Course Regulations
The programme consists of a core of 4 lectured modules, the laboratory and the group project with further modules taken from the options list. 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 of 150 CATS. You must choose at least 30 CATS worth of modules from the Options List A and at least a further 15 CATS from Option List B. Where options are taken so that the load L differs from the normal load N, then the marks obtained in the examination are divided, not by L, but by (N+L)/2 (the Seymour formula). The Seymour formula is applied up to a maximum load of 150 CATS and the full formula is described here. As a consequence extra options above normal can raise your total credit slightly, provided that the extra work on the additional options does not result in lower marks on the rest of your course. You should take extra modules only if they interest you.
Your Tutor or the Director of Studies will advise on option choices if asked. Brief outlines, intended to provide you with the 'flavour' of each module are available, whilst you may use the links on the Web page to see the full syllabus, the aims and objectives, and possibly further details.
The arrangements for examinations and assessment are given elsewhere.
| Core Modules | Weeks | CATS Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PX382 Quantum Physics of Atoms | 1-5 | 7.5 |
| PX384 Electrodynamics | 1-5 | 7.5 |
| PX393 Crystal Physics | 6-10 | 7.5 |
| PX424 Physics Group Project | 15-24 | 15 |
| PX428 Physics Laboratory | 2-10 | 15 |
| PX440 Mathematical Methods for Physicists III | 6-10 | 7.5 |
| Option List A | ||
| PX387 Astrophysics | 15-24 | 15 |
| PX392 Plasma Electrodynamics | 6-10 | 7.5 |
| PX394 Electrons in Solids | 15-24 | 15 |
| PX395 The Standard Model | 20-24 | 7.5 |
| Option List B | ||
| Remaining list A modules | 15 | |
| 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 |
| PX388 Magnetic Resonance | 15-19 | 7.5 |
| PX389 Cosmology | 6-10 | 7.5 |
| PX390 Scientific Programming | 1-10 | 7.5 |
| PX391 Non-linearity, chaos and complexity | 20-24 | 7.5 |
| PX396 Nuclear Physics | 15-19 | 7.5 |
| MA3D1 Fluid Dynamics | 15-24 | 15 |
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. 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.
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