Programme Specification (2023/24 Intake)

BSc (Hons) Physics

1. Programme Name

BSc (Hons) Physics (NQF level 6)

2. Description of the Programme

This physics programme will give you an excellent understanding of mainstream physics and develop your scientific intuition and prepare you for a wide range of careers. Our physics programmes are designed around a core curriculum, which can lead naturally on to PhD-level research or towards a more specialised qualification such as an MSc, and all are accredited by the Institute of Physics.

In Stage 1 you will develop your understanding of physics and become familiar with a variety of basic mathematical tools. The concepts and phenomena you will meet are many and varied, but are united by the underlying principles of physics. In a typical week you will spend 15 hours in a formal teaching environment, and be expected to spend a further 20 hours in independent study. You will have four hours of lectures in physics, two in mathematics, one tutorial, six hours in the teaching laboratories and two hours in problem-solving classes.

Stage 2 provides a firm foundation of physics, and the principles that constitute the framework of the subject. The use of mathematics gives these principles a precise form and provides physicists with the ability to make detailed quantitative predictions. This year focuses on four main cornerstones of physics: condensed matter, quantum mechanics, electromagnetism and thermodynamics. These provide the core of most of physics and of our understanding of the evolution of our universe. The other modules in your second and subsequent years draw in part on your knowledge of this core.

Stage 3 develops your problem-solving and knowledge of core physics in key areas, such as nuclear and high-energy particle physics and electrodynamics. You will also apply this knowledge to more specialised areas covered by optional modules.

This final year of the programme also involves substantial project work. BSc students undertake two one-term extended projects, which may be experimental or theoretical in nature. Experimental projects utilise a suite of equipment that includes an atomic force microscope, an infra-red spectrometer, and our own observatory and radio telescope. You also have the opportunity to undertake team-based work tackling a real-world problem proposed by, for example, a commercial company or public service.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

This programme is intended to:

• Provide education and training of high quality in physics.
• Stimulate and encourage in students a questioning and creative approach, thus developing their enthusiasm for physics and a capacity for independent judgement.
• Facilitate students' personal development through the acquisition and use of a wide range of transferable skills.
• Provide students with a sound foundation in physics, preparing them well for employment or further study and meeting the national needs for qualified graduates as identified by the relevant professional accrediting bodies.

Physics and Astronomy intends to provide students taking this programme with:

• Opportunities to engage with a range of advanced concepts and applications, drawing upon the specialist expertise of the staff.
• The opportunity, through the flexibility provided by a wide range of choices of both degree programmes and modules, to complete a programme of study relevant to their interests and aptitudes.
• Regular and frequent small-group contact with staff with the appropriate teaching skills and experience, including current activity in high-level research.
• An environment which is caring and supportive in both academic and pastoral aspects and which will have encompassed an appropriate range of teaching methods and broadened their learning experience.

4. Programme Structure

The programme is divided into units of study called modules. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload. One credit is nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work. The level of a module indicates its position in the progressive development of academic cognitive abilities, and/or practical skills. An elective is an unspecified module that allows the student to broaden their education, e.g. by learning a foreign language. More details are given in the published module descriptors.

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the College web site:

• https://newton.ex.ac.uk/handbook/thisYear/modules/

You may take option modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. Descriptions of the individual modules are given in full on the College web site:

• https://newton.ex.ac.uk/handbook/thisYear/modules/

You may take elective modules as indicated in the tables below as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.

The fourth character of any module code signifies its NQF level, according to the following scheme:

This is the programme planned for delivery to students commencing Stage 1 in the academic year 2023/24. Some modules will be updated or replaced in future years as a consequence of normal programme development activity, and staff rotation.

Notes

• Stage 3 electives must be at level 5 or above.

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning & Assessment Methods

7. Programme Regulations

7.1. Credit

This BSc programme consists of 360 credits with 120 credits taken at each stage. Normally not more than 75 credits would be allowed in any one term. In total, participants normally take no more than 120 credits at NQF level 4, and must take at least 120 credits at NQF level 6. The pass mark for award of credit in UG modules (NQF levels 4-6) is 40%.

7.2. Progression

Up to 30 credits of failure can be condoned in a stage of this BSc Programme on the following conditions:

1. You must have registered for and participated in modules amounting to at least 120 credits in the stage.
2. You must pass the modules marked as 'non-condonable' in the tables above.
3. You must achieve an average mark of at least 40.00% across the full 120 credits of assessment in the stage, including any failed and condoned modules.

7.3. Assessment and Awards

Assessment at stage 1 does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. The award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit-weighted average marks for stages 2 and 3 combined in the ratio 1:2 respectively.

7.4. Classification

The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following marks:

Full details of assessment regulations for UG programmes and PGT programmes can be found on the University of Exeter website:

• Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook

Generic marking criteria are also published here:

• Generic University Assessment Criteria for Taught Programmes

Please see the Teaching and Quality Assurance Manual for further guidance.

• Teaching quality assurance manual (TQA Manual)

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

8.1. Infrastructure and Learning Environment

Comprehensive details of this programme, support for its students and the learning environment are published in the Physics Handbook:

• Physics and Astronomy Handbook - Table of Contents

Physical facilities include: well-equipped teaching and research laboratories, a mechanical student-workshop supervised by technicians, computer workstations and classrooms, social and quiet-working space for students.

