Programme Specification: School of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics
Programme Specification: School of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics
Programme Specification: School of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics
Programme Specification
Signature
Section 1
Awarding Institution/Body
Teaching Institution
University/partner campuses
Programme accredited by
Final Award
All Final Award titles
University of Hertfordshire
University of Hertfordshire
College Lane, Bayfordbury Observatory
MPhys
1. Physics
2. Astrophysics
3. Physics with a Year Abroad
4. Astrophysics with a Year Abroad
5. Physics (Sandwich)
6. Astrophysics (Sandwich)
Language of Delivery
1.
2.
3.
4.
English
A. Programme Rationale
The MPhys Physics and Astrophysics programme aims to train physicists and astrophysicists to a
level commensurate with the requirements of the profession and to gain the relevant research skills
required for further study. The modules are designed to reflect the importance of fundamental
concepts and ideas that underpin the physical sciences. They aim to instill in the student an
appreciation of the beauty of the physical world and the remarkable success that analytical,
observational and experimental techniques have achieved in predicting and explaining its behaviour.
Emphasis is placed on practical work in the laboratories, at the observatory and in computer suites.
The MPhys programmes allow students to study physics or astrophysics to a greater depth and
breadth than possible within the BSc programmes. They provide a unified, coherent and broadly
based training in physics or astrophysics, and aim to give students a greater understanding and
appreciation of the subject enabling them to work in academic or industrial research.
The programme endeavours to recruit students with a genuine enthusiasm and interest in the subject
area. It seeks to foster a creative spirit in students to help them fulfill their potential, to become
creative scientists and to become successful in a wide range of graduate professions where logical
and analytical thinking is required.
The common level 4 studies and other core elements, reflect the belief that there is a backbone of
physical theory and supporting mathematics which must underpin the whole programme. The final
year project tests a wide variety of skills and brings together various aspects of the course.
V1.8 / Masters Programme Specification / January 2014 / AS
University of Hertfordshire 2014
Communication skills are addressed directly within the programme through compulsory modules at
levels 4, 5 and 6 and are continually supported by requirements for written coursework, individual and
team work and a substantial level 7 project. In particular, electronic communication is introduced at the
outset and is used thereafter both in the taught modules and projects. At level 5 students have to
choose one of two modules that address professional issues relevant to a professional career. One
module is aimed at career physicists whilst the other is tailored specifically to the teaching of physics
and mathematics in schools.
develop students project-working skills and attributes to a level suitable for entry to postgraduate
research degrees;
Knowledge and
Understanding of:
A1- the fundamental
concepts, ideas and
theories of Physics and
Astrophysics;
A2- the mathematical and
computational techniques
used to frame and solve
physical problems;
A3- the techniques of
practical work in Physics;
A4 - the techniques of
practical work in
Astrophysics;
A5 selected recent
developments within
some current research
Assessment
Knowledge and
understanding are assessed
through a combination of
unseen examinations (A1,
A2), practical examinations
(A2,), in-course assessments
(A1-A3) in the form of
laboratory reports and
logbooks (A2, A3), class
tests (A1, A2), coursework
assignments (A1-A4), project
report (A1-A4), oral and
poster presentation (A1-A4).
Assessment
Intellectual skills are
assessed through a
combination of unseen
examinations (B1, B3),
practical examinations (B3),
assessed individual incourse assignments (B1-B5),
laboratory/observatory
reports (B2), workbooks and
logbooks (B1-B3), class tests
(B1,B3), presentations (B1B3) and final year project
report (B1-B5).
B6 is assessed by
written/verbal reports from
the student, the placement
organisation and the
placement tutor.
Assessment
Practical skills are assessed
through laboratory reports
(C1) and coursework and
assignments (C1, C2).
C3 and C4 are assessed
during the project and also
some option modules at
Level 7 that require students
to research and write a
technical review on an
aspect of physics.
