The definitive programme specification for this programme is published by the Department of Mathematics. The information on this page is for administrative purposes within the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and should not be used in other contexts.
BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Physics (NQF level 6)
BSc Mathematics and Physics allows you to explore the interplay between the two disciplines, learning to understand the ways in which they co-exist and complement each other. You will benefit from the flexibility and freedom to choose from a wide range of optional modules, enabling you to specialise if desired. Options include many of the physics modules available to Single Honours students, but also mathematics courses with great relevance to physicists
Refer to information published by the Department of Mathematics.
This part of the programme is intended to:
Physics and Astronomy intends to provide students taking this programme with:
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.
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:
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:
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:
Module Code | NQF Level |
---|---|
PHY1nnn | 4 |
PHY2nnn | 5 |
PHY3nnn | 6 |
PHYMnnn | 7 |
This is the programme planned for delivery to students commencing Stage 1 in the academic year 2017/18. Some modules will be updated or replaced in future years as a consequence of normal programme development activity, and staff rotation.
Stage One (2017-2018) | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Code | Title | Period | Credits | Level | Notes |
MTH1000 | Foundations | T1:01-06 | 0 | 4 | Non-condonable. |
PHY1021 | Vector Mechanics | T1:01-05,07-12 | 15 | 4 | Non-condonable. |
PHY1025 | Mathematics Skills | T1:01-05,07-12 | 15 | 4 | Non-condonable. |
PHY1030 | Practical Physics and IT Skills | T1:01-05,07-12, T2:01-05, T3:06 | 15 | 4 | Non-condonable. |
MTH1001 | Structures | T1:01-11, T2:01-11 | 30 | 4 | Non-condonable. |
PHY1023 | Waves and Optics | T2:01-11 | 15 | 4 | Non-condonable. |
PHY1024 | Properties of Matter | T2:01-11 | 15 | 4 | Non-condonable. |
PHY1026 | Mathematics for Physicists | T2:01-11 | 15 | 4 | Non-condonable. |
Stage Two (2018-2019) | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Code | Title | Period | Credits | Level | Notes |
PHY2021 | Electromagnetism I | T1:01-11 | 15 | 5 | |
PHY2022 | Quantum Mechanics I | T1:01-11 | 15 | 5 | |
MTH2002 | Algebra | T1:01-11, T2:01-11 | 30 | 4 | |
List 2A | Option(s) from List 2A | 30 | |||
List 2B | Option(s) from List 2B | 15 | |||
List 2C | Option(s) from List 2C | 15 | |||
List 2A Options | |||||
PHY2025 | Mathematics with Physical Applications | T1:01-11, T2:01-11 | 15 | 5 | If PHY2026 also taken. |
PHY2026 | Practical Physics II | T1:03-11, T2:01-11 | 15 | 5 | If PHY2025 also taken. |
MTH2001 | Analysis | T1:01-11, T2:01-11 | 30 | 4 | |
MTH2005 | Modelling: Theory and Practice | T1:01-11, T2:01-11 | 30 | 4 | |
MTH2003 | Differential Equations | T1:01-11 | 15 | 4 | If MTH2004 also taken. |
MTH2004 | Vector Calculus and Applications | T2:01-11 | 15 | 4 | If MTH2003 also taken. |
List 2B Options | |||||
PHY2023 | Thermal Physics | T2:01-11 | 15 | 5 | |
PHY2024 | Condensed Matter I | T2:01-11 | 15 | 5 | |
List 2C Options | |||||
PHY2023 | Thermal Physics | T2:01-11 | 15 | 5 | |
PHY2024 | Condensed Matter I | T2:01-11 | 15 | 5 | |
PHY2029 | The Physics of Living Systems | T2:01-11 | 15 | 5 | |
PHY2030 | Observing the Universe | T2:01-11 | 15 | 5 | |
PHY2032 | Analytical and Chaotic Dynamics | T2:01-11 | 15 | 5 | |
PHY2034 | Lasers, Materials and Nanoscale Probes for Quantum Applications | T2:01-11 | 15 | 5 | If PHY2024 also taken. |
Stage Three (2019-2020) | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Code | Title | Period | Credits | Level | Notes |
PHY3055 | Electromagnetism and Quantum Mechanics | T1:01-11 | 15 | 6 | |
PHY3147 | One-Semester Physics Project and Report | T1:01-11 or T2:01-11 | 15 | 6 | Non-condonable. |
PHY3052 | Nuclear and High Energy Physics | T2:01-11 | 15 | 6 | |
MATHOPS3 | Mathematics Option (NQF Level 6) | 45 | |||
List 3 | Option(s) from List 3 | 30 | |||
