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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2020/2021
Information in the Degree Programme Specifications may still be subject to change in response to Covid-19
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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
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: Professor Philip Clark
Date of production/revision: 5th March 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. The BSc programme covers all aspects of physics, from the very basics to the current frontiers of knowledge.  The early years of the programme are broad-based, providing a robust foundation for advanced physics and mathematics courses. In later years you can specialise, depending on your interests and career ambitions, by taking courses from a wide range of fields including quantum physics, particle physics, nuclear physics, condensed matter, fluids, optics, cosmology, astronomy as well as skills in computational and theoretical physics.

 

Studying 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 School of Physics & Astronomy;
•    the attitude of mind conducive to critical questioning and creative thinking and the capacity to formulate ideas mathematically and explore them algebraically, graphically, and numerically;
•    to develop an understanding of data analysis techniques and numerical modelling; 
•    the skills required for employment in science-based industry, education and the wide spectrum of professions calling for numerate problem-solvers.

Educational Aims of Programme

The educational aims of the 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 thorough grounding in experimental techniques and the critical analysis of experimental data;
•    to provide a balanced training in the methodologies of modern physics including numerical and computation methods; 
•    to develop general transferable skills related to IT & computing, problem-solving and communication; 
•    to provide a platform for employment in science-based industry, education and the wide spectrum of professions calling for numerate problem-solvers.

Programme outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding

By engaging with and completing a degree in 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:

  • An attitude of mind conducive to critical questioning and creative thinking;
  • The 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:

  • a 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 the skills to:    
•    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 their own independent learning to an effective schedule;
  • a 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;

•    numerical programming and computer simulation techniques;
•    computer algebra and symbolic manipulation;
•    the ability to analyst 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

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
40 credits of free choice from Schedules A-Q, S, T, W and Y at Level 7/8.  SCQF Level 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 120pt of courses, normally at SCQF Level 8

 

Specified 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
Programming and Data Analysis [10 credits]    SCQF Level 8
Modern Physics [10 credits] SCQF Level 8
Linear Algebra and Several Variable Calculus [10 credits] SCQF Level 8
40 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 40 credits of courses may be carried but must not include specified courses

 

Second Year Point of Entry 2

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

 

Specified 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
Programming and Data Analysis [10 credits]    SCQF Level 8
Modern Physics [10 credits] SCQF Level 8
Linear Algebra and Several Variable Calculus [10 credits] SCQF Level 8
Physics and Mathematics for Direct Entry [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 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.

 

Junior Honours (Third Year)

Total of 120 credits of courses, normally at Level 9

 

Specified 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
Experimental Physics 3 [20 credits]    SCQF Level 9
Research Methods in Physics [10 credits] SCQF Level 9

Either:

Computer Modelling [10 credits] SQCF Level 9
or  
Numerical Recipes [10 credits] SQCF 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
Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics [10 credits] SCQF Level 10
Data Acquisition and Handling [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 in Physics [20 credits] SCQF Level 10
40 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 240pt of courses taken in Junior Honours, and Senior Honours year 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/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.


 

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 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 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. 

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.


 

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