Pro Forma QA3-2 · MPhys Physic s with Astrophysics with research ... although coursework does not...

Programme Specification

GENERAL INFORMATION

Awarding Institution//Body University of Bath

Teaching Institution* University of Bath

Validated/Franchised/Licensed (if appropriate)

Programme accredited by (including date of accreditation)*

To be submitted for Institute of Physics accreditation during the 2014/15 academic year

Programme approved by (including date & minute number of Senate)

Approval of the establishment of degree programmes in Physics and Astrophysics by Programmes & Partnerships Approval Committee 09.07.2014 and Senate 15.10.2014

Final award MPhys

Students leaving an undergraduate programme prematurely may be eligible for a Certificate of Higher Education (www.bath.ac.uk/quality/documents/certhe.pdf) or a Diploma of Higher Education (www.bath.ac.uk/quality/documents/diplhe.pdf)

Programme title* MPhys Physics with Astrophysics (USPH-AFM10)

MPhys Physics with Astrophysics with research placement (USPH- AFM11)

MPhys Physics with Astrophysics with professional placement (USPH- AKM10)

MPhys Physics with Astrophysics with professional and research placements (USPH- AKM11)

MPhys Physics with Astrophysics with study year abroad (USPH- AAM10)

UCAS code (if applicable) MPhys Physics with Astrophysics: F317

MPhys Physics with Astrophysics with research placement: F318

MPhys Physics with Astrophysics with professional placement: 2RT5

MPhys Physics with Astrophysics with professional and research placements: F320

MPhys Physics with Astrophysics with study year abroad: F321

Subject Benchmark Statement* Physics, Astronomy & Astrophysics (2008)

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Subject-benchmark-statement-Physics-astronomy-and-astrophysics.pdf

Intended level of completed programme (in line with FHEQ eg 5, 6, 7,)*

7

Duration of programme & mode of study* MPhys Physics with Astrophysics: 4 years (full-time)

http://www.bath.ac.uk/quality/documents/certhe.pdf

http://www.bath.ac.uk/quality/documents/diplhe.pdf




http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Documents/FHEQ08.pdf

MPhys Physics with Astrophysics with placement: 4 years (3½ years full-time plus 6 months research placement)

MPhys Physics with Astrophysics with professional placement: 5 years (4 years full-time plus 1 year professional placement)

MPhys Physics with Astrophysics with professional and research placements: 5 years (3½ years full-time, plus 1 year professional placement, plus 6 months research placement)

MPhys Physics with Astrophysics with study year abroad: 4 years (3 years full-time plus 1 study year abroad)

Date of Specification preparation/revision* December 2015

Applicable to cohorts From September 2016 onwards.

Synopsis and academic coherence of programme*

The five MPhys Physics with Astrophysics degree programmes share a common first two years with each other and with the BSc Physics with Astrophysics programmes. This provides the necessary broad foundation in those areas of physics and related subjects considered essential for a graduate physicist, and also allows students to retain the freedom, to transfer their registration between any of our MPhys and BSc Physics with Astrophysics programmes (subject to the programmes’ rules for assessment and progression). Core material in physics, both theoretical and practical, is covered in these two years, together with mathematics, computing and electronics. Project work is emphasised in both years. In addition to the specified programmes for the first and second years, students may also choose to take extra units, the most common example being that of students who wish to study a language.

In the penultimate year of the full-time MPhys and the MPhys with professional and/or research placement programmes, students undertake mandatory units in Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetism, General Relativity, Computational Astrophysics, Galaxies & Introduction to Cosmology, and Stars & Stellar Evolution, as well as a unit of preparation for the final year research project or placement. Students also take Computational Physics and/or MPhys Laboratory units. The remainder of the units are chosen from a wide range of options in both fundamental and applied physics provided by the Department of Physics. One or two units from other Departments may be taken, subject to the approval of the Director of Studies. Students on the MPhys with study year abroad programme spend their third year studying at an overseas university.

