Programme Specifications

The educational aims of the programme are:

· To provide students, through an Institute of Physics recognised programme, with knowledge and understanding in a range of topics in Mathematics and Physics.

· To develop skills in the application of such knowledge and understanding to the solutions of problems in Mathematics and Theoretical Physics.

· To develop the ability to transfer subject-specific skills to a range of topics in Mathematics and Physics.

· To prepare students for careers in Mathematics, Physics and in allied professions. 

· To develop analytical reasoning skills, team-working skills, information technology skills and    other skills appropriate to a wide range of careers.

Knowledge and understanding

A1. Of fundamental concepts and techniques of calculus, algebra, geometry, analysis, mathematical modelling and of a core of physics.
A2. Of more advanced concepts in abstract algebra, real and complex analysis, numerical mathematics and fluid dynamics.
A3. Of a selection of specialist topics in Mathematics and Physics.
A4. Of software for supporting presentations and producing reports, if appropriate.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

Formal lectures (A1-A4), tutorials (A1-A3), examples classes (A1-A3), practical classes (A4), help-desk encounters (A1), student-initiated informal meetings with lecturers (A1-A4), coursework (A1-A4). Project consultations (A1-A4) for students who have chosen the appropriate module.

 Assessment – unseen written examinations (A1-A3), Presentations (A1-A4), coursework (A1-A4), project report (A1-A4), if appropriate.

10.2.1.      Intellectual skills

The ability to

B1. Calculate and manipulate data obtained from, or related to, the bodies of knowledge studied.
B2. Apply a range of concepts and principles in well-defined mathematical or theoretical physics contexts, showing judgement in the selection and application of tools and techniques.
B3. Develop and evaluate logical arguments.
B4. Abstract the essential elements of problems, formulate them in a mathematical context and obtain solutions by appropriate methods.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

Formal lectures, tutorials, examples classes, practical classes, revision workshops, help-desk encounters, project consultations where appropriate, student-initiated informal meetings with lecturers. Skills B1-B4 are developed in all these learning situations.

 Assessment - unseen written examinations, coursework, presentations, and project report where appropriate. Skills B1-B4 are assessed by all these assessment methods.

10.2.2.      Professional practical skills

The Ability to

C1. Present arguments and conclusions effectively and accurately.
C2. Use computer software to support presentations and produce reports.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

Formal lectures, tutorials, examples classes, practical classes, revision workshops, help-desk encounters, student-initiated informal meetings with lecturers. Project consultations where appropriate. Skill C1 is developed in all these learning situations.

Assessment – unseen written examinations (C1), presentations (C1 -C2), coursework (C1 -C2), project report (C1 - C2), if appropriate.

The ability to

D1. Apply general mathematical skills to the interpretation of numerical data.
D2. Work as a member of a team.
D3. Use information technology effectively to manage information.
D4. Manage time and resources effectively.
D5. Develop effective learning skills.
D6. Be aware of the need to plan for employment and of need to develop various skills for such employment.
D7. Work independently

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

Skill D1 is developed in all learning environments in the Department of Mathematics and assessed by all assessment methods. Skill D2 is developed during practical classes. Skill D3 is developed primarily in practical classes and assessed by coursework. Skill D3 is also developed through the use of e-mail, which is a normal means of communication between staff and students. Skills D4 and D5 are developed in an induction course on study skills, in preparing set coursework and submitting it by given deadlines.  Skills D4 and D5 are not explicitly assessed. Skill D6 is developed at meetings with Personal Tutors, by the Careers Development Programme, at occasional recruitment meetings arranged for final-year students and in other interactions with the Careers Advisory Service. Skills D4, D5 and D7 are developed by independent study for an optional project.