Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
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Loughborough University

Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

Undergraduate Physics Programmes (2019 entry)

Academic Year: 2019/20

This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.

This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Study.

This specification should be read in conjunction with:

  • Summary
  • Aims
  • Learning outcomes
  • Structure
  • Progression & weighting

Programme summary

Awarding body/institution Loughborough University
Teaching institution (if different)
Owning school/department Department of Physics
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body

Accreditation will be sought from the Institute of Physics (IoP).  This will be provisional in nature until the first cohort of students have graduated in line with the IoPs regulations.

Final award BSc
BSc+DIS/BSc+DInts/BSc+DPS
MPhys
MPhys+DIS/MPhys+DIntS/MPhys+DPS
Programme title Physics
Engineering Physics
Physics with Theoretical Physics
Mathematics and Physics
Programme code See Programme Structure
Length of programme BSc: 3 years
BSc with placement: 4 years
MPhys: 4 years
MPhys with placement: 5 years
UCAS code See Programme Structure
Admissions criteria

Physics

MPhys (Hons) DIS/DIntS - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/f304 / MPhys (Hons) - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/f303

BSc (Hons) DIS/DIntS - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/f301 / BSc (Hons) - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/f300

Engineering Physics

MPhys (Hons) DIS/DIntS - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/f313 / MPhys (Hons) - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/f312

BSc (Hons) DIS/DIntS - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/f382 / BSc (Hons) - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/f311

Physics with Theoretical Physics

BSc (Hons) -  / BSc (Hons) DIS/DIntS - 

Mathematics and Physics

MPhys (Hons) DIS/DIntS - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/fg3d / MPhys (Hons) - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/fg3c

BSc (Hons) DIS/DIntS - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/gf13 / BSc (Hons) - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/fg31

 

Date at which the programme specification was published Sun, 02 Aug 2020 11:01:44 BST

1. Programme Aims

 

Ph BSc

Ph MPhys

Math & Ph BSc

Math & Ph MPhys

Ph with Th Ph BSc

Ph with Th Ph MPhys

Eng Ph BSc

Eng Ph MPhys

To be able to appropriately apply the Scholastic and Scientific methods within physics and have an appreciation of their usefulness to other disciplines.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

To be able to use Physics thinking in the formulation and solution of problems.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

To be able to apply mathematics in the formulation and solution of physics problems.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

To be able to use computers and related technologies in the formulation and solution of physics problems

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

To be able to design, observe, measure and experiment in a competent, precise and safe manner.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

To be able to collaborate with others (team members and other stakeholders) on projects involving highly technical content

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

To demonstrate some aptitude in advanced topics and the ability to contribute to physics research

 

X

 

X

 

X

 

X

To be able to apply methods of advanced pure mathematics

 

 

X

X

 

 

 

 

To be able to apply methods of advanced applied mathematics, computational and/or theoretical physics

 

 

 

 

X

X

 

 

To be able to apply engineering methods in the solutions of complex problems

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

X

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

 

  • QAA: Subject Benchmark Statement Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics 2016
  • Institute of Physics (IoP) Accreditation requirements - these are currently under review. 
  • University Teaching and Learning Strategy.
  • Framework for Higher Education Qualifications

 

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

 

 

Ph BSc

Ph MPhys

Math & Ph BSc

Math & Ph MPhys

Ph with Th Ph BSc

Ph with Th Ph MPhys

Eng Ph BSc

Eng Ph MPhys

K1

Set up models and link mathematical representations to physical phenomena and vice versa.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

K2

Apply a systematic knowledge and understanding of selected physical systems to model specific phenomena.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

K3

Demonstrate mathematical thinking in a range of selected topics relevant to the physical sciences (such as functional analysis [e.g. as applied in quantum mechanics] and group theory [e.g. as applied to continuous rotations]).