Semester 1 of the final year of the full-time MPhys, the MPhys with professional placement, and the MPhys with study year abroad programmes consists of a Masters-level semester-long research project. Students on the MPhys with research placement and MPhys with professional and research placements degree programmes undertake a 6-month research placement during this period. These full semester MPhys research projects and placements are a distinctive feature of our degree programmes at the University of Bath; they offer an immersive experience of physics research, and enable students to gain insight into the experience of studying for a PhD. The MPhys research placements in particular enable students to carry out high level physics research in an external organisation, thus providing an invaluable opportunity for them to develop their professional transferable skills, as well as their knowledge and understanding of physics.

In the final semester of their programme, all MPhys students undertake Masters-level units in Relativistic Cosmology, High Energy Astrophysics, and Advanced Problem Solving, and can then choose two further Masters-level units from a range including both fundamental and applied physics.

Educational aims of the programme*

The aims of the Department of Physics build upon the mission statement of the University “to advance learning and knowledge by teaching and research, particularly in science and technology, and in close association with industry and commerce”. The Department of Physics aims to cultivate physicists who combine a high level of numeracy with the ability to apply their skills and experience. We aim to develop our students’ ability to think clearly and logically, and to be enquiring, open minded, imaginative and creative. Our programmes are designed to develop students’ awareness of the role of physics in contemporary applications, together with the skills of logical thought and a flexibility of mind that will help them continue their personal development throughout their subsequent career. Our MPhys Physics programmes allow students to study physics to a greater depth and breadth than is possible within the BSc programmes. They provide a unified, coherent and broadly based training in physics, and aim to give students a greater understanding and appreciation of the subject, enabling them to work as physicists in academic or industrial research.

For the MPhys Physics with Astrophysics programmes, the aims are:

to offer a stimulating and supportive environment which encourages students to be critically receptive to new ideas and to attain their full academic potential;

to provide students with a sound base of knowledge and understanding in physics, and to expose students to the applications of physical principles in various branches of physics (particularly astronomy and astrophysics), including some current research areas;

to enable students to analyse and solve complex problems in physics (including astronomy and astrophysics), and to use mathematical and computational techniques, such as a programming language or other computer software, to model physical behaviour;

to develop students’ project-working skills and attributes to a level suitable for entry to postgraduate research degrees;

to provide the foundations and transferable skills (such as problem-solving, investigative, oral and written communication, analytical, IT and personal skills) essential to further training and for the development of skills and knowledge in students’ future careers or study, including the practice of the profession of Physics in academia or industry.

Intended learning outcomes * (including teaching, learning and assessment methods, specifying those applicable for interim awards where appropriate)

The programmes provide opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas. The intended learning outcomes are referenced to the QAA subject benchmark statement for Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics (PAA).

On successful completion of the MPhys Physics with Astrophysics programmes, students will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

1. general and fundamental concepts, principles, theories and results of physics (PAA);

2. the role of mathematics in describing the physical world, and the particular mathematical principles and techniques underpinning point 1 above (PAA);

3. the application of fundamental physical laws and principles within major areas of physics, particularly astronomy and astrophysics (PAA);

4. selected recent developments within some current

research areas of physics (including astronomy and astrophysics), building upon the knowledge and understanding acquired through points 1-3 above (PAA).

Teaching/learning methods:

Acquisition of 1-3 is achieved mainly through lectures, and student learning and understanding is consolidated, exemplified and used in the more student-centred activities of problems classes, laboratory sessions, coursework and projects. Understanding is reinforced through small group tutorials which take place weekly during years 1 and 2. Acquisition of 4 takes place predominantly during the penultimate and final years of the MPhys programmes, and is developed across a wide range of units, including the research project or placement, as well as the more standard taught units undertaken at the University. Throughout the programmes, the students are encouraged to carry out independent background reading and private study, in order to broaden and consolidate their knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Assessment methods:

Assessment methods for each unit studied are specified in the Programme/Unit Catalogue, so that students have access to this information before the start of each unit. Apart from laboratory and research project/placement units, most standard units are assessed by a combination of an end of semester examination and coursework, although coursework does not contribute towards the unit mark for these units. Activities that are assessed within units include solving set problems in physics and mathematics, carrying out laboratory or computational projects, writing technical reports, computer programs and essays, and giving oral presentations. Feedback is given to students on all assessed coursework.

