University of Southampton Calendar 2010/11


University Calendar 2010/11 Section XII : Academic Regulations - Faculty of Physical and Applied Science

Academic Unit	School of Physics and Astronomy
Final Award	Master of Physics (Honours)
Programme(s)	Master of Physics Master of Physics with Astronomy Master of Physics with Space Science Master of Physics with Photonics Master of Physics with Mathematics Master of Physics – Astrophysics & Final Part Abroad Master of Physics – Particle Physics Final Research Part Abroad Master of Physics – Nanotechnology Master of Physics – Experimental Physics Final Part Research
Last modified	June 2009 Reviewed in July 2010; no changes made

Reference should be made to the University's General Regulations found in Section IV and Section V (Higher Degree Regulations) of the University Calendar.

Except where an opt-out has been granted by the University (see below) the following academic regulations apply in addition to the General Regulations.

Admissions

To join this degree programme candidates will normally need to obtain 340 points from 21 units including a minimum of grade A in Physics and A in Mathematics at A-level.

Equivalent levels of performance in other internationally recognised qualifications (including BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, the European Baccalaureate, the French Baccalaureate, the German Abitur, Scottish Highers and the Irish Leaving Certificate) are also acceptable. Candidates whose first language is not English are required to reach a satisfactory standard in an approved test in English.

Mature students without any of the above qualifications are encouraged to apply if recent successful study has been undertaken at an appropriate level in Physics and Mathematics. The Admissions Tutor is happy to talk to candidates in advance of a formal UCAS application.

All individuals are selected and treated on their relative merits and abilities in line with the University's Equal Opportunities Policy. Disabled applicants will be treated according to the same procedures as any other applicant with the added involvement of the Disability Office to assess their needs. The programme may require adaptation for students with disabilities (eg: hearing impairment, visual impairment, mobility difficulties, dyslexia), particularly the practical laboratory sessions, and we will attempt to accommodate students wherever possible.

Structure of Programme(s)

Full-time study period is over four years. Refer to the Programme Specifications and the School of Physics and Astronomy website for further details such as modules, core modules, credits and content.

Master of Physics
In Parts 1, 2 and 3 the programme is mostly prescribed with students having two 15 CP optional module selections in each of the three Parts. In Part 4 students have three 15 CP prescribed modules and five 15 CP optional module selections to make from an approved list.

Master of Physics with Astronomy
In Parts 1 and 2 the programme is fully prescribed. In Part 3 students may choose one 15 CP module selection from approved optional modules to give a minimum of 120 CP of study. In Part 4 five of the eight modules are prescribed with students having three 15 CP module selections from approved optional modules equalling a minimum 120 CP of study.

Master of Physics with Space Science
In Parts 1 and 2 the programme is fully prescribed. In Part 3 students may choose one 15 CP module selection from approved optional modules to give a minimum of 120 CP of study. In Part 4 fifty per cent of the programme is prescribed with students having four 15 CP module selections in the final Part.

Master of Physics with Photonics
In Parts 1, 2 and 3 the programme is mostly prescribed with students having one 15 CP module selection in each of the three Parts. In Part 4 fifty per cent of the programme is prescribed with students having four 15 CP module selections in the final Part.

Master of Physics with Mathematics
In Parts 1, 2 and 3 the programme is fully prescribed. In Part 4 students may choose two 15 CP mathematics module selections and three 15 CP from approved optional modules to give a minimum of 120 CP of study.

Master of Physics – Astrophysics and Final Part Abroad
In Parts 1, 2 and 3 the programme is fully prescribed. In Part 4 the students travel to Harvard University, USA, and undertake a single 120 CP research module.

Master of Physics – Particle Physics Final Research Part Abroad
In Parts 1 and 2 the programme is mostly prescribed with students choosing one 15 CP optional module from an approved list. Part 3 offers two 15 CP optional module selections and although not essential, students are advised that their programme may be enhanced by selecting French Language optional units. In Part 4 the students travel to CERN, Geneva, Switzerland, and undertake a single 120 CP research module.

Master of Physics – Nanotechnology
In Parts 1 and 2 the programme is fully prescribed. Part 3 is mostly prescribed with students choosing one optional module from an approved list. In Part 4 five modules are prescribed with students making three 15 CP module selections from an approved list.

Master of Physics – Experimental Physics Final Part Research
In Parts 1 and 2 the programme is mostly prescribed with students having two 15 CP module options, a recommended list is provided, in each Part. In Part 3 students have five 15 CP modules prescribed and three 15 CP module selections to make, again a recommended list is provided. In the final Part (4), students undertake a single 120 CP experimental research project.

Progression

The rules governing progression are as indicated in the University Calendar under Section IV. Additional progression requirements are required by the Physics and Astronomy School Board and are as follows.

