COURSE SPECIFICATION BSc(Hons)Physics, Astrophysics And .

COURSE SPECIFICATIONBSc (Hons) Physics, Astrophysics and CosmologyAcademic Standards, Quality and PartnershipsDepartment of Student and Academic AdministrationMarch 2018CopyrightThe contents of this document are the copyright of the University of Portsmouth and all rights are reserved.No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form orby any means, such as electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recorded or otherwise, without the priorconsent of the University of Portsmouth.Course specification for BSc (Hons) PhysicsPage 1 of 6

COURSE SPECIFICATIONPlease refer to the Course Specification Guidance Notes for guidance on completing this document.Course TitlePhysicsFinal AwardExit AwardsCourse Code / UCAS code (if applicable)Mode of studyMode of deliveryNormal length of courseCohort(s) to which this course specificationappliesAwarding BodyTeaching InstitutionFacultySchool/Department/Subject GroupBSc (Hons)CertHE, DipHE.C2609SFull timeCampus4 years with placementSchool/Department/Subject Group webpageCourse webpage including entry criteriafrom September 2019 intake onwardsUniversity of PortsmouthUniversity of PortsmouthFaculty of TechnologySchool of Mathematics and te of Physics (recognised full accreditation pending2018)Professional and/or Statutory RegulatoryBody accreditationsQuality Assurance Agency Framework forLevel 4,5,6Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) LevelInstitute of PhysicsCore Curriculum specificationThis course specification provides a summary of the main features of the course, identifies the aims andlearning outcomes of the course, the teaching, learning and assessment methods used by teaching staff,and the reference points used to inform the curriculum.This information is therefore useful to potential students to help them choose the right course of study, tocurrent students on the course and to staff teaching and administering the course.Further detailed information on the individual modules within the course may be found in the relevantmodule descriptors and the Course Handbook provided to students on enrolment.Please refer to the Module Web Search for further information on the course structure and modules.Course specification for BSc (Hons) PhysicsPage 2 of 6

Educational aims of the courseThe Course Specification Guidance Notes include advice on what to include in this section.To develop competent physicists with a broad knowledge of physics and its application inastrophysics and cosmologyIn addition, and more generally, the course aims to: Provide a stimulating programme to develop a critical and reflective knowledge andunderstanding of physics, astrophysics and cosmology Develop critical, analytical, practical, professional, problem solving, research andcommunication skills and prepare students for postgraduate study and / or professionalqualifications in employment Provide insight and experience, to think independently, analytically and creatively in someareas of physics, astrophysics and cosmology to the frontiers of research. Develop the skills necessary for life-long independent learning to synthesise new andexisting knowledge to generate ideas and develop creative solutions of benefit to theeconomy and society. Develop an appreciation of what constitutes ethical scientific behaviour and encourage asense of social responsibility. Provide a supportive, challenging, stimulating and rewarding study environment toencourage curiosity and the ability to seize opportunities for development. Develop a range of key life, employability and communication skills through a range ofindividual and group opportunities to maximise their career potential and potential to addvalue to the communities to which they belong. Accommodate student needs in relation to maximising their career potential by enablingthem to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in their chosen areas of interest. Examine in depth some area of contemporary astrophysics and cosmology enabling criticalengagement with research publications.Course Learning Outcomes and Learning, Teaching and Assessment StrategiesThe Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) sets out a national framework of qualificationlevels, and the associated standards of achievement are found in their Framework for Higher EducationQualifications document.The Course Learning Outcomes for this course are outlined in the tables below.A. Knowledge and understanding of:LOLearning outcomenumberA1A2A3The principles of Mechanics and Relativity, Quantum Atomicand Nuclear Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Oscillationsand Waves, Electromagnetism, Optics, Thermodynamics andStatistical Physics (QAP,IOP) the Physics of stars, galaxies andother astrophysical systems, and the principles of Cosmology.The Physics of stars, galaxies and other astrophysical systems,and the principles of Cosmology.The methods of solution of problems and the application ofphysics through the design and execution of practicalCourse specification for BSc (Hons) PhysicsLearning andTeachingmethodsLectures,Problem classes,problem sets,on-line tutorialsAssessmentmethodsLectures,Problem classes,problem sets,on-line tutorialsProblem classes,Laboratory andExamination, setcoursework,problem sets,reportsReports andpresentationsExamination, setcoursework,problem sets,reportsPage 3 of 6

