THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH |
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Degree Programme Specification BSc Honours in Physics |
BSc Honours in 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 Institute of Physics |
Final award: | BSc Honours |
Programme title: | Physics BSc |
UCAS code: | F300 |
Relevant QAA subject benchmarking group(s): | Physics, astronomy and astrophysics |
Postholder with overall responsibility for QA: | Dr Victoria Martin |
Date of production/revision: | 22nd June 2012 |
Further Information: | View the prospectus entry for this programme |
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 5 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 through WWW. 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 years and Fast Track 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 workshops classes. Computing/IT courses are conducted through supervised sessions in dedicated teaching laboratories in groups of 10-50. Team 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 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 unseen examinations 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 unseen examinations. 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 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 at pre-honours with for experimental laboratory an additional short oral presentation on which feedback is given. Project work as Senior Honours is assessed via laboratory performance, written report and poster presentation; written feedback is given on all aspects. Team and Group exercises in Research Methods, Team Review and Group Project as assessed by a written group report, group presentation and peer moderation. |
Career opportunities |
The BSc programme offers the preparation for a research career in physics either via further academic study, typically towards a PhD or via industrial research. In addition a wide range of employers recognise that 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, computing and IT proficiency, 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 have gone on to jobs with Google, the European Space Agency, the BBC, IBM and a variety of other organisations. |
Other items |
Personal Tutors Each student is assigned a Personal Tutor who provides both academic and pastoral guidance. Throughout a student's time at the university the Personal Tutor guides the student in choice of courses and provides general support. Courses are administered and run through the Teaching Organisation in the School. These produce detailed online course guides for new students and for continuing students. These guides provide details of courses and also advise students on assessment and general university policy and regulations. |
Further information |