Assessment
Transferable skills are
assessed through a
combination of group
presentations (D1-D3),
individual assignments (D1,
D3), written practical reports
(D1-D3), project posters and
reports) (D1-D4).
Module Code
Credit Points
Language of
Delivery
% Examination
% Coursework
% Practical
Semesters
4PAM0007
4PAM0009
4PAM1013
4PAM0023
4PAM0016
4PAM1027
30
30
30
15
15
0
English
English
English
English
English
English
50
60
60
0
0
0
50
40
40
100
100
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
AB
AB
AB
B
A
AB
Compulsory Modules
Module Title
Mathematical Techniques 1
Contemporary Physics
The Physical Universe
Applications of Computing
Laboratory Physics 1
Small Group Tutorial
30
English
English
English
English
English
80
0
0
60
80
20
100
100
40
20
0
0
0
0
0
A
A
A
B
AB
English
60
31
AB
Semesters
5PAM0026
4PAM0009
4PAM0009
Or
4PAM1013
4PAM0009
Or
4PAM1013
% Practical
4PAM0007
% Coursework
15
15
15
15
30
% Examination
5PAM0012
5PAM0024
5PAM0028
5PAM0027
5PAM0013
Language of
Delivery
Credit Points
Mathematical Techniques 2
Professional Skills*
Professional Teaching Skills*
Quantum Physics
Thermal and Condensed Matter
Physics
Compulsory Modules
Module Title
Pre-req
Module Code
Semesters
English
English
% Practical
English
English
English
% Coursework
Pre-req
0
0
4PAM0007
4PAM0007
4PAM0016
% Examination
Credit Points
6PAM0011
6PAM0030
Language of
Delivery
15
15
15
Language of
Delivery
Credit Points
5PAM1001
5PAM1003
5PAM0023
Pre-req
Module Code
Differential Equations
Mechanics
Laboratory Physics 2
Module Code
Optional Modules
Module Title
80
80
0
20
20
100
0
0
0
B
B
B
% Practical
Semesters
Professional Placement
Year Abroad
% Coursework
Optional Modules
Module Title
% Examination
0
0
100
100
0
0
AB
ABC
% Examination
% Coursework
% Practical
0
0
0
0
Semesters
Language of
Delivery
Pre-req
4PAM0009
6COM0247
4PAM0023
5PAM0013
4PAM0007
5PAM0012
100
100
40
100
A
B
AB
B
Semesters
15
15
15
30
15
30
0
0
60
0
% Practical
6COM0247
6COM0260
6PAM0027
6PAM0015
6PAM1019
6PAM0022
English
English
English
English
% Coursework
15
Pre-req
6AAD0026
4PAM0023
5PAM0027
5PAM0026
% Examination
15
15
30
15
Language of
Delivery
Optional Modules
Module Title
Credit Points
Investigations in Physics
6PAM1004
6PAM1007
6PAM0014
6PAM1016
Credit Points
Computational Physics
Contemporary Quantum Physics
Waves & Fluids
Module Code
Compulsory Modules
Module Title
Module Code
English
60
40
English
English
English
English
English
English
0
100
0
60
80
80
100
0
100
40
20
20
0
0
0
0
0
0
A
B
B
AB
B
AB
15
15
7AHP0202
7AHP0205
7PAM1027
7PAM1022
7PAM1020
15
15
15
15
15
5PAM0026
5PAM0026
5PAM0012
% Practical
AB
A
A
English
60
40
Semesters
% Coursework
0
0
0
Semesters
Credit Points
CFD Techniques
CFD Analysis for Aerospace
Applications
Science & Principles of MRI
Science & Principles of CT
Relativity and Field Theory
Atmospheric Physics
High Energy Astrophysics
100
50
20
% Practical
Module Code
7ENT1007
7ENT1006
Optional Modules
Module Title
0
50
80
% Coursework
15
% Examination
7PAM1022
5PAM0012,
5PAM0027,
5PAM0026
English
English
English
% Examination
Atmospheric Physics
6PAM1016
Language of
Delivery
60
15
15
Language of
Delivery
7PAM1024
7PAM1023
7PAM1027
Pre-req
Credit Points
Physics Project
Programming & Statistics
Relativity and Field Theory
Compulsory Modules
Module Title
Pre-req
Module Code
English
English
60
60
40
40
0
0
A
B
English
English
English
English
English
0
0
80
60
60
100
100
20
40
40
0
0
0
0
0
A
B
A
B
B
MPhys Astrophysics
Mode of study Full time/Part time