Intellectual Skills: 1. analyse and solve a variety of advanced problems in physics by means of the appropriate application of physical principles and mathematical techniques (PAA);

2. demonstrate an appreciation of the symbiotic relationship between verbal and mathematical descriptions of physical phenomena, and relate individual terms within mathematical equations to particular aspects of physical effects (PAA);

3. formulate theoretical and practical physics problems in precise terms, and identify relevant issues, principles and laws (PAA);

4. plan an experimental, theoretical or computational investigation, analyse results, compare data with theoretical predictions and previously published data, propose plausible explanations for observations, and determine the strength and validity of both numerical results and hypotheses (PAA);

5. discuss critically the role of numerical modelling, uncertainty and approximation in physics (PAA);

6. critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete), make judgements, and frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution or identify a range of solutions to a problem.


Intellectual and cognitive skills are developed throughout the programmes, using a variety of teaching and learning methods. More formal teaching activities, such as lectures, are used to demonstrate methods and techniques used to solve physics problems, while problems classes, tutorials, laboratory sessions, coursework and research projects/placements are activities during which students develop their individual intellectual skills.

Analysis and problem solving skills (1-3) are acquired via lectures, problems classes and tutorials. Some tutorials during years 1 and 2 are devoted to enabling students to develop effective strategies for solving problems, and this foundation is built upon in the final year advanced problem-solving unit, which aims to further develop students’ higher-level problem-solving skills. Experimental and project skills (3 and 4) are taught during the laboratory and research project/placement units. Skill 5 is developed primarily within the mathematics, computing, laboratory and research project/placement units. The cognitive development leading to skill 6 takes place throughout the MPhys programmes.

Assessment methods:

The assessment methods applied throughout the programmes are designed to test the student’s acquisition of skills 1-6 through the production of coherent written and/or oral responses either to problems or tasks set. The individual skills are assessed throughout the programmes by different assessment methods, such as unseen written examinations, coursework assignments, laboratory experiment write-ups, research project/placement reports and presentations.

Professional Practical Skills: 1. plan and execute physics experiments safely, and use basic and specialised laboratory apparatus and techniques effectively to generate data (PAA);

2. produce clear and accurate scientific reports on complex topics, and prepare and give technical presentations (PAA);

3. make appropriate and effective use of scientific literature, such as textbooks and refereed research articles, and online search tools (PAA);

4. write computer programs, and use computational tools and packages effectively for making calculations and for acquiring, analysing, and presenting information at a level appropriate for project work within current research areas of physics.


Skills 1 and 2 are promoted primarily through laboratory

and research project/placement work, skill 3 is developed through a number of units, including the laboratory, research project/placement and professional placement units, and skill 4 is developed primarily through the computing, laboratory, research project/placement and professional placement units.

Assessment methods:

Assessment of practical and technical reporting skills (1 and 2) is through marking of laboratory logbooks, experimental write-ups, research project/placement and professional placement reports and a viva voce examination. Skill 3 is also assessed via laboratory, research project/placement and professional placement reports, as well as through assessed coursework assignments in some optional units that require students to research and write a technical review on an aspect of physics. Skill 4 is assessed through the examination and assessed coursework elements of the computing units, as well as through laboratory, research project/placement and professional placement reports.

Transferable/Key Skills: 1. demonstrate effective problem-solving skills in both theoretical and practical contexts (PAA);

2. work independently in an effective manner, manage his or her own learning and show self-reliance and personal responsibility (PAA);

3. participate effectively and constructively in groups;

4. retrieve, synthesise and evaluate information and data from a variety of sources (PAA);

5. demonstrate good oral and written communication skills (PAA);

6. manage time, prioritise workloads and work to deadlines;

7. evaluate and assess his or her own abilities, performance and understanding, reflect on his or her own learning and seek advice and feedback.


