Program Overview
This four-year physics education program offers a comprehensive foundation in physics, including experimental, quantum, and electromagnetism topics. Students develop specialized skills in computational physics, communication, and mathematical physics. The program culminates in a year of professional learning and teaching practice, preparing graduates for careers as physics teachers in secondary schools.
Program Outline
Outline:
Year 1
- Experimental Physics (20 credits)
- Mechanics & Waves (20 credits)
- Quantum Physics & Electromagnetism (20 credits)
- Mathematics (40 credits)
- Computational & Physics Skills (20 credits)
Year 2
- Experimental Physics (20 credits)
- Mechanics, Optics & Waves (20 credits)
- Quantum Physics & Electromagnetism (20 credits)
- Mathematics (40 credits)
- Computational & Physics Skills (20 credits)
Year 3
- Quantum Physics & Electromagnetism (20 credits)
- Condensed Matter Physics (20 credits)
- Gases, Liquids & Thermodynamics (20 credits)
- Experimental Physics I or Experimental Physics II (40 or 20 credits)
- Optional modules (20 credits each):
- Communicating Physics
- Computational Physics
- Mathematical Physics
Year 4
- Education Studies: Professional Values (20 credits)
- Professional Learning Through Enquiry (20 credits)
- Professional Skills (80 credits):
- Curriculum and Pedagogy
- Professional Practice
Assessment:
- Exams
- Continuous assessment
- Written reports
- Moderated peer assessment in tutorials and workshops
- Talks and poster sessions
- In-school training through placements during year 4 of the course
Teaching:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Interactive learning using both personal response systems and web-based teaching resources
- Directed laboratory work
- Group-based learning
- Self-paced project work
Careers:
- Physics teacher in secondary schools
- Students are required to register with the Scottish Government’s Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme (PVG) before they start year 4 of the program.
- Students may incur additional costs for travel to placement schools and insurance.
- The department provides free electronic access for up to three years to the recommended textbook for first-year physics.
- All core module material is available on MyPlace for students to download.
- The department supplies students with lab books (£1) for recording data through years 1-3.
- First-year students are supplied with USB keys (£10) for the collection of data.
- Personal response handsets are also available at lectures.
Fees for students who meet the relevant residence requirements in Scotland are subject to confirmation by the Scottish Funding Council. Assuming no change in fees policy over the period, the total amount payable by undergraduate students will be capped. For students commencing study in 2024/25, this is capped at £27,750 (with the exception of the MPharm and integrated Masters programmes), MPharm students pay £9,250 for each of the four years. Students studying on integrated Masters degree programmes pay an additional £9,250 for the Masters year with the exception of those undertaking a full-year industrial placement where a separate placement fee will apply. International£25,250 Please note: All fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year.
