Physics MPhys - 2023/4

Awarding body

University of Surrey

Teaching institute

University of Surrey

Framework

FHEQ Levels 6 and 7

Final award and programme/pathway title

MPhys Physics

Subsidiary award(s)

Award Title
Ord Physics
BSc (Hons) Physics
DipHE Physics
CertHE Physics

Professional recognition

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

Modes of study

Route code Credits and ECTS Credits
Full-time UCK21001 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, with sufficient experience of working in a research environment at an appropriate level to begin PhD level study upon completion of the programme.
  • 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.

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), MPhys
Mathematical methods and concepts appropriate to the description of physics and physics problems K CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Specialised topics within physics, through dedicated modules on nuclear physics, astrophysics, and their interface K BSc (Hons), MPhys
Scientific method as demonstrated by development of theories and planning of experiments K CertHE, DipHE, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Practical methods for performing and analysing experiments K CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Appropriate IT + computer programming methods K CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Advanced knowledge and understanding of a particular research project K BSc (Hons), MPhys
Conceptualise practical and abstract problems in physics and related areas C CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Identify relevant principles in physics problems C CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Formulate mathematical methods of description, solution of problems in physics and related areas C CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Formulate mathematical models for computer descriptions of physical phenomena C CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Cognise numerical data C CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Interpret data taking into account possible incompleteness, experimental and statistical error C CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Use existing qualitative and/or good understanding of physical theories to assimilate new theories and information C DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons)
Formulate suitable methods of presentation of data to communicate results effectively C CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Develop combined independent and team research group working skills C CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Plan + execute an experimental investigation P CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Analyse numerical results of an experiment or investigation and evaluate and interpret experimental errors and significance P CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Use appropriate IT with familiarity P
Competently and effectively present numerical and graphical data, including use of appropriate computer packages P CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Clearly and accurately communicate results, including report writing P CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Plan and undertake an individual project and access relevant literature P BSc (Hons), MPhys
Show sound familiarity with basic physics apparatus P CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Show understanding and use of advanced techniques (e.g. apparatus use, programming, mathematics) relevant to the particular MPhys placement P MPhys
Formulate problems into soluble form T CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Solve problems with well-defined solutions T CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Solve open-ended problems T DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Undertake independent investigations T Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Read demanding texts T CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Communicate complex information in a clear and concise fashion T DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Manipulate precise and intricate T Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Construct logical arguments T CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Pick up and use new IT packages T CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Pick up and use new computer languages T CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Manage own individual learning T Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Work in a research group T MPhys

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Programme structure

Full-time

This Integrated Master's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over four academic years, consisting of 480 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5, 6, 7). This programme includes an integrated research 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 (Honours) (360 credits)
- 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

Choose 1 of the 4 optional modules in Semester 2

Year 3 (Semester 1) - FHEQ Level 6

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
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
PHY3054 RESEARCH TECHNIQUES IN ASTRONOMY Optional 15 1
PHY3055 COSMOLOGY AND GALAXY FORMATION Optional 15 1
PHY3057 SEMICONDUCTOR PHYSICS AND TECHNOLOGY Optional 15 1
PHY3062 RESEARCH YEAR INTERIM DISSERTATION Compulsory 60 Cross Year
PHY3064 MODERN METHODS IN EXPERIMENT AND MODELLING Optional 15 1

Module Selection for Year 3 (Semester 1) - FHEQ Level 6

Choose 4 of the 10 optional modules in Semester 1

Year 3 (Semester 2) - FHEQ Level 6

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
PHY3062 RESEARCH YEAR INTERIM DISSERTATION Compulsory 60 Cross Year

Module Selection for Year 3 (Semester 2) - FHEQ Level 6

N/A

Year 4 (Semester 1) - FHEQ Level 7

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
PHYM051 RESEARCH YEAR DISSERTATION Compulsory 60 1

Module Selection for Year 4 (Semester 1) - FHEQ Level 7

N/A

Year 4 (Semester 2) - FHEQ Level 7

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
PHYM039 TOPICS IN THEORETICAL PHYSICS Optional 15 2
PHYM052 EXPLOSIVE STELLAR PHENOMENA Optional 15 2
PHYM053 GENERAL RELATIVITY Optional 15 2
PHYM061 ADVANCES IN NANOPHOTONICS Optional 15 2
PHYM051 RESEARCH YEAR DISSERTATION Compulsory 60 1
PHYM038 NON-LINEAR PHYSICS Optional 15 2
MATM063 PRINCIPLES OF DATA SCIENCE Optional 15 2

Module Selection for Year 4 (Semester 2) - FHEQ Level 7

Students choose four of the Semester 2 options

Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity

Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics Y
Professional Training Year (PTY) N
Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) Y Yes
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.