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FHEQ level

This course is set at Level 6 in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

Course Aims

The Theoretical Physics (BSc) degree programme aims to provide a physics-based undergraduate programme that is broad and academically challenging, building progressively upon previously acquired skills and knowledge. This degree excludes laboratory work, allowing you to focus on a deeper study of theoretical physics, mathematics and computing. All students undertake a final-year project in one of the active theoretical research groups in the department, where they develop the ability to work independently and to understand original research literature. As with all our programmes, there are opportunities to transfer to other physics-based degree programmes at appropriate stages.

Course learning outcomes

A. Knowledge and Understanding. At the end of the Theoretical Physics (BSc) degree programme, a successful student is expected to: 1. have demonstrated a systematic understanding of most fundamental laws and principles of physics, along with their application to several areas in physics;

2. have acquired coherent and detailed knowledge of physics, at least some of which is at (or is informed by) the forefront of the discipline;

3. be aware of the current limits to knowledge in physics;

4. be able to apply accurately a selection of mathematical and computational tools required to solve problems in quantitative science, identifying relevant principles and laws when dealing with such problems;

5. have an understanding of, and particular skills in, the theoretical, mathematical, or computational aspects of physics.

B. Intellectual Skills. By the end of the Theoretical Physics (BSc) degree programme, a successful student will: 1. have acquired cognitive skills appropriate to a graduate in Physics, including abstract modelling and analysis;

2. be able to describe and comment upon a selection of key topics in physics;

3. be able to plan, conduct and report (orally and in writing) on a programme of investigation;

4. be able to integrate and evaluate information from a variety of sources;

5. appreciate the key role of error estimates in physics;

6. be able to extract relevant information from published sources, both printed and electronic, and to reference work in an appropriate manner;

C. Practical Skills By the end of the Theoretical Physics (BSc) degree programme, successful students will demonstrate a selection of the following: 1. basic familiarity and competence in handling computers safely;

2. an ability to use computing equipment to generate data;

3. an ability to analyse data and assess their significance;

4. an ability to solve numerical problems using computer or non-computer based techniques;

5. an ability to carry out basic manipulation of scientific data, including statistical analysis where appropriate;

6. an ability to use computer software (such as word processing and spreadsheet packages) for graphical presentation of data and production of reports;

7. an ability to write essays on specific physics-related topics as an exercise in written (scientific) communication;

D. Transferable Skills By the end of the Theoretical Physics (BSc) degree programme, successful students are expected to be able to :1. take decisions in complex and unpredictable contexts;

2. apply a selection of mathematical, numerical or computational skills;

3. communicate scientific information orally and in writing;

4. take responsibility for their own learning, and manage their time appropriately.

Full-time course composition