The work for Physics Honours consists of three parts:

1. Lecture Courses

Physics Honours is based on the two components of coursework, and a major dissertation, in equal weight (50%). Details of the assessment procedure are given below. For projects in theoretical physics, a 40% minor thesis option is available. In 2004 students taking KYA410 Physics 4 (Honours) will attend lecture courses in the core units of Gravitation & Cosmology, and Astrophysics (each about 2 lectures per week), and Upper Atmosphere/Ionospheric Physics ( about 2 lectures per week or equivalent). Lectures will commence in the first week of semester 1, and will be completed in that semester. In addition, students should attend at least 1 additional lecture unit of equivalent weight. Offerings may include finite element methods, advanced computing, plasma physics, quantum information and quantum computation, appropriate mathematics fourth year units, or (in second semester) a formal enrolment in KYA314/5 (HECs exempt as part of fourth year). For the 40% minor thesis option in theoretical physics, a further additional full weight lecture unit should be successfully completed. So that attention can be devoted to the project work during the latter half of the year, it is desirable (but not mandatory) to arrange most lectures in term one. In the same vein, students should also note that their lectures may entail a variety of assessments, ranging from weekly problems, through to tests, essays, or literature reviews -- any assignments for the units given in semester 1 should be completed well before the start of second semester.

Final arrangements to confirm lecture course choices will be decided at a meeting of all students concerned early in the first week of semester (see noticeboards for details).

The thesis (to be submitted by noon, Monday 8 November 2004) will embody the results of the project work and is discussed more fully in a separate document. Project work should start as early as possible in February and should continue throughout the year.The deadline is firm, to allow time for assessors meetings and scholarship applications. Late theses will incur a penalty.

Before the end of October, and after consulting with and taking advice from his or her supervisor, each student will deliver a 15-20 minute talk on his or her project work. A written summary of the talk, of perhaps 200 words in length, should be made available to the Physics Secretary at least three days beforehand so that it may be circulated as a notice of the talk. The time limit will be strictly enforced, and the performance in the seminar will be taken into consideration in determining the final results of the year (see below). To give students practice in this activity, similar talks will be arranged towards the end of Semester 1, reporting progress on the project.

Physics staff are engaged in several research fields. These have been discussed, at least in general terms, with 3rd year students during second semester. The particular project that a student undertakes for his or her thesis will usually, but not necessarily, be from one of these fields. However, it is possible for a student to choose a project outside the current research fields of the School if he or she believes it would fulfil the requirements for an Honours thesis, provided a staff member can be found who is prepared to supervise the project and provided the necessary equipment or other resources are available. Although a student should not be deterred from suggesting such a project, such a choice is not encouraged. Students should be aware that it is generally difficult for the School to offer appropriate resources outside the research fields for which supervisors have research funding.

Subject to the availability of resources, the availability of a supervisor and the overall approval of the School, the choice of the field and the specific project is primarily the responsibility of the student. In making the choice, it is important that the student should feel that he or she has freely chosen the project. The student must also bear in mind that the project should be one in which there is a reasonable likelihood that an advance is possible in the time available. This advance may be in knowledge in the field, or in the techniques which can be applied in the field, or, at least, should represent an advance in the field as it currently exists in this School. Thus, results which are new in the world, while desirable, are not essential. The School will want to be satisfied that these criteria are met before it gives final approval for the project to proceed. In the normal course of events, prospective students should signal their interest to the supervisor, in consultation with the Head of Discipline and Head of School, in November or December of the year before they wish to proceed to Honours (in order to complete re-enrolment).

Assessment

The grade of Honours awarded to each candidate is determined by the Physics lecturing staff, in consultation. The following guidelines are set:

(a) the results of examinations of the lecture course work (~47.5%, or ~57.5% for the minor thesis option),

(b) the assessment of the thesis, (~47.5% or ~37.5% for the minor thesis option)

(c) the assessment of the seminar talk (~5%) and

(d) the advice of the candidate's supervisor.

Examinations arising from the lecture courses will be arranged by the individual lecturers, and the method of examination may be by assignments, essays or formal written examination. The weighting attached to the assessment for each coursework component is in approximate proportion to the number of lectures in each component.

In assessing the thesis, the examiners will be looking for evidence of originality of approach, as well as for an understanding of, and competence in, the field. In general, the examiners will be looking for evidence that the student could be successful in a research career.

The examiners do not attach precise predetermined weights to the above mentioned factors; none is considered unimportant. However, the assessment of the thesis and the results of the lecture course examinations are the most significant factors in shaping the examiners' opinions. An excellent result will normally require a high level of achievement in all parts of the year's work.

Rules for BSc (Hons)

Students should be familiar with the Faculty of Science and Engineering rules as set out in the University Handbook. In particular they should note the Rule concerning the completion of requirements for the degree not later than 12 months from the date of commencement in the case of full-time candidates, or 24 months in the case of part-time candidates.