MPhys Honours in Computational Physics

• Awarding institution
• Teaching institution
• Programme accredited by
• Final award
• Programme title
• UCAS code
• Relevant QAA subject benchmarking group
• Postholder with overall responsibility for QA
• Date of production/revision
• External summary
• Education aims of programme

• Programme Outcomes
• Knowledge and understanding
• Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in research and enquiry
• Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal and intellectual autonomy
• Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in communication
• Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal effectiveness
• Technical/practical skills

• Programme structure and features
• Teaching and learning methods and strategies
• Assessment methods and strategies
• Career opportunities
• Other items

External summary

Educational aims of programme

Programme outcomes: Knowledge and understanding

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

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in communication

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

Programme outcomes: Technical/practical skills

Programme structure and features

The programme structure is a full time, 600 credit point Integrated Masters Programme with entry at first- or second-year level and is fully compliant with the University’s Curriculum Framework and Scottish Qualification Framework.

First Year

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 20 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

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

·         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

Progression requires 120 credits of courses at first sit. Student obtaining 120 credits of courses at first sit are, by concession, permitted to graduate with BSc Honours.

Integrated Masters (Fifth Year)

Total of 120 credits of courses, normally at Level 10 or 11

Specified compulsory courses are:

·         MPhys Project [40 credits]                                                                 SCQF Level 11

·         MPhys Project Presentation [10 credits]                                            SCQF Level 11

·         70 credits of free choice from Schedules M, N, P and Q at Level 10/11

Additional courses from other schedules subject to approval

At least 120 credits of Level 11 courses must be taken over the Senior Honours and Integrated Masters years.

Classification of Honours

Honours classification is determined on the 360 credits of courses taken in the Junior Honours, Senior Honours and Integrated Masters years, with years weighted on a 20:40:40 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/IT 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 6th week 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 Outcomes of the course, as detailed in the on-line course specification. All courses are assessed using the University Common Marking Scheme. The 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).

Integrated Masters:
The main MPhys project in the Integrated Masters year is assessed via laboratory performance, written report, oral presentation and public communications exercise chosen by the student (e.g. a web presentation based at a general audience); the latter two being assessed as a separate course. During the MPhys Project and associated presentation course the student is supervised by academic or research staff who supply feedback regarding on-course performance and development. Further written feedback is also supplied on all the assessed aspects of these courses

Career opportunities

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. 

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