The programme consists of a core, with further modules taken from options lists. Enough options have to be taken in order to raise the total load to at least 120 CATS credits, which is defined to be the normal load for this course, up to a normal maximum load of 150 CATS. You must choose at least 37.5 CATS worth from list A.

Core Modules	Weeks	CATS Credit
PX319 Physics Project	1-10, 15-24	30
PX376 Communicating Science	1-10	15
PX382 Quantum Physics of Atoms	1-5	7.5
Option List A
PX308 Physics in Medicine	15-19	7.5
PX350 The Weather and the Environment	1-5	7.5
PX366 Statistical Physics	6-10	7.5
PX370 Optoelectronics and Laser Physics	20-24	7.5
PX384 Electrodynamics	1-5	7.5
PX385 Condensed Matter Physics	6-10, 15-19	15
PX387 Astrophysics	15-24	15
PX388 Magnetic Resonance	15-19	7.5
PX389 Cosmology	20-24	7.5
PX390 Scientific Programming	1-10	7.5
PX391 Non-linearity, chaos and complexity	20-24	7.5
PX392 Plasma Electrodynamics	6-10	7.5
PX395 The Standard Model	20-24	7.5
PX396 Nuclear Physics	15-19	7.5
PX397 Galaxies	6-10	7.5
MA3D1 Fluid Dynamics	15-24	15
Option List B
A Modern Foreign Language*	1-10, 15-24	24

^*You are only permitted to take one foreign language module in any one year and in your final year you are not permitted to take a non-accelerated beginners language module.

Load

Where options are taken, so that the load exceeds the normal load, the marks for all modules attempted will appear on your University transcript. The overall year mark will be calculated as the arithmetic mean of the subset of whole modules, weighted according to their credit weighting, which satisfies the course regulations and results in the highest mark.

Before contemplating an overload you should discuss it with your personal tutor. We will be monitoring your registrations and you may be asked to discuss the situation with the Director of Studies or the Director of Student Experience.

At various points in this handbook (and possibly in discussion with students in higher years) you will see reference to the Seymour Formula. This does NOT apply to students joining in 2013 or subsequent years. You should take extra modules only if they interest you. Your Tutor will advise on option choices if asked.

Important Notice

The modules listed above are the ones that you will normally be permitted to register for. If you wish to take an unusual option you should consult our document on unusual options prior to taking any such modules. You will not be permitted to take more than one language option in any one year. It is our experience that for most students the normal load is the most appropriate load, and only in exceptional circumstances should students take an overload of more than a couple of modules (15 CATS). Before contemplating an overload you should discuss it with your personal tutor. We will be monitoring your registrations and you will be asked to discuss the situation with the director of studies if your load goes above 150 CATS.

You may NOT take as unusual options either: PX424 Physics Group Project or PX428 Physics Laboratory.

In brief this year's course has been designed with the following aims and objectives.

Aims

• To demonstrate how the laws of quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics and electromagnetism form the basis for explaining phenomena observed in at least some of condensed matter, nuclei, plasmas and stars.
• To provide the opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and skills in areas such as business and foreign languages.
• To help students develop their transferable skills.

Objectives

On the completion of the third year, you should

1. Have a good understanding of a broad range of topics in physics and an in depth knowledge of some topics.
2. Be able, with appropriate supervision, to undertake project work in physics.
3. Be well-prepared for the next step in your professional lives, whether this involves further training or moving directly into a career.

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