Options
Flexibility is built into our degrees via the option scheme, which allows you to concentrate on your strengths and interests. In the first two years you take a mixture of core modules and modules chosen from lists of options. The first year consists mostly of core modules taken by everybody. In the second year (and third year of the four year degree) you take a mixture of core modules and options. In the final year you are free to choose all your modules from options.
In designing this scheme we have ensured that the core modules in the early years prepare you for a sufficient range of options in the later years. However, you should be aware that some of the earlier options do cover material that will be assumed in later ones, e.g. the second year Stars module covers material assumed by the 3rd year Astrophysics module. Whilst these earlier options are not regarded as essential prerequisites you should be aware that if you have not taken them you will need to 'catch up' on the relevant material in your own time. It is therefore a good idea to discuss fully the implications of any option choice with your tutor before you commit yourself.
Each year document contains brief outlines of the options available and you can also see the full module syllabi on the Web version. We recommend that you use this information, in conjunction with advice from you tutor, to identify those options you might like to take. This list should contain at least sufficient options to satisfy the course requirements. You should then narrow down your list by 'sampling' the modules. Remember it is exam registration that determines the modules you will be examined in, not the list of modules you attend. Many students attend more modules than they are examined in.
Unusual Options
The year documents list all the normal options available. In designing the timetable we minimize the 'clashes' between these modules (and of course the core modules). You may become aware of modules offered to students on other courses which, because of your particular interests, you would like to take. This may be possible via the Unusual Option scheme which requires the formal agreement of the module organizer, the head of the department offering the module and the head of the physics department (in practice the Director of Studies). If you are considering taking an unusual option you should complete the unusual options form and discuss the matter with your tutor.
Reasonable requests will normally be supported by the Physics department, however there may be occasions where the timing of examinations, or the availability of examination results, could cause serious difficulties for us, and thus necessitate our not approving the request. There are also a few situations where we would not approve an unusual option because the content of the proposed module overlaps significantly with that of other modules that have been taken (or are to be taken).
You should be aware that clashes between unusual options and core modules are possible. We will not be able to modify the timetable to remove such clashes.
Preregistration and Acceptance
Some departments restrict numbers on certain modules and may operate a system of preregistration in May/June of the previous year. You should check this with the individual departments concerned.
It is also possible that the department giving a module may not wish to approve it as an unusual option for other reasons. They may consider the module to be inappropriate, or they may not wish to take on the possible extra workload (this particularly applies to modules taken out of their normal year, e.g. a 2nd year module taken in the 3rd, where a special examination may be needed).
In your own interests you should therefore obtain formal approval from the teaching department and by us before you devote much time to an unusual module. You will also need to complete an Unusual Option form for each module and have it signed by all the required signatories.
Level 1 Modules
The university does not permit you to take more than 30 CATs of level 1 modules after the 1st year and may not take level 1 language modules in the third or fourth years. If you are taking language modules you should always opt for the 24 CAT version where this is available (all bar the accelerated modules).