8.2. Personal and Academic Tutoring

It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Students on this programme are assigned a physics tutor, who combines the academic and personal roles and holds small-group (typically five students) tutorial meetings lasting an hour each week during the teaching periods. Further details of this system are published in the Physics Handbook:

• Undergraduate Physics Tutorials

Each programme stage is supported and overseen by a stage coordinator (senior tutor) responsible for monitoring all aspects of the student experience:

• Programme Support Roles

8.3. Library and Other Learning Resources

In addition to a large number of journals and academic works, the nearby University stocks reference and/or for-loan copies of all recommended texts for Physics modules. Where possible e-Books and e-Journal subscriptions are purchased to allow internet access.

Each module has its own page on ELE, the Exeter virtual learning environment. Resources available for each module normally include sets of lecture slides/notes, video capture recordings of lectures, problems sets and examples, resources for self-study, etc.

8.4. Local Access to Computers and Printers

There are approximately 100 computer workstations reserved for undergraduate use within the Physics Building. Facilities include two computer classrooms, printers and further provision within practical laboratories. Further details are published in the Physics Handbook:

• Information Technology Facilities

8.5. Student-Staff Liaison Committee

The Student-Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC) enables students and staff to participate jointly in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

9.1. Learning Resources

The University Library maintains its principal collections in the main library buildings on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, together with a number of specialist collections in certain Colleges. The total Library collection comprises over a million volumes and 3000 current periodical subscriptions

9.2. IT Services

IT Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, while most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.

9.3. Other Services

Other services currently provided by the University include:

• Wellbeing Services
  – available free of charge, to provide confidential help and support.
• Student Health Centre
  – a Primary Health Care Centre, primarily funded by the National Health Service, providing care for all acute and long-term health problems for students on the Streatham Campus.
• Student Information Desk (SID)
  – in the Forum and online for free, impartial and confidential advice on a range of student services from Accommodation to Finance, Wellbeing to International Student Support, IT to AccessAbility.
• Information Points and Hubs
  – hubs are areas where you can eat, socialise, study and also access help and support from the education teams at an information point. Hubs are in locations where students often gather because they have lectures and tutorials nearby. Information points are usually found within a hub and provide a range of advice and support for all students from general enquiries through to specific questions about your programme.
• Academic Skills and Student Engagement
  – the team offer support for all students who wish to improve their personal, professional and academic skills, through lectures, workshops, individual appointments and peer support programmes in colleges and interactive online resources on Exeter's Learning Environment (ELE).
• Family Centre (Streatham campus)
  – provides high quality care and education for early-years children of students and staff.
• Students' Guild
  – students' union of the University of Exeter providing representation, advice, activities, social events, dining outlets and more.
• Students' Guild Advice Unit
  – your first port of call for free, impartial and confidential advice on a range of issues: housing, finance, and academic matters.
• Student Complaints Procedure
  – a mechanism for addressing concerns raised by students promptly, fairly and effectively in order to help the University of Exeter achieve the highest quality in its education and research provision.
• Chaplaincy
  – offers confidential support, advice and pastoral listening for all students.
• International Student Support Office
  – supports non-UK students across all University of Exeter campuses.
• INTO University of Exeter Partnership
  – provides English Language and other preparatory courses for international students.
• AccessAbility
  – offers advice and support to students with specific learning disabilities (e.g. dyslexia) and physical disabilities/health conditions. Support includes helping students access learning and teaching opportunities and make the most of university life.
• Employability and Graduate Development
  – the Career Zone has over 40 staff working to help you improve your chances of getting a great job after you graduate. They provide expert advice to enable you to plan your future through: guidance interviews, psychometric testing, employer presentations, skills events, practice job interviews and CV preparation.

10. Admissions Criteria

All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.

Candidates must satisfy the:

• General admissions requirements of the University of Exeter.

10.1. Minimum Requirements

The equivalent of at least:

• one grade A and one grade B in GCE AL Maths and Physics, or
• at least one HL6 and one HL5 in IB Mathematics and Physics

are required for all Physics programmes. Applicants with other qualifications (for example the Access to Higher Education Diploma or Open University credits) may need to pass an AL-style mathematics test to demonstrate ability. This test will be undertaken as part of an interview.

Applicants who meet our entry criteria will be invited to visit the Department between November and March. Places are not normally offered to applicants who do not participate in an interview.

10.2. Further Details

Further details, including typical offers and English language requirements for International students are published on the University's Admissions webpages:

• Undergraduate Study > Subjects > Physics and Astronomy

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. For details see:

• University of Exeter TQA Manual

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

This programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics.

For more information, refer to the Physics Handbook:

• Quality and Accreditation of Programmes and Awards

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

The University and its constituent Colleges draw on a range of data to review the quality of educational provision. The College documents the performance in each of its taught programmes, against a range of criteria on an annual basis through the Annual Student Experience Review (ASER):

• Admissions, progression and completion data
• In-year analysis data
• Previous monitoring report
• Monitoring of core and optional modules
• External examiner’s reports and University and College responses (reported to SSLC)
• Any Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB), accrediting body or other external reports
• Consultation with employers and former students
• Staff evaluation
• Student evaluation
• Programme aims

Subject areas are reviewed every five years through a College Academic Audit scheme that includes external contributions.

13.1. Reference Points

These reference points have been used to construct/update this programme:

• The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA):
  • Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications in England Wales and Northern Ireland (2008)
  • Subject Benchmark Statement - Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics (2017)
• The Institute of Physics (IoP):
  • The Physics Degree - Graduate Skills Base and the Core of Physics (2011)
• University of Exeter (UoE):
  • Teaching Quality Assurance Manual (2017)