BSc Mathematics and Physics

Teaching and learning

All degree programmes involve a combination of lectures, tutorials and interactive learning. Projects provide a link with the world of research and are important not only in terms of the programme but in providing evidence to employers of your achievement. Small-group tutorials form the core of our academic and personal support and was praised in the latest QAA (see below). Meeting every week during full term, they provide an opportunity for two-way communication as well as for assignments to be set, marked and discussed. As well as working with fellow students, you will get to know the academic staff and feel part of the department.

In a typical week in the first year you will spend 18 hours in a formal teaching environment and will be expecting to spend a further 18 hours in independent study. You’ll have 10 lectures in physics, two lectures in mathematics, one tutorial and spend a day in the teaching laboratory. Every week there is a problem-solving class which lasts approximately two hours. Time in private study is spent developing the lecture material, tackling assigned problems, doing tutorial work and writing up reports on experiments. 

Learning facilities

Our undergraduate students have access to many of the department’s research facilities, including a research-standard astronomical telescope located on the roof of our building, a state-of-the-art nanophotonics fabrication facility, a whole-body MRI scanner and high-speed computing systems. In addition, our undergraduate laboratories have recently been completely refurbished, and we have a computer suite available for independent study and completion of written reports.

We’re actively engaged in introducing new methods of learning and teaching, including increasing use of interactive computer-based approaches to learning through our virtual learning environment (ELE), where the details of all modules are stored in an easily navigable website. Students can access detailed information about modules and learning outcomes and interact through activities such as the discussion forums.

Learning from experts

We believe every student benefits from being part of a research-led culture and being taught by experts – you will discuss the very latest ideas in classes and tutorials and become actively involved in research yourself. Find out more about our academic teaching staff in the Staff Profiles pages. Here you can read about their areas of research, their publications, which modules they teach and about their external professional responsibilities.

Academic support

All students have a Personal Tutor who is available for advice and support, both academic and pastoral, throughout their studies. Our system of small-group tutorials was highly praised by the QAA. Meeting every week during full term, they provide an opportunity for two-way communication as well as for assignments to be set, marked and discussed. Weekly problem classes for both mathematics and physics courses provide further opportunities for academic support.

Assessment

Modules are assessed by a combination of continuous assessment, practical exercises, project work, report writing, presentations and examination. You must pass your first year assessment in order to progress to the second year, but the results do not count towards your degree classification. Written examinations are held in January and June. For some modules, coursework also contributes to the assessment of the module.