Awards

Target Award

Award Description:Master of Physics - MPY

Accreditation

Institute of Physics (IOP)

Educational Aims of the Course

The aims of the programme are: to provide an understanding of astrophysics at a depth appropriate for those aiming for a professional career in the subject. to use our involvement in first-class international scientific research, both to enrich our teaching and to inform course design. to encourage each student's learning, understanding and application of the knowledge taught. to develop students' mathematical and analytical skills to develop students' competence in scientific communication, both in oral and written form to monitor and review our teaching regularly to ensure the maintenance of quality.

Learning Outcomes

1.
knowledge and understanding of the syllabus material
2.
be able to carry out accurate experimental measurements
3.
be able to use telescopes and other devices to make astronomical observations
4.
have experience of working as an individual or in small groups
5.
have the ability to organise time and meet deadlines
6.
have additional skills resulting from the experience of more extensive project work
7.
the ability to think logically, analyse problems and phenomena and to devise explanations or solutions
8.
an appreciation of the role of mathematical modelling of physical phenomena to produce predictions which can be tested against experimental observations
9.
an awareness of the importance of accurate experimentation and observations across the whole electromagnetic spectrum in the understanding of natural and astrophysical phenomena
10.
the practical and technical skills required for physics experimentation and astronomical observation and an appreciation of the importance of a systematic approach to experimental measurement.
11.
knowledge and understanding across a wider range of astrophysics than that covered in the 3 year B. Sc., with some topics treated in more depth.
12.
an appreciation of selected areas of current astrophysics research at the frontiers of the subject.
13.
develop skills in computing, numeracy, written and oral communication
14.
have mathematical modelling and problem solving skills

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The programme material is delivered in modules, which are defined in the Department's Student Handbook provided for all students in terms of aims, learning objectives and assessment. In the majority of modules, the primary medium of teaching is the lecture, which introduces the student to the subject and maps out the module content. Small group tutorials, usually based around a structured set of problems set by the lecturer, reinforce the lecture material and provide a setting for two way discussions of ideas of physics. Emphasis is also placed on the importance of students' private study, with recommended private study times listed in the Handbook. Practical work is varied and progressive throughout the four years of the programme, concluding with a 30 Credit project in Year 4. Experience in computing and IT skills is based around an introductory module in Year 1, usage in the practical laboratories in all years and a 15 credit module involving a project using Java programming language in Year 3. Communication skills are developed progressively throughout the programme. Student presentations of a scientific topic to the tutorial group in Year 1 and to two academic staff in Year 2, lead on to a 20 minute presentation, including 5 minutes for questions, of the Year 3 project to students and academic staff. In Year 4, the Research Skills module is group activity investigating and reporting on a Physics-based problem with an individual interview as part of the assessment process, while the 30 Credit project which follows involves a 30 minute presentation, including 10 minutes for questions to students and academic staff. Assessment is by examination and/or continual assessment of written work. The various assessment procedures are intended to guide the student towards a balanced study of the subject and to measure as fairly as possible their ability. Examinations consist of questions designed to test knowledge and understanding as well as problem solving, analytical skills and insight. The programme material is delivered in modules, which are defined in the Department's Student Handbook provided for all students in terms of aims, learning objectives and assessment. In the majority of modules, the primary medium of teaching is the lecture, which introduces the student to the subject and maps out the module content. Small group tutorials, usually based around a structured set of problems set by the lecturer, reinforce the lecture material and provide a setting for two way discussions of ideas of physics. Emphasis is also placed on the importance of students' private study, with recommended private study times listed in the Handbook. Practical work is varied and progressive throughout the four years of the programme, concluding with a 30 Credit project in Year 4. Experience in computing and IT skills is based around an introductory module in Year 1, usage in the practical laboratories in all years and a 15 credit module involving a project using Java programming language in Year 3. Communication skills are developed progressively throughout the programme. Student presentations of a scientific topic to the tutorial group in Year 1 and to two academic staff in Year 2, lead on to a 20 minute presentation, including 5 minutes for questions, of the Year 3 project to students and academic staff. In Year 4, the Research Skills module is group activity investigating and reporting on a Physics-based problem with an individual interview as part of the assessment process, while the 30 Credit project which follows involves a 30 minute presentation, including 10 minutes for questions to students and academic staff. Assessment is by examination and/or continual assessment of written work. The various assessment procedures are intended to guide the student towards a balanced study of the subject and to measure as fairly as possible their ability. Examinations consist of questions designed to test knowledge and understanding as well as problem

Entry Requirements

A levels
Alternative qualifications considered