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

K4

Recognise the various roles of probability and statistics in physics and science in general.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:
   

Ph BSc

Ph MPhys

Math & Ph BSc

Math & Ph MPhys

Ph with Th Ph BSc

Ph with Th Ph MPhys

Eng Ph BSc

Eng Ph MPhys

C1

Select equations, methods, techniques or concepts from textbook literature and apply them correctly in the attempted solution of an open-ended problem.

X

 

X

 

X

 

X

 

C2

Select equations, methods, techniques or concepts from published research literature and apply them correctly in the attempted solution of an open-ended problem.

 

X

 

X

 

X

 

X

C3

Discuss the findings of a selected piece of scientific text within the context of current literature on the subject.

X

 

X

 

X

 

X

 

C4

Discuss and critically evaluate the findings of published research within the context of current literature on the subject - providing a commentary that identifies strengths and weaknesses within a work to deliver a value judgment of the contribution to the field of study.

 

X

 

X

 

X

 

X

C5

Use order-of-magnitude approximations and dimensional analysis in physics thinking and the verification of calculations.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

C6

Reduce the complexity of a physical problem to gain an approximate understanding of a systems behaviour.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

C7

Use fundamental principles of physics in the solution of problems such as using the kinetic and potential energy of a system to write its Lagrangian and Hamiltonian and derive from these equations of motion.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

C8

Evaluate the strengths, weaknesses and applicability of a given method or model.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

C9

Analyse raw experimental data to obtain non-trivial parameters.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

C10

Perform calculations typical of those presented in recently published research literature.

X

 

X

 

X

 

X

 

C11

Perform calculations in an open-ended problem typical of those presented in recently published research literature.

 

X

 

X

 

X

 

X

C12

Apply mathematical methods to the solution of problems in the physical sciences.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

C13

Select an appropriate programming language and use it to model a given physical system or problem taking into account the relevant features of different major paradigms (e.g. procedural, functional, object-oriented, event-driven and declarative).

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

C14

Calculate realistic estimates of the accuracies and errors of experimental measurements and judge if experimental results are in agreement or conflict with a given theory.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

C15

Demonstrate the ability to work with mathematical rigour, for example by the correct formulation of epsilon-delta proofs.

 

 

X

X

 

 

 

 

C16

Perform calculations using knowledge of one area of mathematical physics.

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

C17

Perform calculations in one area of mathematical physics in the attempted solution of open-ended problem typical of those presented in recently published research literature.

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

C18

Develop theoretical models of non-trivial physical systems.

 

 

 

 

X

X

 

 

C19

Perform calculations using knowledge of one area of theoretical and/or computational physics.

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

C20

Perform calculations in one area of theoretical and/or computational physics in the attempted solution of open-ended problem typical of those presented in recently published research literature.

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

b. Subject-specific practical skills:
   

Ph BSc

Ph MPhys

Math & Ph BSc

Math & Ph MPhys

Ph with Th Ph BSc

Ph with Th Ph MPhys

Eng Ph BSc

Eng Ph MPhys

P1

Perform data acquisition and analysis, processing feedback and control of real or virtual experimental apparatus using industry standard solutions (such as dataflow programming in G for LabVIEW).

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

P2

Use high-level third-party modelling tools (such as COMSOL or FLUENT) for the analysis of complex physical systems or phenomena (e.g. for antenna design or analysis of turbulent flow).

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

P3

Demonstrate competent use and assess the limitations of experimental apparatus such as a voltmeter, multimeter, galvanometer, power supply, oscilloscope and signal generator.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

P4

Design and build simple apparatus/electrical circuits using mechanical, optical and electrical components to support instrumentation and measurement.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

P5

Design, execute and assess an experiment to test a given hypothesis using a given a set of resources.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

P6

Perform physical analysis and/or experiments of utility in a departmental research theme.

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P7

Perform physical analysis and/or experiments of that actively contribute to departmental research.