Transferable skills are developed through a number of different activities. Although they are not all explicitly taught, these skills are learnt throughout the programmes, which are structured and delivered in such a way as to promote this. Skill 1 is developed primarily through the final year problem-solving unit, problems classes, tutorials, laboratory, research project/placement and professional placement units. Skills 2, 6 and 7 are encouraged throughout the programmes, and are nurtured particularly within the context of small group tutorial meetings. Skill 3 is developed through group project work, which occurs mainly within the laboratory units, and through small group tutorials. Skill 4 is developed within a range of units, including the laboratory, research project/placement and professional placement units. Effective written and oral communication skills (5) are developed throughout the programmes. Many of the units within each of the programmes require written work to be carried out by the

students, such as worked solutions to problems, technical essays, and laboratory, research project/placement and professional placement reports. Regular feedback is given to students on their written work within these units, in order to develop their powers of expression as well as their technical understanding. Oral communication skills are developed primarily within problems classes, tutorials, laboratory, research project/placement and professional placement units.

Assessment methods:

Skills 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 are assessed implicitly within the examination and coursework elements of a number of units throughout the programmes, including the final year problem-solving unit, laboratory and project units. Skills 3 and 7 are not formally assessed.

In the case of students whose degree programme incorporates a research and/or professional placement, they should also be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the general structure of their employing organisation, and of the particular significance of the work that they have undertaken;

2. apply knowledge and skills gained at the university to a work programme in a professional context;

3. demonstrate enhanced professional and practical skills commensurate with the placement project undertaken;

4. demonstrate enhanced personal skills in the following areas: communication, both oral and written, planning, time management, appraisal of new information, problem solving, decision making, relating to others and working as part of a team.

In the case of students whose degree programme incorporates a study year abroad, they should also be able to:

1. work effectively in a culture different from that of the UK and operate at a scientific level in the language of the country concerned;

2. demonstrate increased self-confidence and maturity through living in a new environment and culture.

(These points will also apply to those students whose degree programme incorporates a placement within an organisation located outside the UK).

Structure and content of the programme (including potential stopping off points)

Students are required to study units to the value of 60 credits during each year of full-time study within the programme. This usually corresponds to ten 6-credit units, with five units taken each semester. The content of the five MPhys Physics with Astrophysics programmes is given below, while the detailed description of each unit within the programmes is given in the online Programme/Unit Catalogue. The choice of units studied during the first two years is identical for all five MPhys with Astrophysics programmes.

In the MPhys Physics with Astrophysics with Research Placement programme, years 1, 2 and 3, along with semester 2 of year 4, are spent in full-time study at the university, with July to December of year 4 spent undertaking a research placement. In the MPhys Physics with Astrophysics with Professional Placement programme, years 1, 2, 4 and 5 are spent in full-time study at the university, with year 3 spent undertaking a professional placement. In the MPhys Physics with Astrophysics with Professional and Research Placements programme, years 1, 2, 4 and the second semester of year 5 are spent in full-time study at the university, with year 3 spent undertaking a professional placement, and July to December of the year 5 spent undertaking a research placement. In the MPhys Physics with Astrophysics with Study Year Abroad programme, years 1, 2 and 4 are spent in full-time study at the university, with year 3

spent in full-time study at a University outside the UK.

The MPhys Physics with Astrophysics programmes are fully compliant with the University’s New Framework for Assessment: Assessment Regulations (NFAAR-UG), and the tables below describe how they are structured in terms of the NFAAR-UG. Units with a status of “C” are compulsory units, which must be taken by all students on a particular programme of study. Units with a status of “O” are optional units. The table indicates the choice of optional units available to students taking the MPhys Physics with Astrophysics programmes.

Information about Designated Essential Units (DEUs)1 and Designated Alternative Programmes (DAPs)2, and the definitions for parts and stages of programmes, and other features of NFAAR, may be consulted at http://www.bath.ac.uk/registry/nfa/nfaar-ug-appendix-02.pdf.

1 A DEU (Designated Essential Unit) is a unit which must be passed in order to progress to the next stage of a programme or to receive its normal award at the end. Marginal failure in such units cannot be condoned.

