Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
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Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

Undergraduate Physics Programmes (2019 + 2020 entry)

Academic Year: 2020/21

This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.

This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Study.

This specification should be read in conjunction with:

Reg. XX (Undergraduate Awards) (see University Regulations)
Module Specifications

Summary
Aims
Learning outcomes
Structure
Progression & weighting

Programme summary

Awarding body/institution	Loughborough University
Teaching institution (if different)
Owning school/department	Department of Physics
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body	Accreditation will be sought from the Institute of Physics (IoP). This will be provisional in nature until the first cohort of students have graduated in line with the IoPs regulations.
Final award	BSc BSc+DIS/BSc+DInts/BSc+DPS MPhys MPhys+DIS/MPhys+DIntS/MPhys+DPS
Programme title	Physics Engineering Physics Physics with Theoretical Physics Mathematics and Physics
Programme code	See Programme Structure
Length of programme	BSc: 3 years BSc with placement: 4 years MPhys: 4 years MPhys with placement: 5 years
UCAS code	See Programme Structure
Admissions criteria	Physics MPhys (Hons) DIS/DIntS - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/f304 / MPhys (Hons) - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/f303 BSc (Hons) DIS/DIntS - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/f301 / BSc (Hons) - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/f300 Engineering Physics MPhys (Hons) DIS/DIntS - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/f313 / MPhys (Hons) - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/f312 BSc (Hons) DIS/DIntS - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/f382 / BSc (Hons) - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/f311 Physics with Theoretical Physics BSc (Hons) - / BSc (Hons) DIS/DIntS - Mathematics and Physics MPhys (Hons) DIS/DIntS - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/fg3d / MPhys (Hons) - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/fg3c BSc (Hons) DIS/DIntS - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/gf13 / BSc (Hons) - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/fg31
Date at which the programme specification was published	Mon, 03 Aug 2020 16:55:50 BST

1. Programme Aims

	Ph BSc	Ph MPhys	Math & Ph BSc	Math & Ph MPhys	Ph with Th Ph BSc	Ph with Th Ph MPhys	Eng Ph BSc	Eng Ph MPhys
To be able to appropriately apply the Scholastic and Scientific methods within physics and have an appreciation of their usefulness to other disciplines.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
To be able to use Physics thinking in the formulation and solution of problems.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
To be able to apply mathematics in the formulation and solution of physics problems.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
To be able to use computers and related technologies in the formulation and solution of physics problems	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
To be able to design, observe, measure and experiment in a competent, precise and safe manner.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
To be able to collaborate with others (team members and other stakeholders) on projects involving highly technical content	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
To demonstrate some aptitude in advanced topics and the ability to contribute to physics research		X		X		X		X
To be able to apply methods of advanced pure mathematics			X	X
To be able to apply methods of advanced applied mathematics, computational and/or theoretical physics					X	X
To be able to apply engineering methods in the solutions of complex problems							X	X

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

QAA: Subject Benchmark Statement Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics 2016
Institute of Physics (IoP) Accreditation requirements - these are currently under review.
University Teaching and Learning Strategy.
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

		Ph BSc	Ph MPhys	Math & Ph BSc	Math & Ph MPhys	Ph with Th Ph BSc	Ph with Th Ph MPhys	Eng Ph BSc	Eng Ph MPhys
K1	Set up models and link mathematical representations to physical phenomena and vice versa.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
K2	Apply a systematic knowledge and understanding of selected physical systems to model specific phenomena.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
K3	Demonstrate mathematical thinking in a range of selected topics relevant to the physical sciences (such as functional analysis [e.g. as applied in quantum mechanics] and group theory [e.g. as applied to continuous rotations]).	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
K4	Recognise the various roles of probability and statistics in physics and science in general.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

