Bsc Hons Applied Physics
Programme Specification
This Programme 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 he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17
- Awarding Institution / Body
- Teaching Institution and Location of Delivery
- University School/Centre
- External Accreditation
- Title of Final Award
- Modes of Attendance offered
- UCAS Code
- Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s)
- Other external influences
- Date of production/revision of this form
- Aims of the Programme
To provide a good grounding in the principles, knowledge and skills of core and applied physics, instrumentation and mathematical methods.
To provide sufficient in-depth subject knowledge to enable students to embark on future employment or further study (eg MSc) or academic/industrial research.
To provide experience in a variety of working styles such as group, collaborative and independent working essential for the modern workplace.
To provide the opportunity to develop skills and techniques used in physics which have wider applications (eg independent working, scientific problem solving, data analysis, computational techniques, preparation of scientific reports and use of (IT), communication of scientific ideas.)
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A.Knowledge and Understanding
A1.Describe and explain most fundamental physical laws and principles.
A2.Apply these principles to diverse areas of physics appropriate to the degree title.
A3.Model physical systems using appropriate mathematical techniques.
A4. Discuss uncertainties and limitations of physical theory.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures and laboratories supported by tutorials and seminars. Self-study aided by worked examples and practice problems. Feedback on assessed and unassessed work. Recommended textbooks and on-line resources.
Assessment methods
Examinations, assessed problem sheets, logbooks, scientific reports, seminar presentations.
B.Subject-specific skills
B1.Solve problems in physics using appropriate mathematical techniques.
B2.Use a range of laboratory apparatus and appropriate experimental techniques.
B3.Apply a variety of techniques (experimental, mathematical and/or computational) to specialist areas.
B4.Communicate scientific information effectively.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Tutorials, examples classes and lectures, project work, group work, computer sessions.
Self-test questions and problem sheets requiring the use of mathematical techniques, calculator, PC, to solve quantitative problems.
Laboratory classes with pre-laboratory preparation, research methods lectures and self-study. Feedback on assessed and unassessed work.
Assessment methods
Problem sheets, exams, reports and essays, project report and viva.
C.Thinking Skills
C1.Identify relevant principles and fundamental laws and formulate problems in precise terms.
C2.Manipulate precise and intricate ideas to solve closed and open-ended problems using appropriate physical laws and mathematical techniques.
C3.Plan practical/theoretical investigations using textbooks and wide range of other sources, execute the plan, critically analyse the results and evaluate their significance.
C4.Construct logical arguments following a critical analysis of appropriate information sources and draw conclusions.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, tutorials, laboratories, workshops and project work, computer sessions, self-study.
Practice problems, open-ended problems, group and collaborative work.
Assessment methods
Logbooks, lab and project reports, group reports, essays, seminars, problem sheets, examinations.
D.Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1.Communicate effectively through oral and written media, using appropriate ICT.
D2.Use appropriate ICT packages/systems effectively for the retrieval of appropriate information, the analysis of data and modelling.
D3.Manage own learning, making optimum use of appropriate texts and learning materials.
D4.Work collaboratively and as part of a group working towards a common goal.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Group work, formal group study meetings. Project work, laboratory classes and Mini-projects/extended experiments. Skills workshops. Seminars, project supervisory meetings, self study. Risk assessments are an integral part of the laboratory and project work.
Feedback on assessed and unassessed work.
Assessment methods
Formal scientific reports for laboratory work and projects. Project viva. Presentations. Essays, Setting and meeting deadlines (project and group study, and assessment deadline.)
13.Programme Structures / 14.Awards and Credits
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Credit rating
Level 6 / AA3053
AP3060
AP3841
AP3842
AP3843
AP3950
MA3831
MA3842 / Cosmology and Relativity
Year 3 Laboratory
Condensed Matter
Nuclear and Particle Physics
Electrodynamics and Advanced Quantum Physics
BSc (Hons) Project
Partial Differential Equations and Integral Transforms
Fluid Dynamics / 20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20 / BSc (Hons) Applied Physics
Requires 360 credits including a minimum of 220 at Level 5 or above and 100 at Level 6 or above.
