Programme And Module Handbook
 
Programme Specification


Date Specification Approved 12/11/2021
College College Eng and Physical Sci
School Physics and Astronomy
Department Physics & Astronomy
Partner College and School
Collaborative Organisation and Form of Collaboration
Qualification and Programme Title M.Sci. Physics Studies (International Study) Full-time
Programme Code 183I
Delivery Location Campus
Language of Study English
Length of Programme 4 Year(s)
Accreditations Institute of Physics (IOP)
Aims of the Programme To develop investigative experimental mathematical computational and other transferable skills.
To provide students with a broad based Physics education which will make them numerate, articulate and employable.
To learn to plan investigations and to collect and analyse data.
To develop the capacity for independent study and learning.
To develop skills in the writing of reports, and other presentational methods.
To become proficient in both conventional and open ended project work.
To provide a sufficiently large range of optional material in later years to meet the disparate interests and abilities of a large group of students. By this means students will acquire the knowledge and skill base necessary to operate as a professional physicist.

The first two years of this Programme are spent in Birmingham following the same programme as the single-honours MSci in Physics with provision for training in the appropriate language. The third year is spent abroad on an approved programme of study at a university in Europe as part of the ERASMUS exchange scheme. On returning to Birmingham for their fourth year of study, students complete their degree by following the third and fourth year MSci programme in Physics.
Our degree provides an excellent base, not only for a career in Physics with an International flavour, but also for a wide range of jobs where the ability to think logically where logical, analytical and presentational skills are important.
Programme Outcomes
Students are expected to have Knowledge and Understanding of: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
Basic areas of Physics such as Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Mechanics, Thermal and Statistical Physics and Atomic Physics.
Mathematics and its application to a broad range of subject areas including taught modules, laboratory and project work;
Computing methods - in addition to the use of standard computer packages, students should be fluent in the use of computers for mathematical analysis, data manipulation, and the modelling of physical systems;
The analysis and interpretation of experimental data. This includes the setting up and running of experiments, an awareness of the limitations of the technique and the estimation of errors.
A range of more advanced topics reflecting the wide and deep research base of the school. These will include lecture module, laboratory and project work.
A mathematical analysis package (MathCad) and formal programming language (C++)
Lectures, problem classes, workshops and tutorials. Computer classes, Laboratory classes and project work.
Examinations and continuously assessed work. Assessed reports and talks, observation of practical skills, viva voce interviews, peer and self assessment.
Students are expected to have attained the following Skills and other Attributes: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
Acquire analytical and problem solving skills, equipping them to apply their knowledge in a wide range of situations.
To develop mathematical skills and the ability to apply them to many different areas of physics including both seen and unseen problems.
Develop a range of practical skills in physics including experimental work data manipulation and analysis and numerical modelling.
Demonstrate a range of practical skills in physics, including experimental work, data manipulation and analysis and numerical modelling.
Demonstrate a range of transferable skills including verbal and written communication, self organisation, computational skills and the use of information technology.
Show self motivation and the ability to work independently as well as bein effective team members.
An ability to use a mathematical analysis package (MathCad) and a formal programming language (C++) to address physics problems
Lectures, problem classes, workshops and tutorials. Computer classes, Laboratory classes and project work.
Examinations and continuously assessed work. Assessed reports and talks, observation of practical skills, viva voce examination. Observation of team activities.