Programme specification

(where stopping off points exist they should be detailed here and defined later in the document)

(e.g. from 2015 intake onwards)

Full-time/Part-time/Other

(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such as study abroad or placements in industry)

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Subject-benchmark-statement-Physics-astronomy-and-astrophysics.pdf

(see guidance notes)

Professional body accreditation

(if applicable):

To encourage students to develop critical modes of thought and study, to acquire an in-depth knowledge of the subject and to develop a range of technical and inter-personal skills. They should be prepared for a wide variety of careers, both within professions connected directly with astrophysics or in a wide range of other activities.

1. Theoretical structure of the core topics in Physics, Astrophysics and Astronomy with a selection of advanced research topics, sufficient to allow informed choice of a field of postgraduate study.

2. The mathematical basis of Astrophysics.

3. The structure of compiled computer programmes.

1 and 2. Lectures with associated problem sheets and tutorials. Access to recommended textbooks and web material.

3. Lectures and workstation-based courses in two years and (optionally) third year.

1 and 2. Unseen examinations. Continuous assessment marks from problem sheets.

3. Online testing of computing knowledge.

1. Application of their knowledge to unseen problems.

2. Ability to combine mathematics and verbal explanation in a coherent rigorous argument.

1 and 2. Fortnightly problem-sheets on all courses, supported by tutorial discussion. Special problem solving classes with staff and postgraduate supervision in first two years.

1 and 2. Unseen written examination. In-course assessment problem sheets used in coursework mark.

1. Carry out laboratory and observatory

experiments to demonstrate physical

principles and measure constants of

Nature.

2. Use spreadsheet package to present and calculate physics results.

4. Report experimental results clearly and methodically.

5. Work in a team to tackle an open ended scientific problem and present joint conclusions.

6. Use computer packages for word-processing, webpage management and manipulation of mathematical functions.

7. Use compiled or interpreted computer languages to write original programs.

8. Design an experiment and/or computer-based investigation to study and solve an open-ended research problem.

1. Set experiments, starting simply in first year; more open ended in later years. Close advice and supervision.

2, 6 and 7. Workstation-based hands-on courses;

first year and second year Python, third year object oriented programming option (Java).

3. Supplementary lectures linked to set experiments.

4. Preparation of workbooks and detailed reports.

5. Field trip, involving observations, data reduction and research analysis.

8. 1.5-unit final-year project.

1, 3 and 4. Grading of lab and observatory reports.

2, 6 and 7. Online testing and written exercises.

5. Oral presentation. Observation of group process.

Written report.

8. Observation of progress. Written and oral reports.

Write clear accounts of scientific subjects at a level appropriate to audiences ranging from complete lay-people to fully qualified colleagues.

Communications Skills course, involving essays, reports and oral presentations running over the first two years.

Essays, reports and presentations marked and included

separately in the scheme for award of honours

• 
  the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Framework-Higher-Education-Qualifications-08.pdf);
  

1. 
   the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements (http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements);
   
2. 
   the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
   
3. 
   UCL teaching and learning policies;
   
4. 
   staff research.
   

Programme Tutor, Physics and Astronomy