BSc Applied Physics
Requires 320 credits including a minimum of 180 at Level 5 or above and 60 at Level 6 or above.
Level 5 / MA2831
AP2043
AP2060
AP2235
AP2857
AP2858 / Ordinary Differential Equations
Electromagnetism and waves
Year 2 Laboratory
Scientific Computing
Measurement, Instrumention, LabView & Interfacing
Thermal and Quantum Physics / 20
20
20
20
20
20 / Diploma of Higher Education in Physics
Requires 240 credits including a minimum of 100 at Level 5 or above.
Level 4 / AP1840
AP1011
AA1051
MA1831
AP1852
AP1841 / Introduction to Physics
Introduction to Laboratory Physics
Introduction to Astronomy
Functions, Vectors & Calculus
Applied Physics and Linear Systems
Introduction to Mechanics / 20
20
20
20
20
20 / Certificate of Higher Education
Requires 120 credits at Level 4 or above.
15.Personal Development Planning
Transferable skills are embedded within many modules.
Students meet tutors individually in all years and the students are encouraged to engage in work experience and internships.
In year 1, a seminar run by Futures introduces the facilities and careers advice that Futures offer, and gives an overview of the careers available to physics graduates.
In year 2 there is another Futures seminar and invitation to individual careers appointments.
In year 3 a series of seminars shared between Futures and subject specialist staff give an overview of employment and opportunities for further study, and practical advice on applications, CVs, personal statements etc.
The year 3 project involves independent working, usually on an open-ended problem and is viewed as a preparation for a future technical career.
16.Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications, together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
To enter this programme students must have 280-320 ucas points or BBC from their A2 A-level subjects to include Physics at grade B (A2) and Mathematics at grade C (A2).
Equivalent qualifications are accepted.
Year one is a common first year and students may transfer between the courses at the end of their first year of study.
17.Key sources of information about the programme
Student Handbook
Module Catalogue
uclan website: on-line course content and key info
18.Curriculum Skills Map
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Core (C), Compulsory (COMP) or Option (O) / Programme Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding / Subject-specific Skills / Thinking Skills / Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / A5 / B1 / B2 / B3 / B4 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / D1 / D2 / D3 / D4
LEVEL 6
AA3053 / Cosmology And Relativity / O / / / / / / / / / / / / /
AP3060 / Year 3 Laboratory / Comp / / / / / / / / / / / / /
AP3841 / Condensed Matter / O / / / / / / / / /
AP3842 / Nuclear and Particle Physics / O / / / / / / / / /
AP3843 / Electrodynamics & Advanced Quantum Physics / O / / / / / / / / /
AP3950 / Physics/Astronomy Project / Comp / / / / / / / / / / /
MA3831 / Partial Differential Equations
And Integral Transforms / O / / / /
MA3842 / Fluid Dynamics / O / / / / / / / / /
18.Curriculum Skills Map continued
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Core (C), Compulsory (COMP) or Option (O) / Programme Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding / Subject-specific Skills / Thinking Skills / Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / A5 / B1 / B2 / B3 / B4 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / D1 / D2 / D3 / D4
LEVEL 5
AP2043 / Electromagnetism and Waves / Comp / / / / / / /
AP2060 / Year 2 Laboratory / Comp / / / / / / / / / / / / /
AP2235 / Scientific Computing / Comp / / / /
AP2857 / Measurement, Instrumentation, LabView and Interfacing / Comp / / / / / / / /
AP2858 / Thermal & Quantum Physics / Comp / / / / / / / / / / / / /
MA2831 / Ordinary Differential Equations / Comp / / / / / /
LEVEL 4 / AA1051 / Introduction to Astronomy / Comp / / / / / / / / /
AP1840 / Introduction to Physics / Comp / / / / /
AP1011 / Introduction to
Laboratory Physics / Comp / / / / / / / / / / /
AP1841 / Introduction to Mechanics / Comp / / / / / /
MA1831 / Functions, vectors and calculus / Comp / /
AP1852 / Applied Physics and
Linear Systems / Comp / / / /