Entry point Semester A
Module Code
Credit Points
Language of
Delivery
% Examination
% Coursework
% Practical
Semesters
4PAM0007
4PAM0009
4PAM1013
4PAM0023
4PAM0016
4PAM1027
30
30
30
15
15
0
English
English
English
English
English
English
50
60
60
0
0
0
50
40
40
100
100
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
AB
AB
AB
B
A
AB
Compulsory Modules
Module Title
Mathematical Techniques 1
Contemporary Physics
The Physical Universe
Applications of Computing
Laboratory Physics 1
Small Group Tutorial
30
English
English
English
English
English
80
0
0
60
60
20
100
100
40
40
0
0
0
0
0
A
A
A
B
AB
English
60
31
AB
Semesters
5PAM0026
4PAM0009
4PAM0009
Or
4PAM1013
4PAM0009
Or
4PAM1013
% Practical
4PAM0007
% Coursework
15
15
15
15
30
% Examination
5PAM0012
5PAM0024
5PAM0028
5PAM0027
5PAM0025
Language of
Delivery
Credit Points
Mathematical Techniques 2
Professional Skills*
Professional Teaching Skills*
Quantum Physics
Solar System Physics
Compulsory Modules
Module Title
Pre-req
Module Code
% Coursework
% Practical
Semesters
80
80
0
20
20
100
0
0
0
B
B
B
% Coursework
% Practical
Semesters
English
English
% Examination
English
English
English
% Examination
0
0
Language of
Delivery
Pre-req
6PAM0011
6PAM0030
4PAM0007
4PAM0007
4PAM0016
Language of
Delivery
15
15
15
Pre-req
Credit Points
5PAM1001
5PAM1003
5PAM0023
Credit Points
Differential Equations
Mechanics
Laboratory Physics 2
Module Code
Optional Modules
Module Title
Module Code
0
0
100
100
0
0
AB
ABC
Optional Modules
Module Title
Professional Placement
Year Abroad
15
6COM0247
6COM0260
6PAM0027
6PAM1007
6PAM1019
6PAM0014
6PAM0022
15
15
15
15
15
30
30
% Examination
% Coursework
% Practical
Semesters
0
0
0
A
AB
AB
English
100
4PAM0009
6COM0247
4PAM0023
5PAM0027
4PAM0007
5PAM0026
5PAM0012
Semesters
6AAD0026
100
40
40
% Practical
0
60
60
% Coursework
Optional Modules
Module Title
English
English
English
% Examination
15
Language of
Delivery
6PAM1016
4PAM0023
5PAM0025
5PAM0025
Language of
Delivery
Investigations in Physics
Pre-req
15
30
30
Pre-req
Credit Points
6PAM1004
6PAM0015
6PAM1001
Credit Points
Computational Physics
Physics of Stars
Cosmology and Large Scale
Structure
Compulsory Modules
Module Title
Module Code
Module Code
English
60
40
English
English
English
English
English
English
English
0
100
0
0
80
60
80
100
0
100
100
20
40
20
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
A
B
B
B
B
AB
AB
English
English
English
English
0
50
60
60
100
50
40
40
0
0
0
0
Semesters
% Practical
6PAM1001
% Coursework
6PAM1016
% Examination
60
15
15
15
Pre-req
7PAM1026
7PAM1023
7PAM1025
7PAM1020
Language of
Delivery
Astrophysics Project
Programming & Statistics
Galaxy Formation & Evolution*
High Energy Astrophysics*
Credit Points
Compulsory Modules
Module Title
Module Code
AB
A
A
B
10
Semesters
5PAM0026
% Practical
15
% Coursework
7AHP0202
% Examination
15
15
Pre-req
7ENT1007
7ENT1006
Language of
Delivery
CFD Techniques
CFD Analysis for Aerospace
Applications
Science & Principles of MRI
Credit Points
Optional Modules
Module Title
Module Code
English
English
60
60
40
40
0
0
A
B
English
100
7AHP0205
7PAM1025
7PAM1022
7PAM1020
7PAM1021
15
15
15
15
15
5PAM0026
6PAM1001
5PAM0012
English
English
English
English
English
0
60
60
60
80
100
40
40
40
20
0
0
0
0
0
Progression to level 5 requires a minimum of 90 credits. The maximum study rate in such an instance
would be 150 credits and students would be expected to remedy any failed modules from level 4 in the
first instance.
