BIOL0003: Biochemistry 1
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: This course aims to teach
the students the pathways of central metabolism and to relate
the regulation of these pathways to the homeostasis of the whole
organism. In order to appreciate and understand metabolism, the
students are taught the fundamental aspects of enzymes and their
regulation, and this in turn is necessarily preceded by lectures
on protein structure.
Content: Proteins: amino acids - structures, ionisation
and physical properties; primary structure and an overview of
protein folding and conformation. Enzymes: catalysis, kinetics,
regulation Metabolism: chemistry of monosaccharides, glycolysis,
gluconeogenesis, citric acid cycle, glyoxylate cycle, regulation
of central metabolism.
Students must have A-level Chemistry in order to undertake this
unit.
BIOL0004: Biochemistry 2
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0003
Aims & Learning Objectives: To learn about biochemistry
- after taking this unit the student should be familiar with the
subjects listed below.
Content: The course is a direct follow - on from Biochemistry
I. Topics studied are 1) Mitochondrial bioenergetics, respiration
and oxidative phosphorylation. 2) lipid metabolism - structure
of lipids, catabolism and anabolism of fatty acids, ketogenesis
and coordination with other metabolic pathways. 3) Biochemistry
of animal tissues and organs, such as mechanisms of neurotransmission
and muscle contraction.
BIOL0005: Cell biology
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Co BIOL0006
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce the techniques
available for determining the structure and function of cellular
components and processes, to describe the structure and function
of cells and cell organelles and to show the diversity of cells.
After taking this course the student should be able to:
Describe the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, describe
the structure and explain the function of cell organelles, make
comparisons between related structures and functions, critically
appraise methods available to determine the nature and function
of cellular processes, understand the dynamic nature of cell behaviour.
Content: Introduction: eucarya, eubacteria and archaea;
microscopical techniques; cytochemistry; cell fractionation and
autoradiography. The structure and function of cell membranes,
plant walls, intercellular channels. Cellular processes such as
cell signalling, cytoskeleton and cell movement, secretion and
absorption. Organelles involved in energy metabolism: chloroplasts
and mitochondria, plant microbodies. Nucleus, chromosomes, cell
growth and proliferation, mitosis and meiosis.
BIOL0006: Cell & molecular biology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Co BIOL0005
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce the structure
and function of nucleic acids; To introduce the concepts and methodology
of genetic modification; To introduce the processes of animal
development.
Content: The structure and function of nucleic acids (DNA
and RNA) in relation to organisms, genes, gene expression and
protein synthesis. How organisms, genes and gene expression can
be altered and studied via the technology of genetic modification.
How the changing patterns of gene expression in cells and tissues
can lead to the development of an egg into an animal, using examples
from Xenopus, Drosophila and mouse.
BIOL0011: The biosphere
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Co BIOL0012
Aims & Learning Objectives: The aim of this course
is to provide a global perspective of the communities and ecosystems
of the world and the role of these systems in the flow of energy
and matter.
Content: The flow of energy and matter: the global cycles
and the flow through the major ecosystems. The major terrestrial
and aquatic biomes, including tundra, taiga, temperate grassland,
deciduous forest, tropical forest. The impact of humankind on
the environment, with particular emphasis on pollution and deforestation
BIOL0012: Ecology & evolution
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Co BIOL0011
Aims & Learning Objectives: The course examines the
role of individuals, populations and communities in the evolution
of ecological systems.
Content: Key concepts in evolution are introduced and reviewed
including the nature of evolutionary selection, including kin-selection,
sexual selection and natural selection. The dynamics of ecological
populations are examined both through field and laboratory examples
and mathematical models. These include population growth, intraspecific
and interspecific competition and predator/prey relationships.
The structure and development of plant, animal and fungal communities
is also examined and evidence is described from studies of the
limits of similarity, island biogeography and food webs.
BIOL0019: Hormones & signalling
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0004
Aims & Learning Objectives: To understand the principles
of cell signalling mechanisms
After taking this course the student should be able to: Give an
account (both qualitative and quantitative) of ligand-receptor
interactions; explain the consequences of hormone-receptor interactions
on metabolic and other cell functions in terms of molecular interactions.
Content: STEROID HORMONES:
* synthesis from cholesterol,
* steroid receptors: structure, interaction with hormones, DNA
binding and gene activation/repression.
HORMONE RECEPTORS AND G PROTEIN COUPLING:
* Receptor structure·
* G protein structure and interaction with receptors·
* Signalling mechanisms through adenylyl cyclase and phosphoinositide
turnover·
* Calcium as a second messenger·
* Phosphorylation mechanisms and consequences for protein function
INSULIN AND OTHER TYROSINE KINASES:
*· Tyrosine kinase receptors: structure, mechanism and signalling
pathways.
BIOL0023: DNA (making, breaking & disease)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0006
Aims & Learning Objectives: To understand the relationship
between DNA synthesis, DNA repair, the animal cell growth cycle
and apoptosis. After taking this course the student should be
able to : give a detailed account of the molecular mechanisms
of DNA replication and repair in a variety of living systems;
show how DNA metabolism and cell cycle controls are related to
cancer; give an account of antitumour therapy.
Content: DNA replication, and where relevant DNA in (x174,
E.coli, SV40, and human cells. Cross talk between synthesis,
repair and the cell cycle in complex systems. Immortality and
carcinogenesis. Site of action of antifolates, fluorouracil, magic
bullets.
