| Unit name | Methods of Modern Physics for Mathematics |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHYS30038 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Tony Short |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
120 credit points at Level I/5 in single or joint honours physics |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
N/A |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
N/A |
| School/department | School of Physics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Why is this unit important?
This unit will cover the core methods of modern physics; tools which are essential for the progression of your understanding in physics. These components will develop your mathematics and problem-solving skills in the areas of quantum physics and computational physics, as well as developing your ability to apply specialist methods in these areas. This will prepare you for advanced study in physics as well as developing skills appropriate wider applications.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit builds directly on your studies in years one and two to enhance your understanding of practical methods which underpin physics research. This will additionally prepare you for undertaking advanced topics in further years, as well as to develop computational skills which will support your research topic in your final year. You will also develop your transferrable skills in computing which is a key requirement for the accreditation of our Physics programmes by the Institute of Physics.
An overview of content
Quantum Physics
Introduction to Computational Physics
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit?
This unit will give you the opportunity to expand your core physics knowledge to encompass the methodologies employed by researchers exploring topics at the frontiers of our understanding. You will take the first steps to becoming conversant in the symbolic language in which modern quantum theories are discussed and develop an appreciation of the advanced computational methods used in modern physics research.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this unit, you should be able to:
The unit is organised through our on-line learning environment (OLE). This is where you will find information about the unit, lecture notes, any pre-recorded videos, recordings of lectures and live sessions, and other learning resources.
All teaching activities will be delivered face-to-face (barring intervention from exceptional events), and it is an expectation that you engage with these activities. Learning activities will be split across in-class activities (problems classes) and those around your own private study (for example online quizzes, videos, textbook references etc.).
The unit will consist of around 30 hours of content delivery with 10 hours of support. You are expected to take responsibility for your own learning, engaging in independent study outside of course contact hours, in line with the University statement on student workloads, and going beyond explicitly taught material as appropriate.
Problems classes will usually take place bi-weekly and give you the opportunity to practice the application of the skills and knowledge you have acquired in problem-solving exercises. Facilitators will be available to provide feedback on your understanding.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
You will have a series of assignments which do not count for assessment but will help to further your understanding. There will be regular problems classes to help you gain rapid feedback on your understanding and to ask questions of the facilitator. This will help you quantify your own understanding and help others recognise their own understanding, and to gain verbal feedback on your problem-solving skills.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Quantum Physics will be assessed through a combination of multiple-choice quizzes and timed problem-solving assessments.
Introduction to Computational Physics will be assessed through short programming exercises, each consisting of the code plus a brief outline of the methodology and presentation of the results
When assessment does not go to plan:
If you do not pass the unit, you may have the opportunity to retake the assessment in the next available assessment period, subject to passing a minimum overall number of credits for the year. Resit assessments are not available for those students in their final year of study. You should contact your Senior Tutor if you think your assessment may not be going to plan, and you can discuss with your personal tutor for support. If you feel your assessments have been affected by any exceptional circumstances, you must contact your Senior Tutor before the advertised cut-off date.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHYS30038).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