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

P8

Review the potential for enhancing solutions to engineering problems (e.g. practices, products, processes, systems and services) using evidence from best practice

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

X

P9

Apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods to the analysis and solution of engineering problems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

P10

Apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods to the analysis and solution of advanced engineering problems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

c. Key transferable skills:
   

Ph BSc

Ph MPhys

Math & Ph BSc

Math & Ph MPhys

Ph with Th Ph BSc

Ph with Th Ph MPhys

Eng Ph BSc

Eng Ph MPhys

T1

Plan a project within an appropriate area of physics, demonstrating a sustained systematic and scientific approach.

X

 

X

 

X

 

X

 

T2

Plan a project informed by and contributing to departmental research, demonstrating a sustained systematic and scientific approach.

 

X

 

X

 

X

 

X

T3

Maintain complete, accurate and contemporaneous laboratory and project records, demonstrating an awareness and requirements of the wider context of keeping such records.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

T4

Report the results of a scientific investigation in the format of an academic manuscript adhering to the expected writing and reporting standards of leading publishers.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

T5

Apply principles of good programming practice such as the provision of suitable documentation, use of variable names and quality control techniques such as Unit testing.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

T6

Design and execute experiments incorporating health and safety management strategies including undertaking a technical risk assessment.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

T7

Communicate features of a complex physical idea, theory or proposal to a general audience.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

T8

Communicate complex scientific ideas effectively.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

T9

Develop a risk management plan that takes into account appropriate elements of some existing standards and practices (such as Risk Management – Principles and Guidelines: ISO 31000:2009).

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

T10

Critically evaluate the operation of a team and assess their own contribution in the execution of a project.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

T11

Perform a specific role within a team that has well defined responsibility.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

T12

Deploy selected time and management tools in the planning, execution and programme evaluation of a project.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

4. Programme structure

 

Programme Code

Title

Award

Abbreviation

PHUB01

Physics

BSc

Ph

PHUM01

Physics

MPhys

Ph

PHUB02

Engineering Physics

BSc

Eng Ph

PHUM02

Engineering Physics

MPhys

Eng Ph

PHUB07

Mathematics and Physics

BSc

Math & Ph

PHUM07

Mathematics and Physics

MPhys

Math & Ph

PHUB04

Physics with Theoretical Physics

BSc

Ph with Th Ph

PHUM04

Physics with Theoretical Physics

MPhys

Ph with Th Ph

 

x          Compulsory Module

o          Optional Module

 

            Part A

 

 

 

Cred

Sem

Ph

Math & Ph

Ph with Th Ph

Eng Ph

PHA901

Core Physics I: Foundations of Physics

20

1

X

X

X

X

PHA902

Core Physics II: Classical physics of particles, fields and devices

20

2

X

X

X

X

PHA903

Physics laboratory I

20

1&2

X

X

X

X

PHA904

Computational Physics I

20

1&2

X

X

X

X

MAA901

Mathematics for Physics I

20

1&2

X

X

X

X

PHA905

Methods, Philosophy and Frontiers of Physical Science

20

1&2

X

 

X

X

MAA140

Analysis 1

10

1

 

X

 

 

MAA243

Analysis 2

10

2

 

X

 

 

 

 

Part B

 

 

 

Cred

Sem

Ph

Math & Ph

Ph with Th Ph

Eng Ph

PHB901

Core Physics III: Quantum and condensed matter physics

20

1

X

X

X

X

PHB902

Core Physics IV: Condensed matter, materials & statistical physics

20

2

X

X

X

X

PHB903

Physics laboratory II

20

1&2

X

X

X

X

PHB904

Computational Physics II

20

1&2

X

X

X

X

PHB905

Astrophysics and Astronomy

20

1&2

X

 

 

 

MAB901

Mathematics for Physics II

20

1&2

X

X

X

X

MAB141

Analysis 3

10

1

 

X

 

 

MAB298

Elements of Topology

10

2

 

X

 

 

MAB170

Probability Theory

10

1

 

 

X

 

MAB241

Complex Variables

10

2

 

 

X

 

WSB013

Engineering Project Management

20

1&2

 

 

 

O (Elec)

(Sys)

MPB311

Materials Modelling

10

1

 

 

 

O (Mat)

MPB322

Phase Transformations in Materials

10

2

 