		Ph BSc	Ph MPhys	Math & Ph BSc	Math & Ph MPhys	Ph with Th Ph BSc	Ph with Th Ph MPhys	Eng Ph BSc	Eng Ph MPhys
C1	Select equations, methods, techniques or concepts from textbook literature and apply them correctly in the attempted solution of an open-ended problem.	X		X		X		X
C2	Select equations, methods, techniques or concepts from published research literature and apply them correctly in the attempted solution of an open-ended problem.		X		X		X		X
C3	Discuss the findings of a selected piece of scientific text within the context of current literature on the subject.	X		X		X		X
C4	Discuss and critically evaluate the findings of published research within the context of current literature on the subject - providing a commentary that identifies strengths and weaknesses within a work to deliver a value judgment of the contribution to the field of study.		X		X		X		X
C5	Use order-of-magnitude approximations and dimensional analysis in physics thinking and the verification of calculations.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
C6	Reduce the complexity of a physical problem to gain an approximate understanding of a systems behaviour.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
C7	Use fundamental principles of physics in the solution of problems such as using the kinetic and potential energy of a system to write its Lagrangian and Hamiltonian and derive from these equations of motion.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
C8	Evaluate the strengths, weaknesses and applicability of a given method or model.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
C9	Analyse raw experimental data to obtain non-trivial parameters.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
C10	Perform calculations typical of those presented in recently published research literature.	X		X		X		X
C11	Perform calculations in an open-ended problem typical of those presented in recently published research literature.		X		X		X		X
C12	Apply mathematical methods to the solution of problems in the physical sciences.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
C13	Select an appropriate programming language and use it to model a given physical system or problem taking into account the relevant features of different major paradigms (e.g. procedural, functional, object-oriented, event-driven and declarative).	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
C14	Calculate realistic estimates of the accuracies and errors of experimental measurements and judge if experimental results are in agreement or conflict with a given theory.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
C15	Demonstrate the ability to work with mathematical rigour, for example by the correct formulation of epsilon-delta proofs.			X	X
C16	Perform calculations using knowledge of one area of mathematical physics.			X
C17	Perform calculations in one area of mathematical physics in the attempted solution of open-ended problem typical of those presented in recently published research literature.				X
C18	Develop theoretical models of non-trivial physical systems.					X	X
C19	Perform calculations using knowledge of one area of theoretical and/or computational physics.					X
C20	Perform calculations in one area of theoretical and/or computational physics in the attempted solution of open-ended problem typical of those presented in recently published research literature.						X

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

		Ph BSc	Ph MPhys	Math & Ph BSc	Math & Ph MPhys	Ph with Th Ph BSc	Ph with Th Ph MPhys	Eng Ph BSc	Eng Ph MPhys
P1	Perform data acquisition and analysis, processing feedback and control of real or virtual experimental apparatus using industry standard solutions (such as dataflow programming in G for LabVIEW).	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
P2	Use high-level third-party modelling tools (such as COMSOL or FLUENT) for the analysis of complex physical systems or phenomena (e.g. for antenna design or analysis of turbulent flow).	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
P3	Demonstrate competent use and assess the limitations of experimental apparatus such as a voltmeter, multimeter, galvanometer, power supply, oscilloscope and signal generator.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
P4	Design and build simple apparatus/electrical circuits using mechanical, optical and electrical components to support instrumentation and measurement.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
P5	Design, execute and assess an experiment to test a given hypothesis using a given a set of resources.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
P6	Perform physical analysis and/or experiments of utility in a departmental research theme.	X
P7	Perform physical analysis and/or experiments of that actively contribute to departmental research.		X
P8	Review the potential for enhancing solutions to engineering problems (e.g. practices, products, processes, systems and services) using evidence from best practice							X	X
P9	Apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods to the analysis and solution of engineering problems.							X
P10	Apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods to the analysis and solution of advanced engineering problems.								X

c. Key transferable skills:

		Ph BSc	Ph MPhys	Math & Ph BSc	Math & Ph MPhys	Ph with Th Ph BSc	Ph with Th Ph MPhys	Eng Ph BSc	Eng Ph MPhys
T1	Plan a project within an appropriate area of physics, demonstrating a sustained systematic and scientific approach.	X		X		X		X
T2	Plan a project informed by and contributing to departmental research, demonstrating a sustained systematic and scientific approach.		X		X		X		X
T3	Maintain complete, accurate and contemporaneous laboratory and project records, demonstrating an awareness and requirements of the wider context of keeping such records.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
T4	Report the results of a scientific investigation in the format of an academic manuscript adhering to the expected writing and reporting standards of leading publishers.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
T5	Apply principles of good programming practice such as the provision of suitable documentation, use of variable names and quality control techniques such as Unit testing.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
T6	Design and execute experiments incorporating health and safety management strategies including undertaking a technical risk assessment.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
T7	Communicate features of a complex physical idea, theory or proposal to a general audience.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
T8	Communicate complex scientific ideas effectively.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
T9	Develop a risk management plan that takes into account appropriate elements of some existing standards and practices (such as Risk Management – Principles and Guidelines: ISO 31000:2009).	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
T10	Critically evaluate the operation of a team and assess their own contribution in the execution of a project.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
T11	Perform a specific role within a team that has well defined responsibility.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
T12	Deploy selected time and management tools in the planning, execution and programme evaluation of a project.	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X

