University home > Unit and programme catalogues in 2020/21 > Programme catalogue > Faculty of Arts > Department of Philosophy > Philosophy of Physics (MA) > Specification
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Programme code | 1PHIL001T |
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Programme type | Postgraduate Taught Degree |
Programme director(s) |
Catrin Campbell-Moore
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Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
School/department | Department of Philosophy |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Relevant QAA subject benchmark groups | Philosophy (2019) (benchmark statement) |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 1 years (full time) |
The main aim of this programme is to develop the student’s interest in and knowledge and understanding of the philosophical foundations of modern physics and related debates in the philosophy of science. The course is intended both for students who wish to specialise in philosophy of physics at a higher level, and also for individuals with a background in physics or mathematics that wish to make a transition to philosophy and foundations of physics.
The students will acquire the knowledge and understanding necessary to engage with core philosophy of physics topics such as the philosophical foundations of quantum mechanics, relativity theory and quantum field theory. Students will develop skills to analyse and assess the conceptual problems in the foundations of physical theories and to relate these problems to contemporary philosophical debate.
Students will also be given the opportunity to developing ideas, bibliographical and writing skills necessary for philosophical research. They will also gain knowledge and understanding and to study core topics in scientific epistemology and metaphysics. This course will provide students with a Maths and Physics backgrounds with an opportunity to develop verbal, written and argumentative skills that are highly valued by employers and which their previous education may not have equipped them with. This programme will equip students with the necessary knowledge and research skills to go on to do a PhD.
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Methods are tailored to learning outcomes of each unit are take one of three formats:
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Methods of Assessment | |
Assessment tailored to learning outcomes of each unit are take one of three formats:
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Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Methods are tailored to learning outcomes of each unit are take one of three formats:
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Methods of Assessment | |
Assessment tailored to learning outcomes of each unit are take one of three formats:
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Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Seminars with student-led presentations |
Methods of Assessment | |
Formatively assessed on basis of classroom performance |
Statement of expectations from the students at each level of the programme as it/they develop year on year.
Level M/7 - Masters |
To achieve the MA, students needs to have achieved 180 credit points, with all assessed work achieving the minimum pass mark of 50%. To achieve this, students need to:
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The intended learning outcome mapping document shows which mandatory units contribute towards each programme intended learning outcome.
For information on the admissions requirements for this programme please see details in the postgraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/postgraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
For faculty guidelines for dissertation see:
http://www.bris.ac.uk/unit-programme-catalogue/UnitDetails.jsa?ayrCode=16%2F17&unitCode=AFACM1000N/A
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Philosophical Writing and Research Seminar | PHILM0025 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Scientific Epistemology and Methodology | PHILM0004 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Philosophy of Physics | PHILM0005 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Advanced Philosophy of Physics | PHILM0029 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Relativistic Field Theory | PHYSM3417 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Foundations of Modern Physics | PHYSM0023 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Dissertation | PHILM0001 | 60 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Select 20 credit points from: | ||||
History of Science | PHILM0007 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Logic | MATH30100 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Philosophy and History of Mathematics | PHILM0016 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
The Philosophy and History of Medicine | PHILM0022 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Philosophy of Biology | PHILM0006 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Philosophy of Psychology | PHILM0020 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Project | PHILM0008 | 20 | Optional | TB-1,TB-2 |
Philosophy of Probability | PHILM0028 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
180 |
The pass mark set by the University for any level 7(M) unit is 50 out of 100.
For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to exit from the programme with a postgraduate diploma or certificate.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
An award with Merit or Distinction is permitted for postgraduate taught masters, diplomas and certificates, where these are specifically named entry-level qualifications. An award with Merit or Distinction is not permitted for exit awards where students are required to exit the programme on academic grounds. An exit award with Merit or Distinction may be permitted where students are prevented by exceptional circumstances from completing the intended award.
The classification of the award in relation to the final programme mark is as follows:
Award with Distinction*: at least 65 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation. **Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
Award with Merit*: at least 60 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 60 out of 100 for the dissertation. Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
* The MA in Law has separate regulations for awarding distinction and merit.
** For the award of Distinction, the Faculty of Engineering requires at least 70 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to choose, or be required, to leave at the postgraduate diploma or certificate stage.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
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