MPhys Honours in Mathematical 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

Mathematical Physics aims to develop a precise quantitative understanding of the nature, structure and evolution of the physical world through the language of mathematics. Its scope runs from quarks and leptons, the smallest fragments of the universe, through the material world we perceive directly with our senses, and on to stars and galaxies, and the origins and fate of the universe itself. It thus builds directly on the work of Newton, Maxwell, Einstein, Born, Heisenberg, Dirac, Feynman, Hawking, Higgs and countless others. Our aim is to equip you with the precise analytical thinking necessary to understand this vast subject, and thereby prepare you for a broad range of subsequent careers in Theoretical or Computational Physics, Applied Mathematics or any profession requiring the solution of difficult problems through mathematical modelling. More information about Mathematical Physics at Edinburgh may be found at www.tait.ac.uk.

Through studying Mathematical Physics at Edinburgh a student will acquire;

• a thorough grounding in mathematics, and the skills necessary to use mathematics to solve problems;
• a thorough grounding in physics, and a deep understanding of its fundamental ideas and principles;
• the attitude of mind conducive to critical questioning and creative thinking;
• the confidence and ability to formulate problems mathematically, and solve them analytically;
• the confidence and ability to solve problems numerically, through computer programming;
• skills required for a career in applied mathematics, theoretical physics, or computational physics;
• skills useful for a wide range of careers in industry, education, finance, and management.

Educational Aims of Programme

The educational aims of the Mathematical 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 mathematics, and the skills necessary to use mathematics to solve problems;
• to provide a thorough grounding in physics, and a deep understanding of its fundamental ideas and principles;
• to provide a balanced training in the methodologies of modern theoretical and mathematical physics, including numerical and computational methods;
• to develop general transferable skills related to IT & computing, modelling, problem-solving and communication;
• to offer exposure to a broad range of frontier activities in applied mathematics and theoretical physics, capitalising on the strengths of a thriving and diverse research environment;
• to develop independent research skills via an individual project exploring a current research topic in mathematical or theoretical physics;
• to provide a platform for potential postgraduate students to pursue further study in mathematical physics, theoretical physics, or related disciplines;
• to provide a platform for employment in science-based industry, education, research and the wide spectrum of professions such as finance, business and management, calling for the formulation and solution of problems through mathematical modelling.

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Programme outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding

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

• core areas in mathematics: abstract algebra, group theory, calculus, real and complex analysis, tensor algebra, probability and statistics, and numerical methods;
• core areas of physics: classical mechanics, special relativity, electromagnetism, statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics;
• the opportunity to study from a very wide range of selected topics in Mathematical Physics: atomic physics, nuclear physics, elementary particle physics, condensed matter physics, statistical physics, critical phenomena, atmospheric physics, astrophysics, cosmology, string theory, differential geometry, algebraic geometry, topology;
• a balanced training in the methodologies and research skills of modern applied mathematics, theoretical physics and computational physics.

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Programme outcomes: Graduate Attributes - Skills and Abilities in Research and Enquiry

The degree programme aims to develop:

• an attitude of mind conducive to critical questioning and creative thinking;
• the confidence and ability to formulate ideas mathematically and then solve them;
• 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;

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 confidence and ability to formulate a physical problem in terms of mathematics;
• the ability to solve a mathematical problem analytically or numerically.

Programme outcomes: Graduate Attributes - Skills and Abilities in Communication

The degree programme aims to develop the ability to:     

• formulate a coherent written and oral presentation based on material on a given topic gathered and organised independently on a given topic;
• present the outcomes of an extended research project in a dissertation report and public oral presentation;
• formulate a logical mathematical argument 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;
• organise independent learning to an effective schedule;
• manage time effectively, utilise resources and meet deadlines.

Programme outcomes: Technical/Practical skills

The programme aims to develop:

• confident facility with general IT resources (WWW for learning and information retrieval; e-mail and bulletin boards for communication; word-processing for document preparation);
• confident facility with the Unix operating system and its use in a scientific environment;
• advanced scientific programming skills in Python;
• numerical programming and computer simulation techniques;
• computer algebra and symbolic manipulation;
• the ability to analyse data and assess what can be inferred from it in the light of theoretical expectations and experimental uncertainties.