2 A DAP (Designated Alternative Programme) is a programme available as an alternative to a student’s present programme.

http://www.bath.ac.uk/registry/nfa/nfaar-ug-appendix-02.pdf

http://www.bath.ac.uk/registry/nfa/nfaar-ug-appendix-02.pdf

Programme code USPH-AFM10

Programme title MPhys (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics

Award type Master of Science with Honours

Mode of Attendance Full time

Length 4 years

State if coexistent M-level programme Yes

State any designated alternative programme(s)

USPH-AFB10 BSc (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics

Approving body and date of approval Senate 15.10.2014

Year 1

Part Stage

Normal period of study for this Mode

Unit code Unit title Unit

status

Cre

dit

s

DEU status

1 1 Yr1 AY PH10102

Experimental Physics and Computing 1

C 12 DEU

PH10007 Mathematical Methods for Physics 1

C 12 DEU

S1 PH10002 Properties of matter C 6

PH10003 Electric Circuits C 3

PH10004 Classical Mechanics C 3

PH10005 Vibrations, waves & optics C 6

S2 PH10001 Introduction to quantum physics C 6

PH10006 Electricity & magnetism C 6

PH10103 Relativity and astrophysics C 6

Year 2

Part Stage



status

Cre

dit

s

DEU status

2 2 Yr2 AY PH20105


C 12 DEU

S1 PH20013 Quantum & atomic physics C 6

PH20016 Particles, nuclei & cosmic nucleosynthesis

C 6

PH20019 Mathematics for scientists 3 C 6

PH20029 Thermal physics C 6

S2 PH20014 Electromagnetism 1 C 6

PH20017 Condensed matter physics 1 C 6


PH20104 Planets and Exoplanets C 6

Year 4

Part Stage



status

Cre

dit

s

3 4 Yr4 S1 PH40081 MPhys research project C 30

S2 PH400NEW1 Relativistic cosmology C 6

PH400NEW2 High energy astrophysics C 6

PH40083 Advanced problem solving C 6

PH40073 Mathematical physics O:

Select 12

credits

6

PH40084 Advanced quantum theory 6

PH40085 Nanoscience 6

PH40086 Photonics 6

Programme code USPH- AFM11

Year 3

Part

Sta

ge


Unit code Unit title Unit status

Cre

dit

s

2

3

Yr3

S1 PH30030 Quantum mechanics C 6

PH30101 General relativity C 6

PH300NEW1 Computational Astrophysics C 6

PH300NEW2 Galaxies and introduction to cosmology

C 6

PH30028 Condensed matter physics 2

Optional Units: Select 6 credits

6

PH30031 Simulation techniques 6

PH30032 Laser physics 6

ED30005 Science education in practice 6

ZZ30001 Director of Studies approved unit 6

S2 PH300NEW3 Stars and Stellar Evolution C 6

PH30077 Electromagnetism 2 C 6

PH30080 MPhys project/placement preparation C 6

PH30056 Computational physics B Optional Units: Select a minimum of 6 and a

maximum of 12 Credits

6

PH30089 MPhys laboratory 6

PH30025 Mathematical methods

Optional Units: Select a minimum of 0 and a


6

PH30035 Medical physics 6

PH30078 Magnetism 3

PH30079 Superconductivity 3

PH30087 Fluid dynamics 3

PH30098 Networks 3

PH30099 Communicating physics 6


Programme title MPhys (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Research Placement


Mode of Attendance Sandwich

Length 4 years



USPH-AFB10 BSc (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics


Year 1

Part Stage



status

Cre

dit

s

DEU status

1 1 Yr1 AY PH10102


C 12 DEU


C 12 DEU








Year 2

Part Stage



status

Cre

dit

s

DEU status

2 2 Yr2 AY PH20105


C 12 DEU



C 6







Year 4

Part Stage



status

Cre

dit

s

3 4 Yr4 S1 PH40082 MPhys research placement C 30





Select 12

credits

6



PH40086 Photonics 6

Year 3

Part

Sta

ge



Cre

dit

s

2

3

Yr3





C 6



6







PH30080 MPhys project/placement preparation

C 6



6





6


PH30078 Magnetism 3



PH30098 Networks 3



Programme code USPH- AKM10

Programme title MPhys (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Professional Placement


