Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
LE11 3TU
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Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

Undergraduate Physics Programmes (entry prior to 2019)

Academic Year: 2020/21

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:

Reg. XX (Undergraduate Awards) (see University Regulations)
Module Specifications

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	Institute of Physics
Final award	BSc BSc+DIS/BSc+DInts/BSc+DPS MPhys MPhys+DIS/MPhys+DIntS/MPhys+DPS
Programme title	Physics Engineering Physics Physics with Astrophysics and Cosmology Physics and Mathematics Physics with Sport Science/Physics with Sports Science
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 Astrophysics and Cosmology BSc (Hons) - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/f3f5 / BSc (Hons) DIS/DIntS - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/f3fm Physics and Mathematics 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 11:01:55 BST

1. Programme Aims

	PH BSc & MPhys	EngPH BSc & MPhys	PHMA BSc & MPhys	PH w AstroCos BSc & MPhys	Ph w SS BSc & MPhys
Formulate problems in precise terms and identify key issues, construct logical arguments and use technical language correctly.	x	x	x	x	x
To enable students to apply a broad understanding of the basic principles of physics to the solution of physical problems.	x	x	x	x	x
To enhance students' skills in mathematics, problem solving, experimental techniques, scientific report writing and the collection and analysis of information.	x	x	x	x	x
To enhance students' skills in presenting information and the use of information technology.	x	x	x	x	x
To provide an environment that gives students opportunities to develop their own interests, self-reliance and career aspirations.	x	x	x	x	x
To educate students as physicists in preparation for employment in industry, public service or academic research by providing the knowledge, competence and skills expected of a physicist.	x	x	x	x	x
To prepare students for the transition to a career as a professional physicist.	MPhys only
To provide students with a sound grounding in chosen aspects of engineering related to physics.		x
To provide students with a solid foundation of the core areas of mathematics and allow students to further their own mathematical interests through module selection.			x
To provide a sound mathematics and physics based intellectual education appropriate to the needs of society.			x
To educate students as physicists and mathematicians in preparation for employment in industry, public service or academic research by providing the knowledge, competence and skills expected of a mathematical physicist.			x
The programme aims to provide a Physics core with additional modules that develop the students’ knowledge and understanding of Astrophysics and Cosmology.				x
To develop knowledge, understanding and skills in core sport sciences.					x
To provide students with selected specialised areas of study so that they experience the frontiers of research in sports science.					x