Programme Structure and Features

The programme structure is a full time, 480pt 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
Total of 120pt of courses, normally at SCQF Level 8

Specified compulsory courses are:
???    Physics 1A [20pt]                                SCQF Level 8
???    Mathematics for Physics 2 [20pt]                        SCQF Level 8
???    Introduction to Linear Algebra [20pt]                    SCQF Level 8
???    Calculus and its Applications [20pt]                    SCQF Level 8
???    Proofs and Problem Solving [20pt]                    SCQF Level 8 
???    20pt of free choice from Schedules A-Q, S, T, W and Y at Level 7/8. 
???    Physics 1B [20pt] may be taken instead of Proofs and Problem Solving, but then Accelerated Proofs and Problem Solving must be taken in Year 2.
 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 120pt of courses, normally at SCQF Level 8

Specified courses are:
???    Introductory Dynamics [10pt]                        SCQF Level 8
???    Probability [10pt]                                SCQF Level 8
???    Introductory Fields and Waves [20pt]                    SCQF Level 8
???    Fundamentals of Pure Mathematics [20pt]                SCQF Level 8
???    Several Variable Calculus and Differential Equations [20pt]         SCQF Level 8
???    Modern Physics [10pt]                             SCQF Level 8
???    Physics of Matter [10pt]                             SCQF Level 8    
???    Programming and Data Analysis [10pt]                     SCQF Level 8    
???    10pt of free choice from Schedules A-Q, S, T, W and Y at Level 7/8. 
Progression requires 120pt of courses from second year. By concession 10pt courses may be carried, but must not include specified courses.

 


Second Year Point of Entry 2 (Direct Entry) for suitably qualified students
Total of 120pt of courses, normally at SCQF Level 8

Specified  courses are:
???    Accelerated Algebra and Calculus for Direct Entry [20pt]         SCQF Level 8
???    Accelerated Proofs and Problem Solving [10pt]                SCQF Level 8
???    Introductory Dynamics [10pt]                        SCQF Level 8
???    Probability [10pt]                                SCQF Level 8
???    Introductory Fields and Waves [20pt]                    SCQF Level 8
???    Fundamentals of Pure Mathematics [20pt]                SCQF Level 8
???    Modern Physics [10pt]                             SCQF Level 8
???    Physics of Matter [10pt]                             SCQF Level 8    
???    Programming and Data Analysis [10pt]                     SCQF Level 8    

Junior Honours (Third Year) 

Total of 120pt of courses, at Level 9 or 10

Specified compulsory courses are:
???    Principles of Quantum Mechanics [20pt]             SCQF Level 10
???    Electromagnetism and Relativity [20pt]                 SCQF Level 10
???    Thermal Physics [20pt]                         SQCF Level 9
???    Lagrangian Dynamics [10pt]                     SCQF Level 10
???    Computer Modelling or Numerical Recipes [10pt]        SQCF Level 9/10
???    Honours Complex Variables [20pt]                SQCF Level 10
???    20pt of free choice from a list of 9 recommended courses in Schedules P & Q    
            
Progression requires 120pt of courses at first sit. Students obtaining 120pt after August re-sits are eligible for the BSc Ordinary Sciences PHY degree.

Senior Honours (Fourth Year) 

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

Specified compulsory courses are:
???    Methods of Mathematical Physics [10pt]                    SCQF Level 10
???    Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics [10pt]                SCQF Level 10
???    Nuclear and Particle Physics [10pt]                        SCQF Level 10
???    Symmetries of Quantum Mechanics [10pt]                                                   SCQF Level 10
???    Quantum Theory [10pt]                            SCQF Level 11
???    Classical Electrodynamics [10pt]                        SCQF Level 11
???    Group Project [10pt]                                    SCQF Level 11
???    Mathematical Physics Honours Project or Senior Honours Project [10pt]    SCQF Level 10
???    40pt of free choice from a list of over 50 recommended courses at Levels 10/11 in Schedules P & Q
???    Science Education Placement Physics [20pt] may be taken instead of the Honours Project

Progression requires 120pt of courses at first sit. 






Integrated Masters (Fifth Year) 

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

Specified compulsory courses are:
???    MPhys Project [40pt]                                    SCQF Level 11
???    MPhys Project Presentation [10pt]                        SCQF Level 11
???    Hamiltonian Dynamics [10pt], unless taken in Y4                SCQF Level 11
???    Statistical Physics [10pt], unless taken in Y4                    SCQF Level 11
???    General Relativity [10pt], or Geometry of GR [10pt], unless taken in Y4    SCQF Level 11
???    Up to 70pt of free choice from a list of over 50 recommended courses at Levels 10/11 in Schedules P & Q

Progression requires 120pt of courses at first sit. 


Classification of Honours
Honours classification is determined on the 360pt 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

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. Typical modes of assessment 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 typical weight of 80% being 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 offered examination feedback workshops as the start of semester 2 where student 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 assigned by continuous assessment either via written submitted reports, laboratory notebooks or, for computing classes, specified checkpoints assessed by 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 10% which are marked throughout the course are returned as with written feedback. The reduction in frequency and weight of these hand-ins compared to pre-honours encouraged 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 heir work at the course workshops/tutorials. All students have access to their marked examination scripts via the School Teaching Office.

Computing courses at Junior Honours are assessed as at pre-honours. Project work as Team and Group exercises in Research Methods, Team Review and Group Project as assessed by a written group report, group presentation and peer moderation.

Integrated Masters (fifth year):
The MPhys project in the Integrated Masters year is assessed via performance, a written report, an oral presentation and a 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

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