Programme Title

MSci Physics

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Master in Science

Programme Code

PHY-MSCI

UCAS Code

F303

HECoS Code

100425

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Mode of Study

Full Time

Type of Programme

Undergraduate Master

Length of Programme

4 Academic Year(s)

Total Credits for Programme

480

Exit Awards available

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Mathematics & Physics

Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level 
www.qaa.ac.uk

Level 7

QAA Benchmark Group
www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

Physics, astronomy and astrophysics (2008)

Accreditations (PSRB)

Institute of Physics

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 06-06-14

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

No

Programme Specific Regulations

Transfers to other Programmes
At any time, normally up to the end of Stage 2, students may transfer to the BSc Programme in Physics. Students may transfer to the BSc Programme of Physics with Astrophysics, or Physics with Medical Applications (or MSci if they have achieved a weighted average of at least 55% before rounding), provided they have passed all the compulsory modules on the Programme to which they are transferring up to that time of transfer.

Progression
At the end of Stages 2 and 3, students require an overall weighted average of at least 55% before rounding to progress to the next stage.
At the end of stages 2 and 3, students with an overall weighted average less than 55% will be required to transfer to the BSc Physics degree.

To progress from stage 3 to stage 4 students must maintain a weighted average of at least 55%
Students who fail to maintain this average will be required to transfer to the BSc pathway. They may be awarded a BSc degree if they meet the criteria for this award.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Exploit modern computer technology to develop bespoke software codes, perform simulations, solve equations, and analyse data

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Coding techniques and strategies introduced via lectures and then applied in computer labs through development of physical models, numerical solutions to equations, and statistical analysis. Skills also applied in experimental labs, computational projects/assignments and research project work

Methods of Assessment

Use of computing for laboratory/project analysis and reports, coding assignments, numerical problem solving assignments, mini-projects (group and individual)

Perform dimensional analysis and order of magnitude estimates

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Discussed and demonstrated in lectures and tutorials.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, tutorial performance

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge and conceptual understanding of the theory and application of core physics concepts in the areas of classical and relativistic mechanics, quantum physics, condensed matter, electromagnetism, optics and thermodynamics.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Primarily through lectures and directed self-study from a range of resources. Reinforcement via tutorials, laboratory experiments and projects

Methods of Assessment

Examinations, class tests, written and online assignments, tutorial performance, written reports, oral presentations

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in selected specialist physics topics, and an awareness of current trends and developments at the research frontiers of these subjects

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures and directed self-study from a range of resources, research projects and group projects.

Methods of Assessment

Examinations, assignments, written reports/essays, oral presentations, and oral review meetings

Display knowledge of a range of mathematical techniques and apply them in a variety of physical situations

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, workshops, tutorials and problem solving classes to acquire and practice mathematical techniques and their application

Methods of Assessment

Explicitly in examinations, class tests, written and online assignments. Implicitly in all other assessments using quantitative physical models

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Identify the principles underlying physical problems, formulate them mathematically, and obtain analytical, approximate, or numerical solutions.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Concepts primarily introduced in lectures. Techniques used to obtain quantitative outcomes presented, discussed and practiced in lectures, tutorials, laboratories, individual and group projects

Methods of Assessment

Examinations, class tests, written and online assignments, tutorial performance, written reports, oral presentations

Plan, execute and report the results of an experiment or investigation, and compare results critically with predictions from theory

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Laboratory experiments, computational projects and research projects

Methods of Assessment

Assignments, written reports, oral presentations, oral review meetings

Plan and execute a substantial experimental or theoretical investigation in a current research area of physics, including critical and quantitative assessment of their own work and the work of others

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students work full time in a research laboratory for a whole semester. One-to one supervision of substantial project performed individually or as part of a team in a current area of physics research to a level which could lead to publications in peer reviewed journals.

Methods of Assessment

Online safety tests, risk assessments, literature reviews, oral presentations, laboratory performance, oral review meeting, written report

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Search for, evaluate and reference relevant information from a range of sources

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures/workshops on how to use and reference and review library books, scientific papers, and internet sources. Supervision during labs, research projects and group projects, and formative and summative feedback for student coursework.

Methods of Assessment

Written reports and essays, oral presentations (for individual and group projects), literature reviews

Communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner both orally and in a written format with proper regard for the needs of the audience.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures/workshops on how to prepare and execute oral presentations, scientific reports/popular articles, and writing concisely. Re-enforced at all levels through supervision during labs, research projects and group projects, and formative and summative feedback for student coursework.

Methods of Assessment

Written reports and essays, oral presentations (for individual and group projects)

Write computer programmes and use software packages to analyse data, perform numerical calculations, report results and prepare documents.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures and computer practicals on computer coding principles, syntax for specific languages, using Excel and Matlab, data analysis and numerical techniques.

Methods of Assessment

Coding and numerical problem solving assignments and mini-projects (group and individual)

Work independently and as part of a team/group of peers while demonstrating time management and the ability to meet deadlines.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Laboratory experiments, research projects, group projects, and personal tutoring/supervision/mentoring

Methods of Assessment

Written reports, oral presentations, peer review. Time management /deadlines implicit to all continuous assessment,

Appreciate and demonstrate the importance of health and safety, risk assessment and scientific ethics

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Safety training courses, lectures, workshops, personal supervision.

Methods of Assessment

Project/lab risk assessments, online safety tests, assignments