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

The national benchmark statement for Physics.
Institute of Physics degree accreditation guidelines.
University Teaching and Learning Strategy.
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:	PH BSc & MPhys	EngPH BSc & MPhys	PHMA BSc & MPhys	PH w AstroCos BSc & MPhys	Ph w SS BSc & MPhys
K1	x	x	x	x	x
Knowledge and understanding of most fundamental physical laws and principles and competence in the application of these principles to diverse areas of physics.
K2	x	x	x	x	x
An ability to identify physical principles relevant to a problem and to make approximations necessary to obtain solutions.
K3	x	x	x	x	x
An ability to execute and analyse critically the results of an experimental investigation and to draw valid conclusions with an estimate of the uncertainty in the result. The ability to critically compare experimental results with the predictions of theory.
K4	x	x	x	x	x
Knowledge of the primary mathematical methods for the analysis of physical problems.
K5	x	x	x	x	x
An ability to solve problems in physics using appropriate mathematical tools.
K6	x	x	x	x	x
An ability to communicate scientific information especially in the form of clear and accurate scientific reports.
K7	x	x		x
An ability to use competently IT packages and knowledge of computer programming.
K8	MPhys only		MPhys only	MPhys only	MPhys only
Knowledge of the fundamental principles and applications of some advanced areas of physics or astrophysics at, or informed by, the forefront of the discipline.
K9	MPhys only	MPhys only	MPhys only	MPhys only	MPhys only
An ability to use competently advanced experimental techniques, theoretical and/or computer modelling to tackle an advanced problem and to interpret results obtained.
K10		x
Knowledge and understanding of the general engineering principles and the particular problems of application in the chosen subject area.
K11		x
Knowledge of the primary mathematical methods for the analysis of physical and engineering problems.
K12		x
An ability to identify physical principles relevant to a physics or engineering problem and to make approximations necessary to obtain solutions.
K13		MPhys only
Knowledge and understanding of a number of specialist engineering science disciplines in greater depth than is normally associated with a first degree award.
K14			BSc only
An understanding of core concepts in mathematics.
K15			BSc only
Knowledge and understanding of a range of analytical, numerical and qualitative mathematical techniques.
K16			x
An ability to use competently IT packages and a knowledge of the use of mathematical software in problem solving.
K17				x
Knowledge and understanding of most fundamental physical laws and principles and competence in the application of these principles to diverse areas of physics, astrophysics and cosmology.
K18				x
An ability to solve problems in physics, astrophysics and cosmology using appropriate mathematical tools.
K19					x
Understanding of core sports science from both a theoretical and practical perspective.
K20					x
Knowledge of the techniques required for a range of sports.
K21					x
Understanding of the tactical/strategic factors involved in sport.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:	PH BSc & MPhys	EngPH BSc & MPhys	PHMA BSc & MPhys	PH w AstroCos BSc & MPhys	PH w SS BSc & MPhys
C1	x	x	x	x	x
Recognise and analyse novel problems and plan strategies for their solution.
C2	x	x	x	x	x
Evaluate, interpret and collate information and data.
C3	x	x	x	x	x
Use mathematics to describe the physical world, selecting appropriate equations, constructing mathematical models, interpreting results and, where appropriate, critically comparing them with experiment and observation.
C4	BSc only	BSc only	BSc only	BSc only	BSc only
Apply appropriate knowledge and understanding to the solution of qualitative and quantitative problems of a familiar and unfamiliar nature.
C5	MPhys only	MPhys only	MPhys only	MPhys only	MPhys only
Apply appropriate knowledge and understanding to the solution of qualitative and quantitative problems of a familiar and unfamiliar nature some of which are close to the forefront of the discipline.
C6		x
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concept, principles and theories relating to areas of physics and engineering.
C7			x
The ability to construct logical mathematical and physical arguments.
C8			x
The ability to select appropriate mathematical tools to model the behaviour of the physical world.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:	PH BSc & MPhys	EngPH BSc & MPhys	PHMA BSc & MPhys	PH w AstroCos BSc & MPhys	Ph w SS BSc & MPhys
P1	x	x	x	x	x
Observe, accurately record and analyse, including estimates of accuracy, the results of experiments into physical processes.
P2	x	x	x	x	x
Communicate ideas effectively by means of written reports and orally.
P3	x	x	x	x	x
Draw valid conclusions from results obtained through experiment or investigation and compare these with expected outcomes or published data.
P4	x		BSc only	x	x
Apply appropriate mathematical or computing tools to a physical problem.
P5	BSc only	BSc only	BSc only	BSc only	BSc only
Plan and execute, under supervision, a research project on a topic of current scientific and/or engineering interest.
P6	MPhys only	MPhys only	MPhys only	MPhys only	MPhys only
Under supervision, plan and execute a research project on a topic close to the frontiers of knowledge.
P7	MPhys only	MPhys only		MPhys only	MPhys only
Show competence in the use of advanced experimental equipment.
P8		x
Apply appropriate mathematical or computational tools to a physical or engineering problem.
P9			MPhys only
Apply appropriate mathematical or computing tools to an advanced physical problem.
P10			MPhys only
Relate mathematics to physical processes, and thus obtain quantitative and qualitative information about the real world.
P11					x
Analyse skills, techniques and tactics in sport.
P12					x
Demonstrate practical skills relevant to a range of core sports.
P13					x
Show skills specific to their chosen specialist area of sports science.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:	PH BSc & MPhys	EngPH BSc & MPhys	PHMA BSc & MPhys	PH w AstroCos BSc & MPhys	PhwSS BSc & MPhys
T1	x	x	x	x	x
Formulate problems in precise terms and identify key issues, construct logical arguments and use technical language correctly.
T2	x	x	x	x	x
Communicate ideas concisely, accurately and informatively using both written and oral means.
T3	MPhys only	MPhys only	MPhys only	MPhys only	MPhys only
Communicate complex scientific ideas concisely, accurately and informatively using both written and oral means.
T4	x	x	x	x
Use standard IT packages and write computer programs.
T5					x
Make effective use of IT tools for acquiring and processing information.
T6	x	x	x	x	x
Retrieve and evaluate information from a range of primary and secondary sources and present complex information in a clear and concise manner.
T7	x	x	x	x	x
Work with others, as required, when carrying out tasks.
T8	x	x	x	x	x
Demonstrate general study skills, including the ability to learn independently using a variety of media.
T9	MPhys only	MPhys only	MPhys only	MPhys only	MPhys only
Demonstrate self-direction in tackling and solving problems and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks.
T10	x	x	x	x	x
Demonstrate time management and organisational skills.
T11		x
Apply an engineering approach to the solution of problems.