Mode of Attendance Thick Sandwich

Length 5 years



USPH- AKB10 BSc (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Placement


Year 1

Part Stage



status

Cre

dit

s

DEU status

1 1 Yr1 AY PH10102


C 12 DEU


C 12 DEU








Year 3

Part Stage Normal period

of study for this Mode


status

Cre

dit

s

2 3 Yr3 AY PH20040 Professional placement C 60

Year 2

Part Stage



status

Cre

dit

s

DEU status

2 2 Yr2 AY PH20105


C 12 DEU



C 6







Year 4

Part

Sta

ge



Cre

dit

s

2

4

Yr4





C 6



6








C 6



6





6


PH30078 Magnetism 3



PH30098 Networks 3



Year 5

Part Stage



status

Cre

dit

s






Select 12

credits

6



PH40086 Photonics 6

Programme code USPH- AKM11

Programme title MPhys (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Professional and Research Placements


Mode of Attendance Thick Sandwich

Length 5 years



USPH- AKB10 BSc (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Placement


Year 1

Part Stage



status

Cre

dit

s

DEU status

1 1 Yr1 AY PH10102


C 12 DEU


C 12 DEU








Year 3




status

Cre

dit

s

2 3 Yr3 AY PH20040 Professional placement C 60

Year 2

Part Stage



status

Cre

dit

s

DEU status

2 2 Yr2 AY PH20105


C 12 DEU



C 6







Year 4

Part

Sta

ge



Cre

dit

s

2

4

Yr4





C 6



6








C 6



6





6


PH30078 Magnetism 3



PH30098 Networks 3



Year 5

Part Stage



status

Cre

dit

s

3 5 Yr5 S1 PH40082 MPhys research placement C 30





Select 12

credits

6



PH40086 Photonics 6

Programme code USPH- AAM10

Programme title MPhys (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Study Year Abroad


Mode of Attendance Full time

Length 4 years



USPH- AAB10 BSc (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Study Year Abroad


Year 1

Part Stage



status

Cre

dit

s

DEU status

1 1 Yr1 AY PH10102


C 12 DEU


C 12 DEU








Year 3




status

Cre

dit

s

2 3 Yr3 AY PH30043 MPhys year abroad C 60

Year 4

Part Stage



status C

red

its






Select 12

credits

6



PH40086 Photonics 6

Year 2

Part Stage



status

Cre

dit

s

DEU status

2 2 Yr2 AY PH20105


C 12 DEU



C 6







Details of work placements / work-based learning / industrial training / study abroad requirements

Semester 1 of the final year of the MPhys Physics with Astrophysics with Research Placement and MPhys Physics with Astrophysics with Professional and Research Placements programmes consists of an assessed research placement that contributes towards the final degree classification. This involves undertaking a high level research project in an external research establishment. A Placement Conference is held at the end of the placement, during which all MPhys students are required to give an oral presentation on their research project/placement and professional placement (where relevant). The research placement replaces the in-house full-semester research project undertaken by full time MPhys students, and must therefore contain significant content relevant to Physics. MPhys research projects and placements are assessed in the same way and carry the same weighting within a student’s Overall Programme Average.

The MPhys Physics with Astrophysics with Professional Placement and the MPhys Physics with Astrophysics with Professional and Research Placements programmes contain a one-year professional work placement. Although many students undertake their professional placement in a scientific or engineering organisation, some choose to explore other opportunities, particularly in the financial and management consultancy fields, where problem solving, mathematical and reporting skills are sought after. A Placement Conference is held at the end of the professional placement year, during which students are required to give an oral presentation on their work. At the beginning of year 4 they submit a written report on their placement year. Although the placement year does not contribute towards the degree classification awarded, satisfactory performance is recorded on the student’s transcript.

