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The Physics Courses (F304 & F300)

These handbooks describe the programmes of the 3 year BSc (F300) and the 4 year BScMPhys (F304) undergraduate degrees in Physics. They should be read in conjunction with the general information that is relevant to all courses based in the Physics Department. Any query concerning your degree course should be directed to your personal tutor, the Director of Studies, Nicholas d'Ambrumenil, or the Director of Student Experience, Michael Pounds.

Introduction

The physics degree is designed as a broad and flexible education. The department offers the modules that a practising physicist would normally be expected to have studied, so that those who already have in mind a career in research or industrial physics are well catered for. At the same time the flexibility of the course allows the many students, who want a broader education, to combine the physics modules which interest them most with modules from other disciplines.

Aims

The following are our aims for the physics degrees:
  • To provide a stimulating education in physics
  • To provide a learning environment which helps students to achieve their full academic potential
  • To help students develop intellectual and transferable skills
  • To leave students well-prepared for the next step in their professional lives

Objectives

When you graduate, you should
  • Have developed your appreciation and understanding of the fundamental principles of physics and of how these can be applied to explain and predict physical phenomena.
  • Have obtained a working knowledge of basic mathematical techniques.
  • Have developed your ability to carry out experimental investigations and to report the results appropriately.
  • Have developed your analytical, problem-solving, self-study, communication and independent working skills. You will also have had opportunities provided by the University and Students' Union to develop organisational, modern language and other skills.
  • Be able, with appropriate supervision, to undertake project work and to communicate the results clearly in writing.
  • Have acquired skills in IT and have had the opportunity through your choice of options and other activities to develop these further.

If you graduate with an MPhys, you should also

  • Be aware of some current research interests in physics.
  • Have a good understanding of a broad range of topics in physics.
  • Be prepared for postgraduate study in physics.

BSc or MPhys

There is a choice between a three year (BSc) and four year (BScMPhys) variant of the degree. The four year course was designed a number of years ago to bridge a gap which had developed between the traditional British three year degree and degrees awarded in other European countries which tend to last four or five years. The British three year degree is seen increasingly as part of a general rounded education, which should leave students numerate, articulate and employable. The four year degree should appeal most to those who wish to work as scientists in industry and those who are thinking of a career in research.

The four year degree course covers the main areas of physics and its applications. As in the three year degree course, students can study a broad spectrum of modules. Opting for the four year degree allows students more time to explore the implications of what they have already learnt. This is the idea behind the project and group work in the third and fourth year.



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