LOLearning outcomenumberobservational and data analysis investigations, andmathematical and computational modelling with particularreference to astrophysics and cosmology.Learning ssessmentmethodsLearning andTeachingmethodsProject work,laboratory tures,tutorials,laboratory work,problem-basedlearningProblem sets,reports,examinationSupervisedproject work,problem-basedlearning,lecturermodelling ofproblem solutionProblem sets,reports,examination,written and oralpresentationsLearning andTeachingmethodsLaboratory,computationaland dataanalysisexercises,project utationaland dataanalysisexercises,project workAssessmentmethodsLearning andTeachingmethodsLectures,tutorials, projectAssessmentmethodsB. Cognitive (Intellectual or Thinking) skills, able to:LOLearning outcomenumberB1B2B3Plan, conduct and report on a programme of research atundergraduate level including the formulation and testing ofhypotheses; critically evaluate arguments, assumptions anddata, make judgements and frame questions to achieve asolution to a problem or identify a range of solutionsSelect, apply and evaluate appropriate mathematical,scientific, laboratory and computer-based methods andprinciples in the analysis and solution of a variety of physicalproblems in an independent manner to synthesise new andexisting knowledge within and across discipline boundarieswith particular reference to astrophysics and cosmologyBe intellectually curious, creative, critical and innovative inthe analysis and solution of physical problems andpresentation of results questioning principles, practices andboundaries and seizing opportunities for developmentReports,dissertationsandpresentationsC. Practical (Professional or Subject) skills, able to:LOLearning outcomenumberC1Plan, conduct and report on practical laboratory,astronomical observational, theoretical or computationalscientific investigations. Collect, record and analyse datausing a variety of suitable techniques, critically comparingastronomical observations with theoretical or computationalmodel predictions as appropriate.C2Undertake laboratory and other investigations in aresponsible and safe manner, paying due attention to riskassessment, rights of access, ethical practice, relevant healthand safety regulations, and sensitivity to the impact ofinvestigations on the environment, sustainability and humanhealthProblem sets,reports, writtenand oralpresentationsReports, writtenand oralpresentationsD. Transferrable (Graduate and Employability) skills, able to:LOLearning outcomenumberD1Develop an adaptable and flexible approach to study andidentify and work towards targets for personal, academic andcareer development including commercial awareness andCourse specification for BSc (Hons) PhysicsReports, writtenand oralPage 4 of 6

LOLearning outcomenumberD2D3opportunities for enterprise, incorporating skills necessaryfor self-managed and life-long learning.Analyse and solve problems using theoretical, computational,observational and practical techniques. Communicate resultsof investigations appropriately to a variety of audiences inwritten, oral and graphical forms using a variety of mediaIdentify individual and collective goals and responsibilitiesand perform in a manner appropriate to these rolesLearning torials, projectworkReports, writtenand oralpresentationsGroup work inpractical,computationalor data analysisproblem-basedlearningexercisesReports, writtenand oralpresentationspresentationsAcademic RegulationsThe current University of Portsmouth Academic Regulations will apply to this course.Support for Student LearningThe University of Portsmouth provides a comprehensive range of support services for students throughouttheir course, details of which are available at the MyPort student portal. Personal and project tutorsprovide academic and professional support throughout the course.Evaluation and Enhancement of Standards and Quality in Learning and TeachingThe University of Portsmouth undertakes comprehensive monitoring, review and evaluation of courseswithin clearly assigned staff responsibilities. Student feedback is a key feature in these evaluations, asrepresented in our Policy for Listening to and Responding to the Student Voice where you can also findfurther information.Reference PointsThe course and outcomes have been developed taking account of: University of Portsmouth Curriculum Framework Specification University of Portsmouth Strategy University of Portsmouth Code of Practice for Work-based and Placement Learning Quality Assurance Agency UK Quality Code for Higher Education Quality Assurance Agency Qualification Characteristic Statements Quality Assurance Agency Subject Benchmark Statement for Physics and Astronomy Quality Assurance Agency Framework for Higher Education QualificationsRequirements of Professionaland/or Statutory Regulatory Bodies: Institute of Physics Vocational and professional experience, scholarship and research expertise of the University ofPortsmouth’s academic members of staff National Occupational StandardsDisclaimerThe University of Portsmouth has checked the information provided in this Course Specification and willendeavour to deliver this course in keeping with this Course Specification. However, changes to the courseCourse specification for BSc (Hons) PhysicsPage 5 of 6