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
Preston main campus
- University School/Centre
- External Accreditation
- Title of Final Award
(non-award-bearing programme: initial stage of 4 year degree course)
- Modes of Attendance offered
- UCAS Code
- Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s)
Engineering: Engineering Council
Physics A-Level / Mathematics A-Level
- Other external influences
- Date of production/revision of this form
- Aims of the Programme
This programme aims to:
- supply the necessary expertise and experience required for students to enter the BSc (Hons) Physics (and related degree schemes) at Level 4, where they do not already possess the necessary formal (Level 3) qualifications to do so.
- provide students with a background and experience in physics at Level 3 that is commensurate with that expected of a student who has fulfilled the physics entry requirements (nominally A2 level) for the BSc (Hons) in Physics and/or Astrophysics
- provide students with a background and experience in mathematical methods at Level 3 that is commensurate with that expected of a student who fulfilled the mathematics entry requirements (nominally A2 level) for the BSc (Hons) in Physics and/or Astrophysics
- provide students with a range of skills necessary to study physics or engineering at a degree level.
- Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A.Knowledge and Understanding
A1. Describe and explain at a basic level (3) the fundamental laws of physics.
A2. Describe and explain the basics of mathematics and calculus at level 3.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures accompanied by extensive tutorials. Guided study using worked examples and background material from the core course texts. Laboratory experiments designed to reinforce material from the lectures.
Feedback on assessed and unassessed work.
Assessment methods
Examinations (end of year and mid-seminar tests), monitoring of required exercises, laboratory logbooks and reports.
B.Subject-specific skills
B1. Solve physics problems at Level 3 using appropriate mathematical methods and diagrams.
B2. Solve simple mathematical and calculus problems at Level 3.
B3. Perform simple physics experiments using appropriate techniques and apparatus.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures accompanied by extensive tutorials. Guided study using worked examples and background material from the core course texts. Laboratory classes will be run in the second semester involving pre-laboratory preparation, the performance of experiments drawn from the physics syllabus, and the recording of results.
Feedback on assessed and unassessed work.
Assessment methods
Examinations (end of year and mid-seminar tests), monitoring of required exercises, laboratory logbooks and reports. Reports and presentations.
C.Thinking Skills
C1. Distinguish between different physical and mathematical problems and choose the appropriate method to solve them.
C2. The ability to take a physical problem, set up a mathematical equation appropriate to the problem, and then solve it.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures accompanied by extensive tutorials. Guided study using worked examples and background material from the core course texts.
Feedback on assessed and unassessed work.
Assessment methods
Examinations (end of year and mid-seminar tests), monitoring of required exercises, laboratory logbooks and reports.
D.Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1. Manage own learning, making optimum use of appropriate texts and learning materials.
D2. Time management and the ability to meet deadlines.
D3. Real world problem solving skills.
D4. Recognising laboratory work place hazards and risks.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Risk assessments are an integral part of the laboratory and project work. Problem solving and real world skills are developed via the need to maintain a satisfactory
Feedback on assessed and unassessed work.
Assessment methods
Formal scientific reports for laboratory work and projects. Presentations.
13.Programme Structures / 14.Awards and Credits
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Credit rating
3 / APC801 / Introduction to University Physics / 20 / *BSc (Hons) Physics (Foundation Entry) provides a
progression route to year 1 of the MPhys (Hons) / BSc (Hons) Physics (or related specialism)with 120 credits and an average mark of at least 60%. Progression for students with an average mark between 50-60% will be at the discretion of the assessment board. This reflects the expectation that students will continue to develop higher level physics and mathematics skills as the core requirement for progression to the final degree award.
Students who exit after successful completion of 120 credits at Level 3 will receive a transcript of the modules and grades
3 / APC802 / Motion, Forces, and Force Fields / 20
3 / APC803 / The Road to Quantum Mechanics / 20
3 / APC804 / Mathematical Methods / 20
3 / APC805 / Further Mathematical Methods / 20
3 / APC806 / Vectors and Graphics / 20
15.Personal Development Planning
Students coming onto the course will be accustomed to a highly prescriptive taught regime. The Foundation Year is designed to lead a student from this method of study on a regime where they are in charge of their own learning as an independent learner, thereby preparing the students for entry on to a BSc or BEng degree scheme.
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.
This programme is partly tailored towards students who have taken a non-traditional path to higher-education. We embrace a flexible set of entry criteria in the recognition that many applicants will not necessarily possess the “right piece” of paper or formal academic evidence of their skills. Our applicants are envisaged to include mature students returning to education, school leavers who were misadvised on their A-Level choices, or other students who have otherwise just missed the nominal BSc (Hons) or BEng (Hons) entry requirements. We thus welcome applications from mature students and those with non-standard entry qualifications.
It is recognised that these candidates may not possesses a normal UCAS points tariff. They will, nevertheless, be expected to demonstrate some aptitude, interest, and awareness of physics and mathematics. Preference will be given towards candidates who demonstrate a strong interest in the study area.
Flexible entry means that we are happy to consider candidates with a range of different qualifications, e.g. GCSE, BTEC, college Foundation courses, etc. Nevertheless, applicants must demonstrate that they are capable of achieving a suitable academic standard. For example, for students using GCSEs to support their application we would request the equivalent of grade C or above in Single Science or Combined Science. Each application will be assessed on it individual .
Candidates should comply with the usual UCLan entry regulations as set out in Section E of the Academic Regulations. Specifically, section E.2.4.1 -- proficiency in English equivalent to or greater than IELTS Level 6. Additionally UCLan entry regulations say candidates for the degree must thus possess the equivalent of grade C or above GCSEs in English and Maths.
17.Key sources of information about the programme
- UCLan website:
- Course factsheet and Student Handbook
18.Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
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 / B1 / B2 / B3 / B4 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / D1 / D2 / D3 / D4
LEVEL 3 / APC801 / Introduction to University Physics / COMP / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X
APC802 / Motion, Forces, and Force Fields / COMP / X / X / X / X / X / X / X
APC803 / The Road to Quantum Mechanics / COMP / X / X / X / X / X / X / X
APC804 / Mathematical Methods / COMP / X / X / X / X / X / X
APC805 / Further Mathematical Methods / COMP / X / X / X / X / X / X
APC806 / Vectors and Graphics / COMP / X / X / X / X / X / X