Programme Specifications

This programme caters for a degree scheme which allows the student to take a course in which one-half of the content is in Mathematics and the remainder in another subject.

The educational aims of the programme are:

· To provide students with knowledge and understanding in a range of topics in Mathematics, which may include some topics in Statistics.

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

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

· To allow students to develop subject-specific knowledge and skills in another discipline in parallel with their studies in Mathematics.

· To prepare students for careers in which a combination of the skills developed in Mathematics and another subject is particularly appropriate. 

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

1. To provide a programme in which the study of physics can be combined with that of mathematics, such that student time is divided equally between both disciplines.

2. To provide a thorough understanding of the core principles of physics within the general areas of classical and quantum physics.

3. To apply research activity to inform the learning and teaching.

4. To produce graduates with competence in subject-specific skills: problem solving, scientific methodology, experimental and computing techniques.

5. To provide training, and use of, in a wide range of transferable key skills needed for employment at a graduate level.

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding

A1. Of fundamental concepts and techniques of calculus, algebra, analysis and selected topics in geometry, mathematical modelling, probability and statistics.
A2. Of more advanced concepts in abstract algebra, real and complex analysis and selected topics in numerical mathematics, fluid dynamics, probability and statistics.
A3. Of a selection of specialist topics in Mathematics and Statistics.
A4. Of software for the analysis of numerical data.
A5. Of software supporting presentations and producing reports.

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

Formal lectures (A1-A5), tutorials (A1-A4), examples classes (A1-A4), practical classes (A4 - A5), 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), open-book practical examinations (A1 - A4), coursework (A1-A4). Project reports/presentations (A1 - A5), if appropriate.

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

A1-A5

A1 Understanding of fundamental concepts of a core of physics

A2 Ability to apply these fundamental concepts to advanced topics approaching the frontiers of the subject

A3 Appropriate working knowledge of mathematical techniques

A4 A range of skills in practical physics, including experimental work, data manipulation and computing techniques

A5 Ability to interpret topics and results in terms of relevant literature and to construct and communicate the arguments logically

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods used to enable the outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated encompass:

• Lectures (A1-A5)

• Problem-solving workshops (A1,A3-A4)

• Feedback classes (A1-A3)

• Laboratory work (A4)

• Group and individual project work (A4-A5)

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Assessment methods include:

• Time-constrained examinations (A1-A3,A5)

• Open- and closed-book tests (A1-A3)

• Examples sheets (A1-A3)

• Laboratory diaries and reports (A4)

• Literature searches and reviews (A5)

• Project reports (A4-A5)

• Oral/Poster presentations (A4-A5)

• Mathematical and numerical exercises (A1,A3)

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 statistical 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, student-initiated informal meetings with lecturers. Project consultations for students who have chosen the appropriate modules. Skills B1-B4 are developed in all these learning situations.

Assessment – unseen written examinations, open-book practical examinations, coursework, presentations. Project reports, if 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 analyse and interpret the data.
C3. 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 for students who have chosen the appropriate modules. Skill C1 is developed in all these learning situations, skills C2-C3 in practical classes. Some, but not all, of the skills C2-C3 are acquired by all students on this programme, since the modules in which they are developed are optional.

Assessment – unseen written examinations (C1), open-book practical examinations (C2), coursework (C1 - C2), project report/presentations (C1-C3), if appropriate.

10.2.1 Intellectual skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

B1-B5

B1 Analytical and problem-solving skills

B2 Numerical skills

B3 Ability to plan, execute and report on an experiment or investigation

B4 Capability of independent work and group work in physics

B5 Ability to develop mathematical and computing skills used to model and describe the physical world

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods used to enable the outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated include:

• Problem-solving workshops (B1-B2,B5)

• Laboratory classes (B3-B5)

• Group and individual projects (B1-B5)

• Lectures (B1-B2)

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Assessment methods include:

• Example sheets (B1-B2)

• Laboratory diaries and reports (B3)

• Group and individual project reports (B3-B5)

• Time constrained examinations (B1-B2)

• Oral presentations (B3)

• Open- and closed-book tests (B1-B2)

10.2.2 Professional practical skills / Discipline Specific Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

C1-C6

C1 Competency in working in a practical laboratory

C2 Ability to estimate uncertainties in measurements and results

C3 Ability to assess and minimise risks in practical situations

C4 The use of numerical, IT and computing skills to support practical work

C5 Competency in recording practical work in laboratory diaries and reporting on the work in written accounts and oral presentations

C6 Competency in carrying out a literature review and reporting on a project via written and oral presentations

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods used to enable the outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated include:

• Laboratory classes (C1-C5)

• Project work (C1-C6)

• Oral presentations (C5-C6)

• Lectures and workshops (C2-C6)

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Assessment methods include:

• Laboratory diaries and reports (C1-C5)

• Group and individual project reports (C1-C6)

• Oral presentations (C5-C6)

• Coursework examples (C2)

• Numerical exercises (C4)

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 open-book examinations and coursework. Project consultations for students who have chosen the appropriate modules. 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, at occasional recruitment meetings arranged for final-year students in the Department of Mathematics and in interactions with the Careers Advisory Service. Skills D4, D5 and D7 are developed by independent study for an optional project.

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

D1-D6

D1 Problem-solving, analytical and investigative skills

D2 Ability to work independently and in groups

D3 Time-management and planning skills

D4 Ability to communicate in writing and orally

D5 Ability to apply IT skills

D6 Professional behaviour including appreciation of the requirements: to be objective, unbiased and truthful; to acknowledge the work of others; and to adopt a safe working environment.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods used to enable the outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated include:

• Project work (D1-D6)

• Laboratory classes (D1-D6)

• Lectures (D1)

• Workshops (D1)

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Assessment strategies and methods include:

• Group and individual project work (D1-D6)

• Laboratory diaries and reports (D1,D4-D6)

• Oral presentations (D4)

• Written project reports (D4,D6)

• Example sheets (D1-D2)