4. Programme structure

Programme Code	Title	Award	Abbreviation
PHUB01	Physics	BSc	Ph
PHUM01	Physics	MPhys	Ph
PHUB02	Engineering Physics	BSc	Eng Ph
PHUM02	Engineering Physics	MPhys	Eng Ph
PHUB07	Mathematics and Physics	BSc	Math & Ph
PHUM07	Mathematics and Physics	MPhys	Math & Ph
PHUB04	Physics with Theoretical Physics	BSc	Ph with Th Ph
PHUM04	Physics with Theoretical Physics	MPhys	Ph with Th Ph

x Compulsory Module

o Optional Module

Part A

		Cred	Sem	Ph	Math & Ph	Ph with Th Ph	Eng Ph
PHA901	Core Physics I: Foundations of Physics	20	1	X	X	X	X
PHA902	Core Physics II: Classical physics of particles, fields and devices	20	2	X	X	X	X
PHA903	Physics laboratory I	20	1&2	X	X	X	X
PHA904	Computational Physics I	20	1&2	X	X	X	X
MAA901	Mathematics for Physics I	20	1&2	X	X	X	X
PHA905	Methods, Philosophy and Frontiers of Physical Science	20	1&2	X		X	X
MAA140	Analysis 1	10	1		X
MAA243	Analysis 2	10	2		X

Part B

		Cred	Sem	Ph	Math & Ph	Ph with Th Ph	Eng Ph
PHB901	Core Physics III: Quantum and condensed matter physics	20	1	X	X	X	X
PHB902	Core Physics IV: Condensed matter, materials & statistical physics	20	2	X	X	X	X
PHB903	Physics laboratory II	20	1&2	X	X	X	X
PHB904	Computational Physics II	20	1&2	X	X	X	X
PHB905	Astrophysics and Astronomy	20	1&2	X
MAB901	Mathematics for Physics II	20	1&2	X	X	X	X
MAB141	Analysis 3	10	1		X
MAB298	Elements of Topology	10	2		X
MAB170	Probability Theory	10	1			X
MAB241	Complex Variables	10	2			X
WSB013	Robotics Project Design and Management	20	1&2				O (Elec) (Sys)
MPB311	Materials Modelling	20	1 & 2				O (Mat)
WSB610	Manufacturing Technology	10	1				O (Mech)
WSA100	Mechanics of Materials 1	10	2				O (Mech)

Part C

		Cred	Sem	Ph	Math & Ph	Ph with Th Ph	Eng Ph
PHC901	Core Physics V: Advanced topics	20	1&2	X	X	X	X
PHC902	Group Project	30	1&2	X	X	X	X
PHC903	Final year project (BSc project)	30	1&2	X (BSc)	X (BSc)	X (BSc)	X (BSc)
PHC904	Research Methods	30	1&2	X (MPhys)	X (MPhys)	X (MPhys)	X (MPhys)
PHC011	General Relativity and Cosmology	20	1&2	O		O
PHC013	Statistical Physics	10	1	O		O
PHC108	Modern Optics	10	2	O		O
PHC120	Surfaces, Thin Films and High Vacuum	10	1	O
PHC180	Advanced Physics Laboratory	10	2	O
MAC233	Studies in Science and Mathematics Education	10	2	O	O	O
PHC205	Elementary Particle Physics	10	2	O		O
MAC150	Inviscid Fluid Mechanics	10	1			O
MAC249	Linear Differential Equations	10	2			O
MAC251	Vibrations and Waves	10	2			O
MAC147	Number Theory	10	1		O
MAC176	Graph Theory	10	1		O
MAB242	Abstract Algebra	10	1		O
MAC148	Introduction to Dynamical Systems	10	1	O	O	O
MAC197	Introduction to Differential Geometry	10	1		O	O
MAC272	Random Processes and Time Series Analysis	10	2		O	O
MAC2XX	Advanced Differential Equations	10	2		O
MAC265	Game Theory	10	2		O
MAC200	Mathematics Report	10	2		O
WSC018	Embedded Systems Design and Implementation	20	1				O (Elec)
WSC055	Digital Interfacing and Instrumentation	20	2				O (Elec)
MPC321	Nano Materials	10	1				O (Mat)
MPC111	Advanced Principles of Materials	10	1				O (Mat)
MPC114	Composite Materials	10	2				O (Mat)
MPC312	Functional Materials	10	2				O (Mat)
WSC910	Laser Materials Processing	10	1				O (Mech)
WSB100	Mechanics of Materials 2	10	1				O (Mech)
WSC802	Computational Fluid Dynamics	10	2				O (Mech)
MPC102	Fracture and Failure	10	2				O (Mech)
WSC200	Engineering Management: Finance, Law and Quality	10	1				O (Sys)
WSC108	Manufacturing Automation and Control	10	1				O (Sys)
WSB004	Control System Design	20	2				O (Sys)