Progression to non-honours level 5 with 75 credits may be permissible. The maximum study rate in
such an instance would normally be 120 credits and students would be expected to remedy any failed
modules from level 4 in the first instance
Progression to level 6 requires 210 credits. The maximum study rate in such an instance would be
150 credits and students would be expected to remedy any failed modules from level 5 in the first
instance.
Progression to non-honours level 6 with 180 credits may be permissible. The maximum study rate in
such an instance would normally be 120 credits and students would be expected to remedy any failed
modules from level 5 in the first instance
The award of an Honours degree in Physics or Astrophysics requires 360 credit points passed with a
minimum of at least 120 at level 6 including 6PAM1019 Investigation in Physics and 6PAM1004
Computational Physics.
Progression to Level 7 requires 360 credit points passed with a minimum of at least 120 at level 6 with
the student performing at 2(i) standard. If by the end of Level 6 the student is not performing at a
standard of 2(i) then the exit award would be a BSc (Hons). The award of an Honours degree in
Physics or Astrophysics requires 360 credit points passed with a minimum of at least 120 at level 6
including 6PAM1019 Investigation in Physics and 6PAM1004 Computational Physics.
Honours classification
The University has approved structure and assessment regulations common to all programmes. Full
details are provided in UPR AS14, Section D.
Table 1b Final and interim awards available
The programme provides the following final and interim awards:
Award
University Certificate
Certificate of Higher Education
University Diploma
Diploma of Higher Education
BSc
BSc (Hons)
MPhys
Available at end of
Minimum requirements
Level
45 credit points at level 4
4
120 credit points at level 4
4, 5
180 credit points including at least 60 at level
5, 6
5
240 credit points including at least 120 at level
5, 6
5
300 credit points including 180 at level 6/5 of
6
which 60 must be at level 6
360 credit points including 240 at level 6/5 of
6
which 120 must be at level 6
480 credits, including at least 360 at Level
7
7/6/5 of which at least 240 must be at Level
7/6 and at least 120 must be at Level 7
11
B
A
B
B
A
F. Entry requirements
The normal entry requirements for the programme are:
340 points from minimum of two GCE/VCE A-levels (normally including GCE A-level Physics and
Mathematics or VCE A-level Science) or one VCE Double Award in Science. All key skills and
other tariff points counted;
or
plus
The programme is subject to the University's Principles, Policies, Regulations and Procedures for the
Admission of Students to Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Programmes and will take account
V1.8 / Masters Programme Specification / January 2014 / AS
University of Hertfordshire 2014
12
of University policy and guidelines for assessing accredited prior certificated learning (APCL) and
accredited prior experiential learning (APEL)
