Course Regulations MPhys
These are the approved course regulations for the academic year 2023/24.
The programme consists of a core of 3 lectured modules, the laboratory and the group project with further modules taken from the options list. Enough options have to be taken in order to raise the total load to at least 120 CATS credits, which is defined to be the normal load for this course. The maximum permitted load is 150 CATS. You must choose modules worth at least 45 credits from the Options List A.
| Core Modules | Weeks | CATS Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PX3A2 Quantum Physics of Atoms | 1-10 | 10 |
| PX3A3 Electrodynamics | 1-10 | 10 |
| PX424 Physics Group Project | 15-24 | 15 |
| PX428 Physics Laboratory | 1-10 | 15 |
| PX448 Mathematical Methods III | 1-10 | 10 |
| Option List A | ||
| PX385 Condensed Matter Physics | 15-24 | 15 |
| PX390 Scientific Computing | 1-10, 15-19 | 15 |
| PX399 The Earth and its Atmosphere | 1-10 | 15 |
| PX3A4 Plasma Physics and Fusion | 15-24 | 15 |
| PX3A5 The Standard Model | 15-24 | 15 |
| PX3A6 Galaxies and Cosmology | 1-10 | 15 |
| PX3A7 Statistical Physics | 1-10 | 15 |
| PX3A8 Physics of Life and Medicine | 15-24 | 15 |
| PX3A9 Black Holes, White Dwarfs and Neutron Stars | 15-24 | 15 |
| MA3D1 Fluid Dynamics | 15-24 | 15 |
Load
Where options are taken, so that the load exceeds the normal load, the marks for all modules attempted will appear on your University transcript. The overall year mark will be calculated as the arithmetic mean of the subset of whole modules, weighted according to their credit weighting, which satisfies the course regulations and results in the highest mark.
Before contemplating an overload you should discuss it with your personal tutor. We will be monitoring your registrations and you may be asked to discuss the situation with the Director of Studies or the Director of Student Experience. Please note that registering for modules and then not attempting the examination may be considered an abuse of the system and could lead to sanctions.
Progression
Please read the rules concerning progression to the fourth year.
Important Notice
The modules listed above are the ones that you will normally be permitted to register for. If you wish to take an unusual option you should consult our document on unusual options prior to taking any such modules. It is our experience that for most students the normal load is the most appropriate load, and only in exceptional circumstances should students take an overload of more than a couple of modules (15 CATS). Before contemplating an overload you should discuss it with your personal tutor. We will be monitoring your registrations and you will be asked to discuss the situation with the director of studies if your load goes above 150 CATS.
You may NOT take as unusual options either: PX3A0 Physics Project or PX376 Communicating Science.
This year's course has been designed with the following aims and objectives.
Aims
- To continue the study of quantum mechanics, electromagnetic theory, mathematics and experimental physics.
- To demonstrate how the laws of quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics and electromagnetism form the basis for explaining phenomena observed in at least some of condensed matter, nuclei, plasmas and stars.
- To permit students' to begin to specialise in areas of physics of particular interest to them.
- To further develop students' transferable skills including group working.
Objectives
On the completion of the third year you should
- Have a sound knowledge of physics and be appropriately prepared for the final year courses.
- Have identified certain areas of physics which you wish to study further.