THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH
DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2024/2025
Timetable information in the Course Catalogue may be subject to change

University Homepage
DRPS Homepage
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
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: Prof Philip Clark
Date of production/revision: 15 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.  

Our aim is to guide you through the fundamentals of physics, mathematics, and numerical modelling through to advanced courses that present our specialised research areas including quantum physics, particle physics, nuclear physics, condensed matter, fluids, optics, cosmology, and astronomy.  We will share our enthusiasm and to equip you with a range of thinking and practical skills which you will need if your subsequent career is in physics or programming, and which you will value even if it is not.

Studying Computational Physics at Edinburgh allows student to develop:

  • Knowledge and understanding of the natural world and the underlying mathematical methodologies used to describe it;
  • Knowledge of frontier activities capitalising on the strengths of a thriving and diverse research environment in the Schools of Physics & Astronomy and Informatics at Edinburgh;
  • The attitude of mind conducive to critical questioning and creative thinking and the capacity to formulate ideas mathematically and explore them numerically algebraically, graphically;
  • To develop an understanding of laboratory experimentation and  critical evaluation of experimental data;
  • To develop the skills required for employment in science-based industry, education and the wide spectrum of professions calling for numerate problem-solvers;
  • The skills required for employment in data science, science-based industry, education, and professions requiring numerate problem-solvers.

Educational aims of programme

The educational aims of the Computational Physics programme at Edinburgh are:

  • To provide a degree programme with flexibility and choice, accommodating a range of entrance qualifications and experience;
  • To provide a thorough grounding in the fundamental principles underpinning physics
  • To provide a balanced training in the methodologies of modern computational physics including numerical & computational methods and quantum computing;
  • To provide programming skills and the critical analysis of data;
  • To develop general transferable skills related to data analysis and computing, problem-solving and communication;
  • To provide a platform for employment in data science, science-based industry, education, and professions requiring numerate problem-solvers.

Programme outcomes: Knowledge and understanding

By engaging with and completing a degree in Computational Physics, graduates will acquire knowledge and understanding of:    

  • The core knowledge base of Physics including: classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, subatomic physics
  • A balanced training in the methodologies of modern physics including experimental work, data analysis, programming and theory.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in research and enquiry

The degree programme aims to develop:

  • The attitude of mind conducive to critical questioning and creative thinking;
  • A capacity to formulate ideas mathematically and explore them algebraically, graphically, and numerically;
  • The ability to harness these skills in tandem with the core knowledge base to solve problems;
  • The ability to assimilate and evaluate advanced literature from a range of diverse sources;
  • The ability to critically analyse experimental data and compare mathematical or computational predictions.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal and intellectual autonomy

The degree programme aims to develop:

  • The disposition to approach unfamiliar situations with a spirit of critical enquiry;
  • The ability to formulate a physical problem using the appropriate mathematical or experimental methodologies;

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in communication

The degree programme aims to develop:       

  • Formulate a coherent written and oral presentation based on material gathered and organised independently on a given physics topic;
  • Formulate a mathematical argument or analysis of experimental data and communicate this effectively to peers and educators;
  • Function effectively as a member or leader of a team working towards a joint report and presentation.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal effectiveness

The degree programme aims to develop:

  • The ability to collaborate effectively and productively with others in the process of inquiry and learning including those with a range of backgrounds and knowledge;

  • The ability to organise own independent learning to an effective schedule;

  • The commitment to manage time effectively, utilise resources and meet deadlines; 

Programme outcomes: Technical/practical skills

The degree programme aims to develop:

  • Confident users of Linux and Microsoft operating systems and software;
  • Scientific programming skills in Python and other programming languages;
  • Computational simulation and modelling techniques including generative computing;
  • Computer algebra and symbolic manipulation;
  • The ability to analyse experimental data and assess what can be inferred from it in the light of theoretical expectations and experimental uncertainties;
  • Scientific writing and presentation skills.

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.

First Year
The minimum entry requirements are:
SQA: Higher: AABB by end of S6 including Mathematics (Grade A) and Physics (Grade B).
BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
GCE: A levels: ABB including Mathematics (Grade A) and Physics (Grade B). GCSEs: English at C or 4.
IB: 32 points with 655 at HL. HL: Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 6 and Physics at 5. SL: English at 5.
Or equivalent qualifications recognised under the University’s admissions policy.

Total of 120 credits of courses, normally at SCQF Level 8

Specified compulsory courses are:
•    Physics 1A [20 credits]                              SCQF Level 8
•    Physics 1B [20 credits]                              SCQF Level 8
•    Mathematics for Physics 1 [20 credits]                     SCQF Level 8
•    Mathematics for Physics 2 [20 credits]                     SCQF Level 8
•    Informatics 1 – Introduction of Computation [20 credits]             SCQF Level 8
•    20 credits of free choice from Schedules A-Q, S, T, W and Y at Level 7/8.
 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.

Second Year
Total of 120 credits of courses, normally at SCQF Level 8

Specified compulsory courses are:
•    Physics of Fields and Matter [20 credits]                SCQF Level 8
•    Dynamics and Vector Calculus [20 credits]                SCQF Level 8
•    Experimental Physics 2 [10 credits]                    SCQF Level 8
•    Modern Physics [10 credits]                        SCQF Level 8
•    Programming and Data Analysis [10 credits]                SCQF Level 8
•    Linear Algebra and Several Variable Calculus [10 credits]        SCQF Level 8
•    Computer Simulation [10 credits]                    SCQF Level 8
•    20 credits of free choice from Schedules A-Q, S, T, W and Y at Level 7/8.