4. Programme structure

UCAS Codes:

Programme	BSc	BSc with Placement	MPhys	MPhys with Placement
Physics	F300	F301	F303	F304
Engineering Physics	F311	F382	F312	F313
Physics with Astrophysics and Cosmology	F3F5	F3FM
Physics and Mathematics	FG31	GF13	FG3C	FG3D

Programme titles and codes:

Programme Code

Title

Award

Abbreviation

PHUB01

Physics

BSc

PHUM01

Physics

MPhys

PHUB02

Engineering Physics

BSc

Eng Ph

PHUM02

Engineering Physics

MPhys

Eng Ph

PHUB03

Physics and Mathematics

BSc

Ph & Math

PHUM03

Physics and Mathematics

MPhys

Ph & Math

PHUB05 (2014 entry)

Physics with Astrophysics and Cosmology

BSc

Ph w AstroCos

PHUM05 (2014 entry)

Physics with Astrophysics and Cosmology

MPhys

Ph w AstroCos

PHUB14

Sport Science and Physics

BSc

SS & Ph

PHUB14 (from 2014)

Physics with Sport Science

BSc

Ph w SS

PHUM14 (from 2014)

Physics with Sport Science

MPhys

Ph w SS

Programme structure

Key

Compulsory Module

Optional Module

4.1 PART A

Cred

Sem

Eng Ph

Ph w AstroCos

Ph & Math

Ph w SS

MAA108

Mathematics for Physics 1

MAA208

Mathematics for Physics 2

MPA207

Mechanics of Materials 1

PHA007

Matter and Waves

PHA080

Part A Physics Laboratory

1+2

PHA107

Fields and Forces

PHA190

Information Skills

PHA290

Computing

PHA220

Astronomy

PHA285

Joint Physics Lab 1

MAA160

Computer Applications in Mathematics

MAA150

Mathematical Methods 1

MAA142

Linear Algebra

MAA270

Introduction to Probability and Statistics

MAA250

Mathematical Methods 2

MAA242

Geometry and Groups

PSA020

Introduction to Human and Exercise Physiology

PSA028

Biomechanics of Sport

PSA027

Introduction to Motor Control & Motor Learning

PSA026

Foundation of Sport and Exercise Psychology

4.2 PART B

Cred

Sem

Eng Ph

Ph w AstroCos

Ph & Math

Ph w SS

PHB020

Practical Astronomy

1+2

PHB101

Waves

PHB007

Astrophysics

1+2

PHB104

Quantum Mechanics

PHB106

Nuclear Physics

PHB080

Part B Physics Laboratory

1+2

PHB201

Fields

PHB203

Thermal Physics

PHB207

Electronics

PHB110

Solid State Physics

PHB285

Joint Physics Laboratory 2

MAB108

Mathematics for Physics 3

WSB300

Engineering Computation

1+2

WSB104

Control Engineering

LANxxx ^

Language in Sem 1

LANxxx ^

Language in Sem 2

MAA143

Analysis 1

MAB151

Mathematical Methods 3

MAB360

Numerical Methods

1+2

MAA243

Analysis 2

PSB211

Exercise Physiology

1+2

PSB031

Psychological Issues and Strategies in Sport

PSB028

Methods of Analysis in Sports Biomechanics

Part B Key

4.3 PART C

Cred

Sem

Eng Ph

Ph w AstroCos

Ph & Math

Ph w SS

PHC001

Physics Project

1+2 (minimum of 10 credits in each semester)