List 3 Options | |||||
PHY3061 | The Biophysics of Cells and Tissues | T1:01-11 | 15 | 6 | |
PHY3062 | Methods of Theoretical Physics | T1:01-11 | 15 | 6 | |
PHY3064 | Nanostructures and Graphene Science | T1:01-11 | 15 | 6 | Requires PHY2022 and PHY2024. |
PHY3067 | Energy and the Environment | T1:01-11 | 15 | 6 | |
PHY3070 | Stars from Birth to Death | T1:01-11 | 15 | 6 | |
PHY3066 | Galaxies and High Energy Astrophysics | T2:01-11 | 15 | 6 | |
PHY3068 | Principles of Theoretical Physics | T2:01-11 | 15 | 6 | |
PHY3069 | Ultrafast Physics | T2:01-11 | 15 | 6 | |
PHY3071 | Soft Matter | T2:01-11 | 15 | 6 | |
MATHOP3 | Mathematics Option (NQF Level 6) | 15 |
Refer to information published by the Department of Mathematics.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: |
---|
A. Specialised Subject Skills & Knowledge
|
Learning & Teaching Activities (in/out of class)
|
|
Assessment Methods
|
B. Academic Discipline Core Skills & Knowledge
|
Learning & Teaching Activities (in/out of class)
|
|
Assessment Methods
|
C. Personal / Transferable / Employment Skills & Knowledge
|
Learning & Teaching Activities (in/out of class)
|
|
Assessment Methods
|
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%.
Up to 30 credits of failure can be condoned in a stage of this BSc Programme on the following conditions:
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.
The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following marks:
Undergraduate Programmes | |
---|---|
Class I | 70%+ |
Class II Division I | 60–69% |
Class II Division II | 50–59% |
Class III | 40–49% |
Full details of assessment regulations for UG programmes and PGT programmes can be found on the University of Exeter website:
Generic marking criteria are also published here:
Please see the Teaching and Quality Assurance Manual for further guidance.
Comprehensive details of this programme, support for its students and the learning environment are published in the Physics Handbook:
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.
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:
Each programme stage is supported and overseen by a stage coordinator (senior tutor) responsible for monitoring all aspects of the student experience:
In addition to a large number of journals and academic works, the nearby University Library 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.
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:
The Student-Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC) enables students and staff to participate jointly in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
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
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.
Other services currently provided by the University include:
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:
The equivalent of at least:
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.
Further details, including typical offers and English language requirements for International students are published on the University's Admissions webpages:
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:
Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
For more information, refer to the Physics Handbook:
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):
Subject areas are reviewed every five years through a College Academic Audit scheme that includes external contributions.
These reference points have been used to construct/update this programme:
14. Awarding Institution: | University of Exeter |
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution: | CEMPS / Mathematical Sciences |
16. Partner College / Teaching Institution: | CEMPS / Physics and Astronomy |
17. Programme Accredited/Validated By: | Institute of Physics (status: recognised) |
18. Final Award(s): | BSc (Hons) |
19. UCAS Code (UG Programmes): | FG31 (UCAS) |
20. NQF Level of Final Award: | 6 |
21. Credit: | (none) CATS / (none) ECTS |
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group: | Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research, and Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics |
23. Origin Date / Latest Revision: | 01-Oct-2009 / 01-Sep-2017 |