Physics BSc (Hons) - 2023/4

Awarding body

University of Surrey

Teaching institute

University of Surrey

Framework

FHEQ Level 6

Final award and programme/pathway title

BSc (Hons) Physics

Subsidiary award(s)

Award Title
Ord Physics
DipHE Physics
CertHE Physics

Professional recognition

Institute of Physics (IOP)
Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of partially meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.

Modes of study

Route code Credits and ECTS Credits
Full-time UCK10001 360 credits and 180 ECTS credits
Full-time with PTY UCK10001 480 credits and 240 ECTS credits

QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)

Physics, astronomy and astrophysics

Other internal and / or external reference points

N/A

Faculty and Department / School

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences - Mathematics & Physics

Programme Leader

SEAR Richard (Maths & Phys)

Date of production/revision of spec

26/09/2024

Educational aims of the programme

  • To provide a range of physics-based degree pathways, matched to the needs of industry and society and to the aspirations of students
  • Develop students' base of knowledge, understanding and practical/computing skills, plus their mathematical, conceptual, communication and problem-solving skills, so as to prepare them for Employment or further study with the expertise expected of a physicist
  • Allow students flexibility in studying specialist subjects in areas of physics or in other areas of interest that are related to likely professional pathways for physics graduates
  • Count towards qualifying graduates for AMlnstP, MInstP and Chartered Physicist status with the loP

Programme learning outcomes

Attributes Developed Awards Ref.
Physics Fundamentals: electromagnetism, quantum + classical mechanics, thermodynamics, wave phenomena, properties of matter K CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)
Mathematical methods and concepts appropriate to the description of physics and physics problems K CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)
Specialised topics within physics in a broad coverage of specialised topics K Ord, BSc (Hons)
Scientific method as demonstrated by development of theories and planning of experiments K Ord, BSc (Hons)
Practical methods for performing and analysing experiments K CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)
Appropriate IT + computer programming methods K CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)
Conceptualise practical and abstract problems in physics and related areas C CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)
Identify relevant principles in physics problems C CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)
Formulate mathematical methods of description, solution of problems in physics and related areas C CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)
Formulate mathematical models for computer C CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)
Descriptions of physical phenomena C CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)
Cognise numerical data C CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)
Interpret data taking into account possible incompleteness, experimental and statistical error C Ord, BSc (Hons)
Use existing qualitative and/or good understanding of physical theories to assimilate new theories and information C Ord, BSc (Hons)
Formulate suitable methods of presentation of data to communicate results effectively C CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)
Plan + execute an experiment/investigation P CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)
Analyse numerical results of an experiment or investigation and evaluate and interpret experimental errors and significance P CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)
Use appropriate IT with familiarity P DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)
Competently and effectively present numerical and graphical data, including use of appropriate computer packages P CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)
Clearly and accurately communicate results, including report writing P CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)
Plan and undertake an individual project and access relevant literature P Ord, BSc (Hons)
Show sound familiarity with basic physics apparatus P DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)
Formulate problems into soluble form T Ord, BSc (Hons)
Solve problems with well-defined solutions T CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)
Solve open-ended problems T Ord, BSc (Hons)
Undertake independent investigations T Ord, BSc (Hons)
Read demanding texts T Ord, BSc (Hons)
Communicate complex information in a clear and concise fashion T Ord, BSc (Hons)
Manipulate precise and intricate ideas T Ord, BSc (Hons)
Construct logical arguments T CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)
Pick up and use new IT packages T CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)
Pick up and use new computer languages T CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Programme structure

Full-time

This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over three academic years, consisting of 360 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6). All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)

Full-time with PTY

This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over four academic years, consisting of 480 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5, 6 and the optional professional training year). All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)

Programme Adjustments (if applicable)

N/A

Modules

Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
PHY1033 FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICS Compulsory 15 1
PHY1034 ESSENTIAL MATHEMATICS Compulsory 15 1
PHY1035 SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION SKILLS Compulsory 15 1
PHY1036 OSCILLATIONS AND WAVES Compulsory 15 1
PHY1037 THE UNIVERSE Compulsory 15 2
PHY1038 MATHEMATICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS Compulsory 15 2
PHY1039 PROPERTIES OF MATTER Compulsory 15 2
PHY1040 ATOMS AND QUANTA Compulsory 15 2

Module Selection for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4

N/A

Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
PHY2062 FROM ATOMS TO LASERS Compulsory 15 2
PHY2063 ENERGY, ENTROPY AND NUMERICAL PHYSICS Compulsory 15 1
PHY2064 ELECTROMAGNETISM, SCALAR AND VECTOR FIELDS Compulsory 15 1
PHY2065 ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES Compulsory 15 2
PHY2067 NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE PHYSICS Compulsory 15 2
PHY2068 SOLID STATE PHYSICS Compulsory 15 1
PHY2069 QUANTUM PHYSICS Compulsory 15 1
PHY2071 INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY Compulsory 15 2