Master of Physics
If you obtain an average mark of 55% or more over all courses and a minimum of 40% in each unit you are qualified to proceed directly to Year 3. If you do not achieve this level of performance you may be required to undertake additional study and/or reassessment during the summer vacation before proceeding. If you obtain a minimum of 40% in each unit and an aggregate of 40% or more you can either transfer directly to the final Part of the BSc Single Honours programme or exit with a Diploma in Higher Education.

Master of Physics with Astronomy
If you obtain an average mark of 55% or more over all courses and a minimum of 40% in each unit you are qualified to proceed directly to Part 3. If you do not achieve this level of performance you may be required to undertake additional study and/or reassessment during the summer vacation before proceeding. If you obtain a minimum of 40% in each unit and an aggregate of 40% or more you can either transfer directly to the final Part of the BSc Single Honours programme or exit with a Diploma in Higher Education.

Master of Physics with Space Science
If you obtain an average mark of 55% or more over all courses and a minimum of 40% in each unit you are qualified to proceed directly to Part 3. If you do not achieve this level of performance you may be required to undertake additional study and/or reassessment during the summer vacation before proceeding. If you obtain a minimum of 40% in each unit and an aggregate of 40% or more you can either transfer directly to the final Part of the BSc Single Honours programme or exit with a Diploma in Higher Education.

Master of Physics with Photonics
If you obtain an average mark of 55% or more over all courses and a minimum of 40% in each unit you are qualified to proceed directly to Part 3. If you do not achieve this level of performance you may be required to undertake additional study and/or reassessment during the summer vacation before proceeding. If you obtain a minimum of 40% in each unit and an aggregate of 40% or more you can either transfer directly to the final Part of the BSc Single Honours programme or exit with a Diploma in Higher Education.

Master of Physics with Mathematics
If you obtain an average mark of 55% or more over all courses and a minimum of 40% in each unit you are qualified to proceed directly to Part 3. If you do not achieve this level of performance you may be required to undertake additional study and/or reassessment during the summer vacation before proceeding. If you obtain a minimum of 40% in each unit and an aggregate of 40% or more you can either transfer directly to the final Part of the BSc Single Honours programme or exit with a Diploma in Higher Education.

Master of Physics – Nanotechnology
If you obtain an average mark of 55% or more over all courses and a minimum of 40% in each unit you are qualified to proceed directly to Part 3. If you do not achieve this level of performance you may be required to undertake additional study and/or reassessment during the summer vacation before proceeding. If you obtain a minimum of 40% in each unit and an aggregate of 40% or more you can either transfer directly to the final Part of the BSc Single Honours programme or exit with a Diploma in Higher Education.

Master of Physics – Astrophysics and Final Part Abroad
Master of Physics – Particle Physics Final Research Part Abroad
Master of Physics – Experimental Physics Final Part Research

Part 2 to Part 3
If you obtain an average mark of 70% or more over all courses and a minimum of 40% in every unit you are qualified to proceed directly to Part 3 of the MPhys Physics with a Part of Experimental Research. If you do not achieve this level the School may require you to undertake additional study and/or reassessment during the summer vacation before proceeding. If you obtain a minimum of 40% overall you may either transfer directly to the final Part of the BSc Single honours Physics or exit with a Diploma in Higher Education. If you obtain between 55% and 70% you may transfer to Part 3 of the MPhys Physics programme.

Part 3 to Part 4
If you obtain an average mark of 65% or more over all modules taken in the third year and a minimum of 40% in each module you are qualified to proceed directly to the fourth and final part of the programme.

Important Note: There is no right of referral for these programmes because of the lead-time required to set up the final Part of study. If there are mitigating circumstances (special considerations) to explain your failure to achieve the progression hurdle you will be treated sympathetically by the School but should note that it will still not be possible for you to progress.

If you do not achieve these marks but you qualify for normal MPhys progression (with normal referral rights) you may transfer to the fourth Part of a standard MPhys programme. The School, via the programme coordinator, will meet with you to determine the nature of your final Part and which modules you should take. This may entail taking deferred examinations during the supplementary examination period.

Under exceptional circumstances an exit with a BSc may be possible.

Assessment

The rules governing assessment are as indicated in the University Calendar under Section IV.

Award of Qualification(s)

The class of honours awarded is determined by the weighted final average mark in accordance with University regulations Section IV. The final award is by Senate on the recommendation of the School Board to candidates who have satisfactorily completed an approved course of study and have satisfied the assessment requirements.

Placements/Study Abroad/Exchange/Fieldwork

Not applicable.

Other

These regulations may be revised during the student's period of registration in accordance with the procedures approved by Senate.

Candidates are required to satisfy the academic and attendance requirements of the programme as laid out in the Programme Specification and the Student Handbook for the programme. Those failing to do so may have their course terminated.