Progression to third year requires passes in all second year specified compulsory courses. By concession 20 credits of courses may be carried but must not include specified courses.


Second Year Point of Entry 2 (Direct Entry) for suitably qualified students
The minimum entry requirements for Point of Entry 2 are:
SQA: Advanced Higher: AAA to include Mathematics and Physics.
GCE: A Levels: A*AA in one set of exams to include Mathematics at A* and Physics.
IB: 38 points with 666 at HL to include Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) and Physics at 6, or equivalent qualifications recognised under the University’s admissions policy.

Second Year (direct entry)
Total of 120 credits of courses, normally at SCQF Level 8

Specified compulsory courses are:
•    Physics of Fields and Matter [20 credits]                SCQF Level 8
•    Dynamics and Vector Calculus [20 credits]                SCQF Level 8
•    Experimental Physics 2 [20 credits]                    SCQF Level 8
•    Modern Physics [10 credits]                        SCQF Level 8
•    Linear Algebra and Several Variable Calculus [10 credits]        SCQF Level 8
•    Computer Simulation [10 credits]                    SCQF Level 8
•    Physics and Mathematics for Direct Entry [20 credits]        SCQF Level 8

Progression requires passes in all second year specified compulsory courses.

Junior Honours (Third Year)
Total of 120 credits of courses, normally at Level 9

Specified compulsory courses are:
•    Fourier Analysis and Statistics [20 credits]                SCQF Level 9
•    Quantum Mechanics [20 credits]                    SCQF Level 9
•    Thermal Physics [20 credits]                        SCQF Level 9
•    Electromagnetism [20 credits]                    SCQF Level 9
•    Research Methods in Physics [10 credits]                SCQF Level 9
•    Numerical Recipes [10 credits]                    SCQF Level 9
•    Numerical Ordinary Differential Equations & Applications [10 credits]                                                SCQF Level 9
•    Quantum Computing Project [10 credits]                SCQF Level 10

Progression requires 120 credits of courses at first sit. Students obtaining 120 credits after August re-sits are eligible for the BSc Ordinary Sciences PHY degree.

Senior Honours (Fourth Year)
Total of 120 credits of courses, normally at Level 10 or 11

Specified compulsory courses are:
•    Relativity, Nuclear and Particle Physics [20 credits]            SCQF Level 10
•    Modelling and Visualisation in Physics [10 credits]            SCQF Level 10
•    Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics [10 credits]        SCQF Level 10
•    Statistical Physics [10 credits]                    SCQF Level 10
•    Quantum Physics [10 credits]                        SCQF Level 10
•    Physics Skills     [10 credits]                        SCQF Level 10
•    Group Project [10 credits]                         SCQF Level 11
Either:
•    Senior Honours Project [20 credits]                    SCQF Level 10
Or:
•    Science Education Placement: Physics [20 credits]             SCQF Level 10
•    20 credits of free choice from Schedule M - Q at Level 10/11
Additional courses from other schedules subject to approval


Classification of Honours
Honours classification is determined on the 240 credits of courses taken in the Junior Honours and Senior Honours years, with years weighted on a 50:50 basis. Classification is based on the University Common Marking Scheme.

Equality and Diversity
The School is an active participant in the Institute of Physics JUNO project with “Champion” status where we monitor and report on the equality and diversity across the whole School including activities of academic staff, research staff, post and undergraduate students.

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.

Innovative Learning Week
The University of Edinburgh Innovative Learning Week is scheduled in Week 6 of Semester 2.  During this week ‘normal’ teaching is suspended, providing the opportunity for staff and students to explore new learning activities.  Some examples of the types of activities held in Physics and Astronomy are workshops, peer assisted learning activities, public engagement activities and careers events.

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)
Lecture-based physics and mathematics courses are assessed by end-of-course written examinations (unseen) with a typical weight of 80%, augmented by weekly hand-in assignments typically weighted at 20%. These are marked throughout the semester and returned with feedback comments typically within 10 days of submission. All semester 1 pre-honours lecture-based courses offer examination feedback workshops as the start of semester 2, where students can view their marked scripts and receive personal feedback from the course staff. Class performance and common error feedback on semester 2 examinations are supplied via the School intranet.

Practical and computing classes are assessed by continuous assessment either via written submitted reports, laboratory notebooks or, for computing classes, specified checkpoints assessed during the assigned workshop classes. All submitted reports and notebooks are returned with written feedback, and students receive verbal feedback and advice on computer checkpoints from the assessors.

Honours:
Lecture-based physics and mathematics courses are mainly assessed by either end-of-course, or end-of-year written examinations (unseen). Core courses at Junior Honours are augmented by periodic hand-ins with a typical weight of 20% which are marked throughout the course and returned with written feedback. The reduction in frequency of these hand-ins, compared to pre-honours, encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning and time management. In courses with no course work, students are encouraged to attempt course questions in advance and seek feedback on their work at the course workshops/tutorials. All students have access to their marked examination scripts via the School Teaching Office.

Practical and computing courses at Junior Honours are assessed as in pre-honours, with laboratory work assessed via written laboratory reports (on which feedback is provided). Project work at Senior Honours level is assessed via laboratory performance, written report and poster presentation; written feedback is provided on all aspects. Group exercises in Research Methods and the Group Project are assessed by a written group report, group presentation and peer moderation (feedback is provided on all aspects).

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.

Other items

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.

Courses are administered and run through the Teaching Organisation in the School, which produces detailed online course guides for both new and continuing students.  These guides provide the details of course structure and assessment, along with general university policy and regulations.

Further information

View the prospectus entry for this programme
© Copyright 2024 The University of Edinburgh