Undergraduate Programme Specification
MSci Physics with French
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 | MSci Physics with French | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Master in Science | |||||||||||
| Programme Code | PHY-MSCI | UCAS Code | F309 | HECoS Code |
100329 - Modern languages - 33 100425 - Physics - 67 |
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| ATAS Clearance Required | No | |||||||||||||
| Mode of Study | Full Time | |||||||||||||
| Type of Programme | Undergraduate Master | Length of Programme | Full Time - 5 Academic Year(s) | Total Credits for Programme | 600 | |||||||||
| Exit Awards available | ||||||||||||||
Institute Information
Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
School/Department |
Mathematics & Physics |
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Quality Code Higher Education Credit Framework for England |
Level 7 |
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Subject Benchmark Statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies |
Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics (2019) |
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 Transfers to other Programmes |
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 to perform research and development in the physical sciences within academic, public or private institutions, or employment in a range of sectors, such as education, engineering, biotechnology, health care, software development, business and finance.
To provide students with a good working knowledge of a European language and an opportunity to spend a year living and working in a European country.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Exploit modern computer technology to develop bespoke software codes, perform simulations, solve equations, and analyse data |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Coding techniques and strategies introduced via lectures and then applied in computer labs through development of physical models, numerical solutions to equations, and statistical analysis. Skills also applied in experimental labs, computational projects/assignments and research project work Methods of Assessment Use of computing for laboratory/project analysis and reports, coding assignments, numerical problem solving assignments, mini-projects (group and individual) |
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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 & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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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 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 |
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Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in selected specialist physics topics, and an awareness of current trends and developments at the research frontiers of these subjects |
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 |
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Display knowledge of a range of mathematical techniques and apply them in a variety of physical situations |
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 |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Identify the principles underlying physical problems, 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 |
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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, computational projects and research projects Methods of Assessment Assignments, written reports, oral presentations, oral review meetings |
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Plan and execute a substantial experimental or theoretical investigation in a current research area of physics, including critical and quantitative assessment of their own work and the work of others |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Students work full time in a research laboratory for a whole semester. One-to one supervision of substantial project performed individually or as part of a team in a current area of physics research to a level which could lead to publications in peer reviewed journals. 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: |
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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 |
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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) |
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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) |
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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, |
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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 |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Show a working understanding of a European language to a level sufficient to manage day-to-day affairs in that country for a year |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, workshops, and practical classes. Study at a European Institution for a year. Methods of Assessment Coursework, oral practicals and examinations |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Show a working understanding of a European language to a level sufficient to manage day-to-day affairs in that country for a year |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, workshops, and practical classes. Study at a European Institution for a year. Methods of Assessment Coursework, oral practicals and examinations |
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 % | ||||||
| French 1 | FRH1101 | 1 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 45% | 20% | 35% | |
| 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% | |
| French 2 | FRH2101 | 2 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 45% | 20% | 35% | |
| Quantum & Statistical Physics | PHY2001 | 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% | ||
| Electricity, Magnetism and Optics | PHY2004 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 20% | 20% | 60% | ||
| Mathematical Physics | PHY2006 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% | ||
| Employability for Physics | PHY2010 | 2 | 0 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
| International Placement – Year Abroad | PHY3999 | 3 | 120 | YES | YES | 30 weeks | N | YES | 0% | 100% | 0% | |
| French 3 | FRH3101 | 4 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 45% | 20% | 35% | |
| Quantum Mechanics and Relativity | PHY3001 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 20% | 0% | 80% | ||
| Advanced Solid State Physics | PHY3002 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 20% | 0% | 80% | ||
| Astrophysics II | PHY3003 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 20% | 0% | 80% | ||
| Advanced Electromagnetism and Optics | PHY3004 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 20% | 0% | 80% | ||
| Nuclear and Particle Physics | PHY3005 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 20% | 0% | 80% | ||
| Physics in Medicine | PHY3006 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 50% | 0% | 50% | ||
| Professional Skills | PHY3008 | 4 | 20 | YES | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | |
| Computational Projects | PHY3009 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
| Physics Research Project | PHY4001 | 5 | 60 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 70% | 30% | 0% | ||
| Ionising Radiation in Medicine | PHY4003 | 5 | 10 | YES | 6 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
| Medical Radiation Simulation | PHY4004 | 5 | 10 | YES | 6 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
| Planetary Systems | PHY4005 | 5 | 10 | YES | 6 weeks | Y | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
| High Energy Astrophysics | PHY4006 | 5 | 10 | YES | 6 weeks | Y | YES | 30% | 0% | 70% | ||
| Laser Physics | PHY4007 | 5 | 10 | YES | 6 weeks | N | YES | 30% | 0% | 70% | ||
| Plasma Physics | PHY4008 | 5 | 10 | YES | 6 weeks | N | YES | 30% | 0% | 70% | ||
| Physics of Materials Characterisation | PHY4009 | 5 | 10 | YES | 6 weeks | N | YES | 30% | 0% | 70% | ||
| The Physics of Nanomaterials | PHY4010 | 5 | 10 | YES | 6 weeks | N | YES | 30% | 0% | 70% | ||
| Ultrafast Science | PHY4011 | 5 | 10 | YES | 6 weeks | N | YES | 30% | 0% | 70% | ||
| Cosmology | PHY4016 | 5 | 10 | YES | 6 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Notes
At Stage 1 students are required to take FRH1101, PHY1001 and PHY1002.
At Stage 2 students are required to take the five compulsory modules. PHY2010 is compulsory for students wishing to take a placement year.
At Stage 3 students must take FRH 3101, PHY3008, PHY3009 and TWO optional Physics modules. Students wanting to take PHY3003 should seek approval from the programme coordinator.
At Stage 4 students must take PHY4001 and any six of the half-modules listed.
Year abroad: Students are expected to take an approved Erasmus programme of study at a French-speaking university or, alternatively, an approved placement in a French-speaking country.