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THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH 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 MPhys Honours in Physics |
MPhys 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: | MPhys |
Programme title: | Physics |
UCAS code: | F303 |
Relevant QAA subject benchmarking group(s): | Physics, astronomy and astrophysics |
Postholder with overall responsibility for QA: | Professor Phillip 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 students 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 at Edinburgh; • 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: |
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:
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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 |
The degree programme aims to develop:
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Programme outcomes: Graduate Attributes - Skills and Abilities in Personal Effectiveness |
The degree programme aims to develop:
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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 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, 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. Total of 120 credits of courses, normally at 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 120 credits of courses, normally at SCQF Level 8
• Physics of Fields and Matter [20 credits] SCQF Level 8
Second Year Point of Entry 2 (Direct Entry) for suitably qualified students.
Progression 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) |
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 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, in final year Integrated Masters Projects students work individually in research groups, with supervision by research staff. Group Projects typically involve teams of about 5 students working largely autonomously. Innovative Learning Week |
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 offer 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 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 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 MPhys programme offers the preparation needed for a research career in physics, either via further academic study (e.g. 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, 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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