13
Section 2
Programme management
Relevant QAA subject benchmarking statements
Date of validation/last periodic review
Date of production/ last revision of PS
Relevant intakes
Administrative School
Course description
JACS
PMMPHY
F303
Course Instances
Instances
code
Intake
Stream
Instances
Year
MPHY1S
Physics
Hatfield
Full-time/sandwich
MPHY2S
Physics
Hatfield
Full-time/sandwich
MPHY3S
Physics
Hatfield
Sandwich Placement/Study
Abroad
MPHY4S
Physics
Hatfield
Sandwich
MPHY5S
Physics
Hatfield
Sandwich
MPHY3F
Physics
Hatfield
Full-time
MPHY4F
Physics
Hatfield
Full-time
MPHY1P
Physics
Hatfield
Part-time
MPHY2P
Physics
Hatfield
Part-time
MPHY3P
Physics
Hatfield
Part-time
MPHY4P
Physics
Hatfield
Part-time
MPHY5P
Physics
Hatfield
Part-time
MPHY6P
Physics
Hatfield
Part-time
MPHY7P
Physics
Hatfield
Part-time
MPHY8P
Physics
Hatfield
Part-time
14
Course description
JACS
PMMPHYAP
F510
Course Instances
Instances code
Intake
Stream
Instances
Year
MAST1S
Astrophysics
Hatfield
Full-time/sandwich
MAST2S
Astrophysics
Hatfield
Full-time/sandwich
MAST3S
Astrophysics
Hatfield
Sandwich Placement/Study
Abroad
MAST4S
Astrophysics
Hatfield
Sandwich
MAST5S
Astrophysics
Hatfield
Sandwich
MAST3F
Astrophysics
Hatfield
Full-time
MAST4F
Astrophysics
Hatfield
Full-time
MAST1P
Astrophysics
Hatfield
Part-time
MAST2P
Astrophysics
Hatfield
Part-time
MAST3P
Astrophysics
Hatfield
Part-time
MAST4P
Astrophysics
Hatfield
Part-time
MAST5P
Astrophysics
Hatfield
Part-time
MAST6P
Astrophysics
Hatfield
Part-time
MAST7P
Astrophysics
Hatfield
Part-time
MAST8P
Astrophysics
Hatfield
Part-time
15
Further points of clarification and interpretation relevant to this specific programme are given below:
Progression from one level to the next depends on meeting the pre-requisite requirements of
specific chosen modules as detailed in Table 1a to 1d and 1e above.
To be eligible for any of the above awards a student must attain pass grades in compulsory
courses listed in Table 1a to 1d.
In the case of a Sandwich or Year Abroad award, students must also perform satisfactorily in the
professional training year, as assessed by the Professional Training Certification Panel.
The programme includes a significant amount of group working, as a consequence specific
regulations governing cheating and plagiarism are provided in the student handbook.
The maximum length of time that a student can remain registered on the programme is: 5 years
for Full-time, 6 years for Sandwich and 8 years for Part-time.
Structure & Assessment Regulations - Undergraduate & Taught Postgraduate Programmes, UPR
AS14:
http://sitem.herts.ac.uk/secreg/upr/AS14.htm
Learning and Teaching Policy and Graduate Attributes, UPR TL03:
http://sitem.herts.ac.uk/secreg/upr/TL03.htm
Admissions - Undergraduate & Taught Postgraduate Students, UPR SA03:
http://sitem.herts.ac.uk/secreg/upr/SA03.htm
Academic Quality, UPR AS17:
http://sitem.herts.ac.uk/secreg/upr/AS17.htm
Index of UPRs for students:
http://sitem.herts.ac.uk/secreg/upr_azlist_info.htm
16
Signed ....
Date02.04.14..