 

 

O (Mat)

MMB610

Manufacturing Technology

10

1

 

 

 

O (Mech)

MMA100

Mechanics of Materials 1

10

2

 

 

 

O (Mech)

               

Part C

 

 

Cred

Sem

Ph

Math & Ph

Ph with Th Ph

Eng Ph

PHC901

Core Physics V: Advanced topics

20

1&2

X

X

X

X

PHC902

Group Project

30

1&2

X

X

X

X

PHC903

Final year project (BSc project)

30

1&2

X (BSc)

X (BSc)

X (BSc)

X (BSc)

PHC904

Research Methods

30

1&2

X (MPhys)

X (MPhys)

X (MPhys)

X (MPhys)

PHC011

General Relativity and Cosmology

20

1&2

O

 

O

 

PHC013

Statistical Physics

10

1

O

 

O

 

PHC108

Modern Optics

10

2

O

 

O

 

PHC120

Surfaces, Thin Films and High Vacuum

10

1

O

 

 

 

PHC180

Advanced Physics Laboratory

10

2

O

 

 

 

MAC233

Studies in Science and Mathematics Education

10

2

O

O

O

 

PHC205

Elementary Particle Physics

10

2

O

 

O

 

MAC150

Inviscid Fluid Mechanics

10

1

 

 

O

 

MAC249

Linear Differential Equations

10

2

 

 

O

 

MAC251

Vibrations and Waves

10

2

 

 

O

 

MAC147

Number Theory

10

1

 

O

 

 

MAC176

Graph Theory

10

1

 

O

 

 

MAB242

Abstract Algebra

10

1

 

O

 

 

MAC148

Introduction to Dynamical Systems

10

1

O

O

O

 

MAC197

Introduction to Differential Geometry

10

1

 

O

O

 

MAC272

Random Processes and Time Series Analysis

10

2

 

O

O

 

MAC2XX

Advanced Differential Equations

10

2

 

O

 

 

MAC265

Game Theory

10

2

 

O

 

 

MAC200

Mathematics Report

10

2

 

O

 

 

WSC018

Embedded Systems Design and Implementation

20

1

 

 

 

O (Elec)

WSC055

Digital Interfacing and Instrumentation

20

2

 

 

 

O (Elec)

MPC312

Nano Materials

10

1

 

 

 

O (Mat)

MPC111

Advanced Principles of Materials

10

1

 

 

 

O (Mat)

MPC114

Composite Materials

10

2

 

 

 

O (Mat)

MPC312

Functional Materials

10

2

 

 

 

O (Mat)

MMC910

Laser Materials Processing

10

1

 

 

 

O (Mech)

MMB100

Mechanics of Materials 2

10

1

 

 

 

O (Mech)

MMC802

Computational Fluid Dynamics

10

2

 

 

 

O (Mech)

MPC102

Fracture and Failure

10

2

 

 

 

O (Mech)

WSC200

Engineering Management: Finance, Law and Quality

10

1

 

 

 

O (Sys)

WSC108

Manufacturing Automation and Control

10

1

 

 

 

O (Sys)

WSB004 Control System Design  20 2        O (Sys)

Part D

 

 

Cred

Sem

Ph

Math & Ph

Ph with Th Ph

Eng Ph

PHD901

Physics Research Project (MPhys Project)

60

1&2

X (MPhys)

X (MPhys)

X (MPhys)

X (MPhys)

PHD130

Quantum Information

15

1

O

O

O

 

PHD201

Physics of Complex Systems

15

2

O

O

O

 

PHD202

Superconductivity and Nanoscience

15

2

O

O

O

 

PHD230

Quantum Computing

15

2

O

O

O

 

PHP100

Mathematical Methods for Interdisciplinary Sciences

15

1

O

O

O

 

PHD109

Characterisation Techniques in Solid State Physics

15

1

O

 

 

 

MAP102

Programming and Numerical Methods

15

1

 

 

O

 

MAP111

Mathematical Modelling I

15

1

O

O

O

 

