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THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2025/2026 Timetable information in the Course Catalogue may be subject to change |
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Degree Programme Specification BSc Honours in Computational Physics |
BSc Honours in Computational Physics |
To give you an idea of what to expect from this programme, we publish the latest available information. This information is created when new programmes are established and is only updated periodically as programmes are formally reviewed. It is therefore only accurate on the date of last revision. |
Awarding institution: | The University of Edinburgh |
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Teaching institution: | The University of Edinburgh |
Programme accredited by: | The Insititute of Physics |
Final award: | BSc Honours |
Programme title: | Computational Physics BSc |
UCAS code: | F343 |
Relevant QAA subject benchmarking group(s): | Physics, astronomy and astrophysics |
Postholder with overall responsibility for QA: | Professor Philip Clark |
Date of production/revision: | 15th Jan 2024 |
Further Information: | View the prospectus entry for this programme |
External summary |
Physics is the study of the fundamental processes of our Universe, and its laws underpin the other natural sciences; Computational Physics places special emphasis on modelling these laws and processes numerically. The BSc programme covers all aspects of physics and relevant aspects of programming and numerical modelling. Studying Computational Physics at Edinburgh allows student to develop:
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Educational aims of programme |
The educational aims of the Computational Physics programme at Edinburgh are:
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Programme outcomes: Knowledge and understanding |
By engaging with and completing a degree in Computational Physics, graduates will acquire knowledge and understanding of:
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Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in research and enquiry |
The degree programme aims to develop:
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Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal and intellectual autonomy |
The degree programme aims to develop:
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Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in communication |
The degree programme aims to develop the skills to:
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Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal effectiveness |
The degree programme aims to develop:
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Programme outcomes: Technical/practical skills |
The degree programme aims to develop:
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Programme structure and features |
The programme structure is a full time, 480 credit point Scottish Bachelors with Honours with entry at first- or second-year level and is fully compliant with the University???s Curriculum Framework and Scottish Qualification Framework. Progression to second year requires passes in all first year specified compulsory courses. By concession 40 credits of courses may be carried but must not include specified courses. |
Teaching and learning methods and strategies |
The bulk of the teaching programme is conducted through lectures; the class sizes vary from about 250 in pre-honours courses to about 10 in Senior Honours optional courses. This teaching is supported through tutorial sessions and supervised workshops in which students work in groups of about 5; and through study resources generally delivered online. These resources vary in extent and character; they invariably include a detailed syllabus, reading list and problem-set; in some instances they incorporate substantial multimedia material including self-tests and illustrative simulations. First year and Direct Entry specific courses offer extensive student support to assist the transition into higher education and develop independent learning skills. These include the use of an in-lecture feedback system, peer-assisted learning, tailored problem sheets and extensive student ??? tutor feedback in extended workshop classes. Computing courses are conducted through supervised sessions in dedicated teaching laboratories in groups of 10-50. Group Projects typically involve teams of about 5 students working largely autonomously. |
Assessment methods and strategies |
Each course has its own assessment criteria appropriate to the specified Learning Objects of the course as detailed in the on-line course specification. All courses are assessed using the University Common Marking Scheme. Typical modes of assessment used through the programme are detailed below:
Pre-Honours: (first and second year) |
Career opportunities |
The BSc programme offers the preparation needed for a research career in physics, either via further academic study (e.g. towards a MSc or PhD) or via industrial research. In addition, a wide range of employers recognise that Computational Physics graduates have advanced problem-solving skills and the ability to think logically and critically about complex situations. Add this to a high level of mathematical ability, data analysis and communication skills in written, oral and online media and Physics graduates have opportunities in a diverse range of careers. Some of our recent graduates from the School of Physics & Astronomy now work with Google, the UK Space Agency, BBC, NHS, Rockstar, Skyscanner, Scottish Government and a variety of other organisations. |
Academic and Student Advisers |
Each student is assigned an Academic Adviser and a Student Adviser. The Academic Advisor is a member of academic staff and is responsible for providing academic guidance. The Student Adviser is a member of the student support team and is responsible for providing pastoral guidance. Throughout a student's time at the university the Academic Adviser guides the student in the choice of courses and provides general support. The Student Adviser is the student???s first point of contact for all pastoral matters. |
Further information |
View the prospectus entry for this programme |
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