Stephen Kane
Associate Dean of School (Academic Quality Assurance)
17
MPhys Physics
Module Code
4PAM0007
4PAM0009
4PAM1013
4PAM0023
4PAM1027
4PAM0016
5PAM0012
5PAM0013
5PAM0023
5PAM0024
5PAM0026
5PAM0027
5PAM1001
5PAM1003
5PAM0028
6PAM0011
6PAM0030
6PAM0007
6PAM0014
6PAM0015
6PAM0027
6PAM1004
6PAM1007
6AAD0026
6PAM0022
6PAM1016
6COM0247
6COM0260
A1
A2
A3
B1
B2
B3
B6
C1
C2
D1
D2
D3
Level 7
Programme Learning Outcomes (as identified in section 1 and the following page)
Intellectual Skills
Practical Skills Transferable Skills
Knowledge & Understanding
Module Title
Physics Project
Programing and Statistics
Relativity and Field Theory
Atmospheric Physics
CFD Techniques
CFD Analysis for Aerospace Applications
Science and Principles of MRI
Science and Principles of CT
High Energy Astrophysics
Module Code
7PAM1024
7PAM1023
7PAM1027
7PAM1022
7ENT1007
7ENT1006
7AHP0202
7AHP0205
7PAM1020
A1
A2
A3
A5
B1
B2
B4
B5
B6
C1
C2
C3
C4
D1
D2
D3 D4
B3
MPhys Astrophysics
Level 6
Level 5
Level 4
Programme Learning Outcomes (as identified in section 1 and the following page)
Intellectual Skills
Practical Skills
Transferable Skills
Knowledge & Understanding
Module Title
Mathematical Techniques 1
Contemporary Physics
The Physical Universe
Applications of Computing
Small Group Tutorial
Laboratory Physics 1
Mathematical Techniques 2
Laboratory Physics 2
Professional Skills
Optical Physics & Electromagnetism
Quantum Physics
Differential Equations
Mechanics
Professional Teaching Skills
Professional Placement (Placement Year)
Year Abroad
Nonlinear Systems
Waves & Fluids
Physics of Stars
Space Dynamics
Computational Physics
Cosmology and Large Scale Structure
Contemporary Quantum Physics
Rocket Performance and Propulsion
Boundary Value Problems
Investigations in Physics
Quantum Computing A
Quantum Computing B
Module Code
4PAM0007
4PAM0009
4PAM1013
4PAM0023
4PAM1027
4PAM0016
5PAM0012
5PAM0023
5PAM0024
5PAM0026
5PAM0027
5PAM1001
5PAM1003
5PAM0028
6PAM0011
6PAM0030
6PAM0007
6PAM0014
6PAM0015
6PAM0027
6PAM1004
6PAM1001
6PAM1007
6AAD0026
6PAM0022
6PAM1016
6COM0247
6COM0260
A1
A2
A3
B1
B2
B3
B4
C1
C2
D1
D2
D3
Level 7
Programme Learning Outcomes (as identified in section 1 and the following page)
Intellectual Skills
Practical Skills Transferable Skills
Knowledge & Understanding
Module Title
Astrophysics Project
Programing and Statistics
Galaxy Formation & Evolution
Atmospheric Physics
CFD Techniques
CFD Analysis for Areospace Applications
Science and Principles of MRI
Science and Principles of CT
Relativity and Field Theory
High Energy Astrophysics
Module Code
7PAM1026
7PAM1023
7PAM1025
7PAM1022
7ENT1007
7ENT1006
7AHP0202
7AHP0205
7PAM1027
7PAM1020
A1
A2
A4
A5
B1
B2
B4
B5
B6
C1
C2
C3
C4
D1
D2
D3
D4
B3
Practical Skills
C1. Perform experimental work and draw conclusions;
C2. Apply appropriate analytical and modelling
techniques to physical problems.
Transferable Skills
Intellectual Skills e.g.
B1. Formulate and tackle problems in physics and astrophysics;
B2. Plan, execute and report the results of an experiment or an investigation;
B3. Use mathematics and computing to describe the physical world or an investigation
B4. Discuss critically the role of numerical modeling, uncertainty and approximations in
physics;
B5. Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be
incomplete), make judgements, and frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution or identify
a range of solutions to a problem.