MAD202

Nonlinear Waves

15

2

 

 

O

 

MAP211

Mathematical Modelling II

15

2

O

O

O

 

MAP213

Fluid Mechanics

15

2

O

 

O

 

MAP104

Introduction to Measure Theory and Martingales

15

1

 

O

 

 

MAD103

Lie Groups and Lie Algebras

15

1

 

O

 

 

MAD203

Functional Analysis

15

2

 

O

 

 

MAD102

Regular and Chaotic Dynamics

15

1

O

O

O

 

MAP201

Elements of PDEs

15

2

O

O

O

 

WSD506

Fundamentals of Digital Signal Processing

15

1

 

 

 

O (Elec)

WSD511

Information Theory and Coding

15

1

 

 

 

O (Elec)

WSD533

Solar Power

15

1

 

 

 

O (Elec)

WSD534

Wind Power

15

1

 

 

 

O (Elec)

WSD517

Mobile Network Technologies

15

2

 

 

 

O (Elec)

WSD523

Antennas

15

2

 

 

 

O (Elec)

WSD526

Radio Frequency and Microwave Integrated Circuit Design

15

2

 

 

 

O (Elec)

MPP552

Design with Engineering Materials

15

1

 

 

 

O (Mat)

MPP551

Advanced Characterisation of Materials

15

1

 

 

 

O (Mat)

MPP556

Materials Modelling

15

2

 

 

 

O (Mat)

MPP509

Advances in Biomaterials

15

2

 

 

 

O (Mat)

MMP102

Experimental Mechanics

15

1

 

 

 

O (Mech)

MMP103

Simulation of Advanced Materials and Processes

15

1

 

 

 

O (Mech)

MMP130

Structural Analysis

15

2

 

 

 

O (Mech)

MMP830

Thermofluids

15

2

 

 

 

O (Mech)

WSP072

Systems Architecture

15

1

 

 

 

O (Sys)

WSP066

Systems Design

15

1

 

 

 

O (Sys)

WSP071

Holistic Engineering

15

2

 

 

 

O (Sys)

WSP067

Validation and Verification

15

2

 

 

 

O (Sys)

 

Total Modular Weighting per Semester

 

Students normally study modules with a total weight of 60 in each semester.  However, in Part C and D, students may be allowed to study modules up to a total weight of 70 in a semester, 120 in the Part, subject to the consent of the Associate Dean for Teaching or nominee.

 

Optional Modules not Listed

 

In exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the Associate Dean for Teaching or nominee, candidates may be allowed to substitute an alternative Loughborough University module of the appropriate Part for any of the optional modules above.

 

Part I

 

BSc candidates opting to take eight semesters and MPhys candidates opting to take ten semesters are required to spend the year following Part B for BSc or Part B or Part C for MPhys either (a) at an approved course of study at a University abroad or (b) in professional training. These lead to the awards of the Diploma in International Studies. Diploma in Professional Studies or the Diploma in Industrial Studies respectively in accordance with Regulation XI.

 

Engineering Physics: Selection of Specialised Streams


At the end of Part A engineering physics students will be asked to select an engineering specialisation. The relevant modules for each stream are indicated in the programme structure according to: Electrical (Elec) Materials (Mat) Mechanical and Manufacturing (Mech) and Systems (Sys) engineering.

 

Note: Modules offered by this and other departments are subject to change, suspension or termination. The availability of specific modules and any given engineering-physics-stream is not guaranteed.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C, from C to D (if applicable) and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX but also:

 

In order to progress from Part A to Part B candidates must achieve at least 40% in PHA901, PHA902, PHA903, MAA901 (MAA140 and MAA243 if on Mathematics and Physics).

In order to progress from Part B to Part C candidates must achieve at least 40% in PHB901, PHB902, MAB901.

 

 

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C (and D if applicable). The average percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio specified in the following table.

 

BSc Candidates

Part B : Part C

40 : 60

MPhys Candidates

Part B : Part C : Part D

20 : 40 : 40 

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