x^BSc

o^†

x^BSc

PHC002

Astrophysics Project

1+2 (minimum of 10 credits in each semester)

x^BSc

PHC011

General Relativity and Cosmology

1+2

o ^{BSc only}

PHC012

Quantum Physics

1+2

PHC013

Statistical Physics

PHC014

Condensed Matter Physics

1+2

o BSc xMPhys

oMPhys only

o BSc x MPhys

PHC108

Modern Optics

PHC120

Surfaces, Thin Films and High Vacuum

PHC180

Advanced Physics Laboratory

x^MPhys

PHC186

Joint Physics Laboratory 3

PHC205

Elementary Particle Physics

MAC233(*)

Studies in Science and Mathematics Education

LANxxx ^

Language Module, Sem 1

o^<=30

o^{(BSc<=30), (MPhys<=10)}

LANxxx ^

Language Module, Sem 2

o^<=30

o^{(BSc<=30), (MPhys<=10)}

WSC303 (a)

Renewable Energy Systems

o^<=30

o^>=50

WSC322 (a)

Power Electronics

o^>=50

WSC331

Bioelectricity and Biophotonics

o^>=50

MPC111

Advanced Principles of Materials

o^<=30

o^>=50

MPC114

Composite Materials

o^<=30

o^>=50

o^<=30

o^{(BSc<=30), (MPhys<=10)}

MPC101^(CAP)

Sustainability, Recycling and Environmental Issues

o^>=50

WSC101

Vibration and Noise

o^>=50

WSC700

Sports Engineering

o^<=30

o^>=50

o^<=30

o^{(BSc<=30), (MPhys<=10)}

WSC802

Computational Fluid Dynamics I

o^<=30

o^>=50

o^<=30

MPC014

Materials in Service

o^<=30

o^>=50

o^<=30

o^{(BSc<=30), (MPhys<=10)}

MPC108

Surface Engineering

o^<=30

o^>=50

o^<=30

MAC108(*)

Mathematics for Physics 4

o BSc x MPhys

MAC300

BSc Mathematics Project

1+2

o^†

MAB170

Probability Theory

o^>=30

MAC148

Introduction to Dynamical Systems

o^>=30

MAC175

Operational Research

o^>=30

MAB250

ODEs and Calculus of Variations

o^>=30

MAB270

Statistical Modelling

o^>=30

MAC249

Linear Differential Equations

o^>=30

MAC251

Vibrations and Waves

o^>=30

MAC297

Mathematical Biology

o^>=30

PSC028

Advanced Sport Biomechanics

1&2

PSC715

Physiology of Sport and Health

1&2

PSC035

Performance Psychology for Sporting Excellence

o/x (c)

PSC034

Sport Psychology in Action

o BSc only (c)

Part C Key

^† BSc Physics and Mathematics must take either PHC001 or MAC300. Please note that only students who achieve an average of at least 65% in their Part B Mathematics modules will be eligible for MAC300. Not available to MPhys students

^BSc Compulsory only for BSC students

^MPhysCompulsory only for MPhys students

^{(c) Ph w SS: BSc students MUST choose 40 credits to include PSC715. MPhys students MUST take 50 credits}

^<=30 Up to 30 credits of engineering options can be taken from the list supplied

^>=50Students must take at least 50 credits of engineering options from the list supplied

