School of Physics - Undergraduate Advice and Regulations
This page contains information on:
Lectures and Tutorials
A university course differs from school teaching mainly in the degree to which independent study is required. You are not expected to learn techniques by rote, but rather to develop an understanding of the subject, using the essentials provided by the lecture course and the recommended textbooks.
To many of you the formal lecture will be a new experience, quite different from a school lesson. Your reaction to it will be an individual one. Take notes at lectures in the way which suits you best and study those notes in conjunction with a textbook before the lecture has faded from your mind. It is important for all junior freshmen to have their own copy of the recommended text. For students in all four years, most of the recommended texts include problems at the end of the chapters - attempt several each week to demonstrate to yourself that you have mastered the associated material. In addition you will be expected to solve problems set by staff in preparation for the tutorial classes. The lecturers in the School of Physics will indicate, normally at the first lecture of a course, how they prefer to deal with questions at the end of the lecture, although this is to some extent decided by the size of the class. If you have any problems concerning the course or your ability to follow it, you should first consult the lecturer concerned who will try to assist you. If necessary, you should make an appointment with the lecturer if time does not permit after a lecture. If you remain uncertain then you should make an appointment to see the Head of School. If you have more general problems then you should consult your tutor, who will advise you on the most suitable procedure.
Tutorial classes will be provided for all students. These classes aim to assist you in gaining facility in dealing with numerical problems and calculations. You will be expected to attempt problems; you may also raise other problems or difficulties that you encounter with your course. For some student groups, the tutorial will form part of the continuous assessment along with laboratory work.
Head of pageLaboratory Classes
Experimental investigation has been, and still remains, an essential part of the research effort that leads to progress in all physics. Accordingly, all Physics courses contain a component involving experimental work in the laboratory. For the first three years the laboratory work consists of a number of set experiments. Computational physics exercises are included in the laboratory work in the first two years. In the later years the experiments involved will become more open-ended to leave room for personal initiative. Physics, Physics and Astrophysics and Science of Materials students in their final year devote one complete term to an original research project with one of the research groups in the School or else in an outside laboratory. Students may do their project work abroad under the SOCRATES or LEONARDO schemes. Theoretical Physics students in their final year have an option of either further practical work or a computational project.
Head of pageAbsence from Practical Classes
Attendance at practical classes is compulsory in all years. If you fail to attend because of illness, a medical certificate should be obtained and a copy given to the person in charge of your practical classes at the first opportunity. You should also send a copy of the certificate to your tutor.
Head of pageExaminations
Information on the structure of the examination papers is published in advance of the examinations. The examination results are published as grades; if you want to know the breakdown of your marks you should contact the School office by email. You also have the right to discuss your examination scripts with the examiners with a view, for example, to improving your standard of answering on subsequent occasions. If you wish to view or discuss your scripts you should contact the School Office by email, and they will arrange an appointment for you.
Head of pageTutors
When you first entered College you were assigned a tutor. This is a member of the academic staff, not necessarily in the Physics Department, who takes a personal interest in your career in College right up to degree level. Tutors will give confidential advice on courses, examinations, fees, discipline and other matters and can act as a student's representative before the College authorities. Tutors can also, for example, give references, so make sure you get to know yours. Just as with the Physics staff, they cannot give help if they are unaware of your existence.
Head of pageLast updated: Mar 22 2012. | back to top