The professional and research placements are important learning experiences for students on these programmes, providing opportunities for development of skills such as team working, planning and decision making, resource and time management, and report writing skills. Placements are arranged through the Faculty Placement team, including the Department’s Placement Tutor, and take place within organisations located either within or outside the UK. The assessment methods and the weighting of the different elements of assessment are outlined clearly in the Department’s Undergraduate Course Handbook.

The third year of the MPhys Physics with Astrophysics with Study Year Abroad programme consists of a year studying at a university outside the UK. As well as developing students’ knowledge and understanding of physics and mathematics, this programme also enables students to gain experience of living and studying in a different culture from the UK, and to develop the appropriate personal and linguistic skills to enable them to work and interact effectively in this environment. Study Year Abroad placements are arranged by the Department’s Study Year Abroad Co-ordinator, while the detailed academic programme followed during the year is arranged by negotiation between the Director of Studies at Bath and their counterpart at the host institution. Students on the MPhys with Astrophysics with Study Year Abroad programme take approved courses in physics of an appropriate level; their work is assessed and contributes towards their final degree classification.

Details of support available to students (e.g. induction programmes, programme information, resources)

University of Bath students attending programmes of study at the Claverton Campus are usually encouraged to stay in University halls of residence during their first year and will be supported in their transition into University life and study by Resident Tutors. These are postgraduate students or staff who live in the halls of residence and are responsible for the general welfare, health and safety and discipline of student residents.

The Department’s policy is to integrate its support services with those provided centrally by the University. The Department provides a framework of academic and pastoral support based on personal tutors, backed up by the Senior Tutor, the Directors of Studies, the

Director of Teaching and Resources and other staff. All students are allocated a member of staff as a Personal and Academic Tutor, who is a focus both for academic support and guidance and for pastoral care. Guidelines for personal tutoring are given in the Undergraduate Programmes Handbook.

Staff in these roles will be able to respond to many of the questions and concerns raised by their students. However, there is also a range of specialist student support services that will offer both information and advice to support these staff working with their students, as well as take referrals to work more directly with the students. Students can also self-refer to these services.

These services can provide information, advice and support in relation to accommodation, emotional difficulties, assessment of needs and provision of support relating to disability, student funding, general welfare, academic problems, student discipline and complaints, careers, international students, spiritual matters, part time work, security and personal safety. The Students’ Union can also provide advocacy for students. More information about these services can be accessed via: http://www.bath.ac.uk/students/support/.

There are also Medical and Dental Centres, and a Chaplaincy on campus that are very experienced in meeting the needs of a student population, as well as a University nursery and vacation play scheme to provide childcare for older children during the school holidays.

Admissions criteria (including arrangements for APL/APEL)

A typical offer for admission consists of A*AA passes in three subjects at A-level, including both Physics and Mathematics, although every application is evaluated on its individual merit. Precise requirements may vary from year to year. Grades in A-level General Studies and AS levels do not normally form part of the offer. Alternative equivalent qualifications are welcomed (for example, in the case of overseas students). Exceptions to the standard offer may be made for mature students. For further information on Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning, please contact the Admissions Tutor.

We would normally require all applicants whose first language is not English to provide evidence of English language proficiency, and we may ask applicants to take an English language test.

The minimum requirement for Physics is GCSE English Grade C, or IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in each component. For a list of other English language qualifications we accept, please contact the Admissions Tutor.

Summary of assessment and progression regulations

The MPhys Physics with Astrophysics programmes are fully compliant with the University’s New Framework for Assessment: Assessment Regulations (NFAAR-UG). The NFAAR describes the rules for progression from one stage of the programme to the next (including supplementary assessment, and the extent of failure that can be condoned) as well as for the award of degrees. Students taking the MPhys Physics with Astrophysics programmes will be assessed according to these rules, which are provided at http://www.bath.ac.uk/registry/nfa/nfaar-ug.pdf.