Module Selection for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5

N/A

Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
PHY3002 FINAL YEAR PROJECT Compulsory 30 2
PHY3038 SPECIAL RELATIVITY Optional 15 1
PHY3040 SOFT MATTER AND BIOLOGICAL PHYSICS Optional 15 1
PHY3041 NUCLEAR ASTROPHYSICS Optional 15 1
PHY3043 LIGHT AND MATTER Optional 15 1
PHY3044 ADVANCED QUANTUM PHYSICS Optional 15 1
PHY3045 MEDICAL IMAGING Optional 15 2
PHY3046 NANOPHOTONICS AND ITS APPLICATIONS Optional 15 2
PHY3048 FINANCIAL DERIVATIVES Optional 15 2
PHY3054 RESEARCH TECHNIQUES IN ASTRONOMY Optional 15 1
PHY3055 COSMOLOGY AND GALAXY FORMATION Optional 15 1
PHY3057 SEMICONDUCTOR PHYSICS AND TECHNOLOGY Optional 15 1
PHY3059 ADVANCED NUCLEAR ASTROPHYSICS Optional 15 2
PHY3063 STEM EDUCATION AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT Optional 15 2
PHY3064 MODERN METHODS IN EXPERIMENT AND MODELLING Optional 15 1

Module Selection for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6

Choose 4 in Semester 1, choose 2 in Semester 2

Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
PHY1033 FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICS Compulsory 15 1
PHY1034 ESSENTIAL MATHEMATICS Compulsory 15 1
PHY1035 SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION SKILLS Compulsory 15 1
PHY1036 OSCILLATIONS AND WAVES Compulsory 15 1
PHY1037 THE UNIVERSE Compulsory 15 2
PHY1038 MATHEMATICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS Compulsory 15 2
PHY1039 PROPERTIES OF MATTER Compulsory 15 2
PHY1040 ATOMS AND QUANTA Compulsory 15 2

Module Selection for Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4

N/A

Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
PHY2062 FROM ATOMS TO LASERS Compulsory 15 2
PHY2063 ENERGY, ENTROPY AND NUMERICAL PHYSICS Compulsory 15 1
PHY2064 ELECTROMAGNETISM, SCALAR AND VECTOR FIELDS Compulsory 15 1
PHY2065 ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES Compulsory 15 2
PHY2067 NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE PHYSICS Compulsory 15 2
PHY2068 SOLID STATE PHYSICS Compulsory 15 1
PHY2069 QUANTUM PHYSICS Compulsory 15 1
PHY2071 INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY Compulsory 15 2

Module Selection for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5

N/A

Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
PHY3002 FINAL YEAR PROJECT Compulsory 30 2
PHY3038 SPECIAL RELATIVITY Optional 15 1
PHY3040 SOFT MATTER AND BIOLOGICAL PHYSICS Optional 15 1
PHY3041 NUCLEAR ASTROPHYSICS Optional 15 1
PHY3043 LIGHT AND MATTER Optional 15 1
PHY3044 ADVANCED QUANTUM PHYSICS Optional 15 1
PHY3045 MEDICAL IMAGING Optional 15 2
PHY3046 NANOPHOTONICS AND ITS APPLICATIONS Optional 15 2
PHY3048 FINANCIAL DERIVATIVES Optional 15 2
PHY3054 RESEARCH TECHNIQUES IN ASTRONOMY Optional 15 1
PHY3055 COSMOLOGY AND GALAXY FORMATION Optional 15 1
PHY3057 SEMICONDUCTOR PHYSICS AND TECHNOLOGY Optional 15 1
PHY3059 ADVANCED NUCLEAR ASTROPHYSICS Optional 15 2
PHY3063 STEM EDUCATION AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT Optional 15 2
PHY3064 MODERN METHODS IN EXPERIMENT AND MODELLING Optional 15 1

Module Selection for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6

Choose 4 in Semester 1, choose 2 in Semester 2

Professional Training Year (PTY) - Professional Training Year

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
PHYP006 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR WORK) Core 120 Year-long
PHYP007 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR STUDY) Core 120 Year-long
PHYP008 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (WORK-STUDY 50/50) Core 120 Year-long

Module Selection for Professional Training Year (PTY) - Professional Training Year

N/A

Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity

Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics Y
Professional Training Year (PTY) Y
Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) Y Module placement can take place in the Physics in Education module (PHY3047), in which students are placed in partner schools for teaching experience. The professional training year is available for all BSc students, with support from the Professional Training Office. Students must apply for advertised placements and places are not guaranteed.
Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) N
Study exchange (Level 5) Y
Dual degree N

Quality assurance

The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:

https://www.surrey.ac.uk/quality-enhancement-standards

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.