Part D

		Cred	Sem	Ph	Math & Ph	Ph with Th Ph	Eng Ph
PHD901	Physics Research Project (MPhys Project)	60	1&2	X (MPhys)	X (MPhys)	X (MPhys)	X (MPhys)
PHD130	Quantum Information	15	1	O	O	O
PHD201	Physics of Complex Systems	15	2	O	O	O
PHD202	Superconductivity and Nanoscience	15	2	O	O	O
PHD230	Quantum Computing	15	2	O	O	O
PHP100	Mathematical Methods for Interdisciplinary Sciences	15	1	O	O	O
PHD109	Characterisation Techniques in Solid State Physics	15	1	O
MAP102	Programming and Numerical Methods	15	1			O
MAP111	Mathematical Modelling I	15	1	O	O	O
MAD202	Nonlinear Waves	15	2			O
MAP211	Mathematical Modelling II	15	2	O	O	O
MAP213	Fluid Mechanics	15	2	O		O
MAP104	Introduction to Measure Theory and Martingales	15	1		O
MAD103	Lie Groups and Lie Algebras	15	1		O
MAD203	Functional Analysis	15	2		O
MAD102	Regular and Chaotic Dynamics	15	1	O	O	O
MAP201	Elements of PDEs	15	2	O	O	O
WSD506	Fundamentals of Digital Signal Processing	15	1				O (Elec)
WSD511	Information Theory and Coding	15	1				O (Elec)
WSD533	Solar Power	15	1				O (Elec)
WSD534	Wind Power	15	1				O (Elec)
WSD517	Mobile Network Technologies	15	2				O (Elec)
WSD523	Antennas	15	2				O (Elec)
WSD526	Radio Frequency and Microwave Integrated Circuit Design	15	2				O (Elec)
MPP561	Nanomaterials and Composites	15	1				O (Mat)
MPP551	Advanced Characterisation of Materials	15	1				O (Mat)
MPP556	Materials Modelling	15	2				O (Mat)
MPP509	Advances in Biomaterials	15	2				O (Mat)
WSC610	Healthcare Engineering	10	2				O (Mech)
WSD102	Nonlinear Dynamics	10	1				O (Mech)
WSC803	Ballistics & Rocket Propulsion	10	2				O (Mech)
WSD902	Laser & Optical Measurement	10	2				O (Mech)
WSD802	Computational Fluid Dynamics 2	10	1				O (Mech)
WSC900	Computer Control & Instrumentation	10	1				O (Mech)
WSD572	Systems Arcitecture	15	1				O (Sys)
WSD566	Systems Design	15	1				O (Sys)
WSD571	Holistic Engineering	15	2				O (Sys)
WSD567	Validation and Verification	15	2				O (Sys)

Total Modular Weighting per Semester

Students normally study modules with a total weight of 60 in each semester. However, in Part C and D, students may be allowed to study modules up to a total weight of 70 in a semester, 120 in the Part, subject to the consent of the Associate Dean for Teaching or nominee.

Optional Modules not Listed

In exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the Associate Dean for Teaching or nominee, candidates may be allowed to substitute an alternative Loughborough University module of the appropriate Part for any of the optional modules above.

Part I

BSc candidates opting to take eight semesters and MPhys candidates opting to take ten semesters are required to spend the year following Part B for BSc or Part B or Part C for MPhys either (a) at an approved course of study at a University abroad or (b) in professional training. These lead to the awards of the Diploma in International Studies. Diploma in Professional Studies or the Diploma in Industrial Studies respectively in accordance with Regulation XI.

Engineering Physics: Selection of Specialised Streams

At the end of Part A engineering physics students will be asked to select an engineering specialisation. The relevant modules for each stream are indicated in the programme structure according to: Electrical (Elec) Materials (Mat) Mechanical and Manufacturing (Mech) and Systems (Sys) engineering.

Note: Modules offered by this and other departments are subject to change, suspension or termination. The availability of specific modules and any given engineering-physics-stream is not guaranteed.

WSP072

Systems Architecture

O (Sys)

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C, from C to D (if applicable) and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX but also:

In order to progress from Part A to Part B candidates must achieve at least 40% in PHA901, PHA902, PHA903, MAA901 (MAA140 and MAA243 if on Mathematics and Physics).

In order to progress from Part B to Part C candidates must achieve at least 40% in PHB901, PHB902, MAB901.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C (and D if applicable). The average percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio specified in the following table.

BSc Candidates	Part B : Part C	40 : 60
MPhys Candidates	Part B : Part C : Part D	20 : 40 : 40