USPH-AFM10 MPhys (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics

USPH-AFM11 MPhys (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Research Placement

USPH-AAM10 MPhys (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Study Year Abroad

Assessment weightings and decision references

Stage Weighting within

programme

NFAAR decisions reference

See: http://www.bath.ac.uk/registry/nfa/index.htm

http://www.bath.ac.uk/students/support/

http://www.bath.ac.uk/registry/nfa/nfaar-ug.pdf

http://www.bath.ac.uk/registry/nfa/index.htm

Stage 1 0 % Main assessment: Appendix 15

Supplementary assessment: Appendix 16







USPH-AKM10 MPhys (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Professional Placement

USPH-AKM11 MPhys (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Professional and Research Placements

Assessment weightings and decision references

Stage Weighting within

programme

NFAAR decisions reference

See: http://www.bath.ac.uk/registry/nfa/index.htm





Stage 3 0% Main assessment: Appendix 23






Indicators of quality and standards (e.g. professional accreditation)

To assure continuing excellence in its quality and standards, the University of Bath has a quality management framework including:

1. A Quality Assurance Code of Practice, and associated regulations and policies : http://www.bath.ac.uk/quality/cop/statements.html

2. A learning, teaching and quality committee structure which monitors quality and standards and instigates action for enhancement. For further information:

Governance:

http://www.bath.ac.uk/quality/documents/QA03PSGuidQSGov.doc

Review and Monitoring:

http://www.bath.ac.uk/quality/documents/QA03PSGuidQSRevMon.doc

3. Staff development arrangements that assist staff in enhancing their own performance as educators, as researchers or as professional support services staff. Further information:

http://www.bath.ac.uk/quality/documents/QA03PSGuidQSASD.doc

Students are involved in many of these processes. The emphasis here is upon the informed student voice - engaging with students as academic citizens to ensure they have opportunities to take an active part in shaping their own learning.

http://www.bath.ac.uk/registry/nfa/index.htm

http://www.bath.ac.uk/quality/cop/statements.html

http://www.bath.ac.uk/quality/documents/QA03PSGuidQSGov.doc

http://www.bath.ac.uk/quality/documents/QA03PSGuidQSRevMon.doc

http://www.bath.ac.uk/quality/documents/QA03PSGuidQSASD.doc

http://www.bath.ac.uk/quality/documents/QA03PSGuidQSStuVoice.doc

A more detailed overview of the University’s Quality Management framework is set out in this summary document: http://www.bath.ac.uk/quality/documents/approach-to-quality-management.pdf

The University’s management of its academic standards and quality is subject to external institutional review by the Quality Assurance Agency on a six year cycle. In its 2013 Institutional Review, the QAA confirmed that the University met its expectations for the management of standards, the quality of learning opportunities, the enhancement of learning opportunities. The University was commended on its provision of information.

Professional bodies (such as the Institute of Physics) require particular standards and content in our programmes so that students exit able to claim professional registration or recognition, enabling them to progress successfully in their subsequent careers. Current professional accreditations are reviewed periodically by the bodies concerned. They are shown against each relevant programme in the prospectus. The full list can be seen here: QA8 RegisterofAccreditationsCurrent.pdf.

Professional or industrial placements for a year or a semester are particularly supported at Bath by specialised staff and these arrangements are demonstrably effective for improving degree grade and employability within six months of graduation.

Sources of other information

The main sources of information for these programmes are:

University of Bath Programme and Unit Catalogues (http://www.bath.ac.uk/catalogues/)

QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Honours degrees in Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics (http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Documents/Physics08.pdf)

University of Bath Undergraduate Prospectus (http://www.bath.ac.uk/study/ug/prospectus/subject/physics/)

Department of Physics Undergraduate Programme Handbook

http://www.bath.ac.uk/quality/documents/QA03PSGuidQSStuVoice.doc

http://www.bath.ac.uk/quality/documents/approach-to-quality-management.pdf

http://www.bath.ac.uk/quality/documents/approach-to-quality-management.pdf

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/

http://www.bath.ac.uk/learningandteaching/cop/qastatements/QAX/QA8RegisterofAccreditationsCurrent.pdf

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Documents/Physics08.pdf

http://www.bath.ac.uk/study/ug/prospectus/subject/physics/

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