports and presentations associated with work carried out using mathematical software. |
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. |
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. |
Plan, execute and report the results of an experiment or investigation, and compare results critically with predictions from theory and/or experiment. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Laboratory experiments, computational projects and research projects. Methods of Assessment Assignments, written reports, oral presentations, oral review meetings. |
Plan and execute a small-scale experimental or theoretical investigation in a specific research area of physics including critical and quantitative assessment of their own work and the work of others. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies One-to one supervision of substantial project performed individually or as part of a team in a current area of mathematics or physics research. Methods of Assessment Online safety tests, risk assessments, literature reviews, oral presentations, laboratory performance, oral review meeting, written report. |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
|
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. |
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 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), literature reviews. |
Use computer technology efficiently for a variety of purposes. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Basic computer modelling skills are developed through the mathematical modelling module, the professional skills modules and the computer algebra module. Methods of Assessment Computer modelling skills are primarily assessed through reports and presentations associated with work carried out using numerical software. |
Communicate mathematical and physics ideas and concepts. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Any assignment or coursework or project work involves the communication of mathematical and/or physics 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 physics 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 oral communication. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Any assignment or coursework or project work involves the communication of mathematical and/or physics 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. |
Manage their time. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Project work associated with modules at each Level are 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. |
Oversee small-scale projects, either individually or as part of a team. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Project work associated with modules at each Level are 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. |
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. |
Module Information
Stages and Modules
Module Title | Module Code | Level/ stage | Credits | Availability |
Duration | Pre-requisite | Assessment |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S1 | S2 | Core | Option | Coursework % | Practical % | Examination % | ||||||
Foundation Physics | PHY1001 | 1 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 0% | 30% | 70% | |
Scientific Skills | PHY1004 | 1 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 70% | 30% | 0% | |
Introduction to Algebra and Analysis | MTH1011 | 1 | 30 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 0% | 0% | 100% | |
Mathematical Methods 1 | MTH1021 | 1 | 30 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 15% | 0% | 85% | |
Quantum & Statistical Physics | PHY2001 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Physics of the Solid State | PHY2002 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Astrophysics I | PHY2003 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 20% | 40% | 40% | ||
Electricity, Magnetism and Optics | PHY2004 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Atomic and Nuclear Physics | PHY2005 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Employability for Mathematics | MTH2010 | 2 | 0 | YES | 10 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Employability for Physics | PHY2010 | 2 | 0 | YES | 10 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Linear Algebra | MTH2011 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 30% | 0% | 70% | ||
Analysis | MTH2012 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 25% | 0% | 75% | ||
Classical Mechanics | MTH2031 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 20% | 0% | 80% | ||
Metric Spaces | MTH2013 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 30% | 0% | 70% | ||
Group Theory | MTH2014 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 30% | 0% | 70% | ||
Mathematical Methods 2 | MTH2021 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
Set Theory | PMA3014 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 30% | 0% | 70% | ||
Metric and Normed Spaces | PMA3017 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 10% | 10% | 80% | ||
Quantum Mechanics and Relativity | PHY3001 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 20% | 0% | 80% | ||
Advanced Solid State Physics | PHY3002 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 20% | 0% | 80% | ||
Astrophysics II | PHY3003 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 20% | 0% | 80% | ||
Advanced Electromagnetism and Optics | PHY3004 | 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% | ||
Physics in Medicine | PHY3006 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 50% | 0% | 50% | ||
Physics Single Project | PHY3007 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 90% | 10% | 0% | ||
Professional Skills | PHY3008 | 3 | 20 | YES | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 30% | 70% | 0% | |
Computational Projects | PHY3009 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Applied Mathematics Project | AMA3011 | 3 | 20 | YES | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 80% | 20% | 0% | |
Rings and Modules | MTH3012 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 30% | 0% | 70% | ||
Numerical Analysis | MTH3023 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 50% | 0% | 50% | ||
Classical Fields | MTH3031 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 30% | 0% | 70% | ||
Quantum Theory | MTH3032 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 30% | 0% | 70% | ||
Dynamical Systems | MTH3021 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 30% | 0% | 70% | ||
Discrete Mathematics | MTH3022 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 30% | 0% | 70% | ||
Modelling and Simulation | MTH3024 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Financial Mathematics | MTH3025 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 20% | 10% | 70% | ||
Topological Data Analysis | MTH4322 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 25% | 0% | 75% | ||
Functional Analysis | MTH4311 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 30% | 0% | 70% | ||
Statistical Mechanics | MTH4332 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 25% | 20% | 55% |
Notes
At Stage 1 students are required to take four compulsory modules.
At Stage 2 Students must take six Level 2 modules from the list above, which must include MTH2011, MTH2021, PHY2001 and PHY2004. PHY2010 OR MTH2010 is compulsory for students wishing to take a placement year.
At Stage 3 Students must take an approved combination of six Level 3 modules. The choice must include at least 2 taught modules from Physics and 2 taught modules from Mathematics. Including either AMA3011 or PHY300, plus either MTH3032 OR PHY3001, plus either MTH3023 or MTH3024 or PHY3009.