Collaborative Organisation and Form of Collaboration
Qualification and Programme Title
M.Sci. Physics and Astrophysics (International Study) Full-time
Programme Code
9938
Delivery Location
Campus
Language of Study
English
Length of Programme
4 Year(s)
Accreditations
This programme has no outside accreditations
Aims of the Programme
To develop investigative experimental mathematical computational and other transferable skills; To provide students with a broad-based Physics and Astrophysics 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 leaning; To develop skills in the writing of reports, and other presentational methods; To become proficient in both conventional laboratory work and open ended project work; To acquire a range of skills in the taking and interpretation of astronomical data; 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 .
In addition to the above, students should acquire specialist knowledge in the acquisition and analysis of astronomical data. By this means, students will acquire the knowledge and skill base necessary to pursue a large range of career options. The MSci degree programme aims to produce students with the knowledge and skills 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 and Astrophysics with provision for training in the appropriate language. The third year is spent abroad on an approved programme of study. On returning to Birmingham for their fourth year of study, students complete their degree by following the fourth year MSci programme in Physics and Astrophysics.
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 specialist knowledge of astronomical measurement equipment and the interpretation of data
A mathematical analysis package (MATLAB) and formal programming langague (C++)
Demonstrate their Physics/Mathematics skills in Physics and Mathematics modules taught and examined in a foreign language at the host University as part of a study programme approved by the School of Physics & Astronomy (where appropriate)
Write effectively in a foreign language in both technical and non-technical contexts (where appropriate)
Lectures supported by 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.
Written examinations in foreign language by Modern Languages Unit prior to year abroad (where appropriate). Physics examinations during year abroad are written in the foreign language (where appropriate).
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
Acquire analytical and problem solving skills, equipping them to apply their knowledge in a wide range of situations
Develop a range of practical skills in physics and astrophysics 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 being effective team members
An ability to use a mathematical analysis package (MATLAB) and a formal programming language (C++) to address physics problems
An ability to use a mathematical analysis package (MATLAB) and a formal programming language (C++) to address physics problems
Appreciate the cultural, historical, political, social and geographic aspects of the host country
Lectures, workshops, general problems, classes and tutorials; laboratory and project work; talks, essays and IT based modules
Examination and continuous assessment; talks, reports, viva voce examination, observation of practical skills; observation of team activities.
Basic language examined by MLU. Technical language used in exams during year abroad (where appropriate)