⁼³⁰Students must take 30 credits of physics and related optional modules from the list supplied

⁼⁶⁰Students must take 60 credits of Sport Science optional modules from the list supplied

^>=30 Students must take at least 30 credits of Mathematics optional modules from the list supplied

^>=10 Students must take at least 10 credits of physics and related optional modules from the list supplied

(CAP) Please note numbers may be capped

(a) For 2018 intake onwards, 20 credits

(b) For 2018 intake onwards, not available

Note= Optional modules outside of Physics may be subject to timetable clashes, reducing possible module combinations (except MA coded modules for PHUB03, PHUM03, and PS coded modules for PHUB14, PHUM14).

(*) Counts as a physics module for the purposes of optional module choice

4.4 PART D

Cred

Sem

Eng Ph

Ph w AstroCos

Ph & Math

Ph w SS

PHD001

Physics Research Project

1+2 (minimum of 20 credits in any semester)

PHD002

Astrophysics Research Project

1+2 (minimum of 20 credits in any semester)

PHD004

Mathematical Physics Research Project

1+2 (minimum of 20 credits in any semester)

PHD130

Quantum Information

o^>=30

PHD202

Superconductivity and Nanoscience

o^>=30

PHD230

Quantum Computing

o^>=30

PHD109

Characterisation Methods for Solid State Physics

o^>=30

PHP100

Mathematical Methods for Interdisciplinary Science

o^>=30

PHD201

Physics of Complex Systems

o^>=30

MAD102

Regular and Chaotic Dynamics

MAP102

Programming and Numerical Methods

MAP111

Mathematical Modelling 1

MAP202

Static and Dynamic Optimisation

MAP211

Mathematical Modelling 2

MAP213

Fluid Mechanics

WSD533

Solar Power

o^<=30

o^30-60

o^<=30

WSD534

Wind Power 1

o^<=30

o^30-60

o^<=30

WSP130 (c)

Structural Analysis

o^30-60

MPP567 (c)

Advanced Materials Characterisation

o^<=30

o^30-60

o^<=30

WSD540

Advanced Photovoltaics

o^30-60

WSD902

Laser and Optical Measurements

o^30-60

MPP556 (c)

Materials Modelling

o^<=30

o^30-60

o^<=30

Part D Key

>=30 Students must take at least 30 credits of PH coded modules

^<=30 Students can take up to 30 credits of engineering D or P modules from the list provided

^30-60 Engineering Physics students must take between 30 and 60 credits of engineering D or P modules from the list provided

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 Director of Studies.

Optional Modules not Listed

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

Part I of the BSc and MPhys Programmes

BSc candidates opting to take eight semesters and MPhys candidates opting to take ten semesters are required to spend the year following Part B 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.

MPhys candidates may choose to take this study/training following Part C.

The Diploma in Professional Studies is available to all students entering a Placement year from 2019 onwards.

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 satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX.

Physics and Mathematics BSc and MPhys Additional Progression Requirements

Part A to Part B

Candidates must, in addition, achieve at least 40% in three of the four core Mathematics Modules MAA150 Mathematical Methods 1, MAA142 Linear Algebra, MAA270 Introduction to Probability and Statistics, MAA250 Mathematical Methods 2

Physics and Mathematics BSc Additional Degree Award Requirements

Candidates must pass either PHC001 or MAC300

MPhys Additional Progression Requirements

Part B to Part C

In order to progress from Part B to Part C the overall average mark for Part B must be at least 50%

MPhys candidates who fail, after any re-assessment

At the discretion of the Programme Board any MPhys candidate who fails, after any re-assessment, at the end of Part C or Part D, who has satisfied the credit requirements for the equivalent BSc award may be awarded that degree, the classification being based on the average mark obtained in Parts B and C in exactly the same way as for the BSc Degree (see table in Section 6 'Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification' below).

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

Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

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

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

c. Key transferable skills:

4. Programme structure

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

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

Related links

Prospective students