BIOL0024: Advanced cell biology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0006, Pre BIOL0023
Aims & Learning Objectives: To familiarise students
with the concepts and vocabulary of key aspects of cell biology,
mainly with reference to vertebrates. Coverage will include the
commonly used techniques in these fields of study and emphasis
will be given to the relationship of cellular events to the physiology
or development of the whole organism. Students should be sufficiently
familiar with the topics covered that they will be able to readily
extend their knowledge by reference to primary research articles
in these areas.
Content: Cell adhesion and the extracellular matrix; membrane
transport (carrier proteins and ion channels); intracellular trafficking;
cytoskeleton; cell signalling (growth factors, hormones, neurotransmitters,
receptors and signal transduction); neuronal development (birth,
death and axonal specificity); growth and genomic imprinting;
sex determination.
BIOL0038: Environmental physiology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: This course aims to explore
some of the mechanisms by which phenotypic diversity is generated
in microorganisms, plants and animals.
Content: How variations in the phenotypic and genetic attributes
of organisms is brought about by means of interaction between
external environmental factors and internal metabolic and reproductive
processes. The processes that produce genetic and phenotypic variation
in microorganisms, plants and animals. The way that external factors
such as temperature, light, gravity, aeration, inhibitory chemicals
impinge on these processes. Chemical and electrical mechanisms
that co-ordinate developmental programmes and physiological and
behavioural responses to environmental change.
BIOL0039: Autumn field course
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0012
Aims & Learning Objectives: To give each student an
appreciation of the diversity of life and to examine natural populations
and communities to provide insights into the mechanisms and processes
underlying distribution patterns. To give each student an appreciation
of the strengths and weaknesses of standard field methods for
the interpretation and description of observed patterns and of
current hypotheses which attempt to identify the phenomena that
determine community structure. To give each student an appreciation
of the importance of experimental design and of statistical analysis
and the opportunity to design and carry our field-based investigations.
After taking the course the student should:
Know how to approach the problem of finding and identifying a
variety of kinds of organisms within their natural habitats; know
how to quantify distribution patterns using a variety of techniques
and sampling procedures; appreciate how distribution patterns
are influenced by selection; begin to question how observed distribution
patterns have come into being, may change or be maintained as
a result of dynamic processes.
Content: The course introduces students to ecosystem types
of varying complexity and subject to different kinds of selection
process, such as rocky shore, sand dune, coastal grassland, salt
marsh, woodland. The use of appropriate sampling patterns, experimental
design data gathering, statistical analysis and presentation are
introduced. An introduction is given to the observation and quantification
of animal behaviour in the field. Each student designs and carries
out a half-day and a two-day field-based investigation. The data
from these are analysed and graphically presented after the trip
using University computing facilities.
Students are required to make a financial contribution to the
field course (currently £90).
BIOL0040: Concepts in ecology & evolution
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0012
Aims & Learning Objectives: To give each student an
appreciation of the dynamic relationships between ecological patterns
and evolutionary processes. To identify parallels and disparities
between pattern generating processes operating across and within
kingdom boundaries, in relation to developmental and behavioural
mechanisms and the levels at which selection operates.
Content: Topics: General concepts relating to evolutionary
processes regulating the stability and instability of living systems;
concepts of niche, competition, symbiosis, ecological strategies
and self/non-self discussed qualitatively in terms of their significance
to the understanding of pattern formation, and in the context
of chaos theory; concepts of natural selection and its role in
the evolutionary process; the application of kin selection theory
in the evolution of behavioural interactions between relatives;
the concept of optimality in ecology and evolution, optimal foraging
theory; self organisation, division of labour and the superorganism.
The course ends with two group discussions, whose purpose is to
ensure full cohesion between the parts of the course.
After taking this course, the student should be able to:
Utilise concepts from nonlinear systems theory (including chaos
theory) kin selection theory, natural selection theory, behavioural
ecology, community biology and ecological genetics in understanding
ecological and evolutionary issues.
Appreciate the consequences of interpreting these issues within
the constraints which these concepts impose.
Understand the nature of probabilistic, deterministic and random
process, and their role in ecology and evolution.
BIOL0041: Spring field course
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0040, Pre BIOL0012
Aims & Learning Objectives: To explore natural habitats
in ways that enable the student to recognise natural patterns
of distribution and behaviour of organisms and to question the
basis of these patterns. To give each student an appreciation
of the strengths and weaknesses of standard field methods for
the interpretation and description of observed patterns and of
current hypotheses which attempt to identify the phenomena that
determine community structure. To give each student an appreciation
of the importance of experimental design and of statistical analysis
and the opportunity to design and carry out field-based investigations.
After taking the course the student should:
Appreciate how communities are structured and how this structure
can be investigated; understand and appreciate how this structure
may have arisen and is maintained; appreciate the philosophical
base of community biology and how this influences interpretations
of community structure.
Content: The course introduces students to ecosystem types
of varying complexity and subject to different kinds of selection
process, such as rocky shore, sand dune, coastal grassland, salt
marsh, woodland. The use of appropriate sampling patterns, experimental
design data gathering, statistical analysis and presentation are
introduced. An introduction is given to the observation and quantification
of animal behaviour in the field. Each student designs and carries
out a half-day and a two-day field-based investigation. The data
from these are analysed and graphically presented after the trip
using University computing facilities.
Students are required to make a financial contribution to the
field course (currently £90).
BIOL0045: Cell membranes
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0019
Aims & Learning Objectives: To understand the principles
governing the structure of the lipid bilayer and the arrangement
of proteins in the membrane, the importance of biosynthesis of
membrane proteins, and the structure and catalytic mechanism of
membrane transporter proteins.
After taking the course the student should be able to: Interpret
emerging literature data on the biosynthesis, cellular distribution,
and regulated subcellular trafficking data of membrane proteins;
give quantitative interpretation of kinetic, biochemical and biophysical
data on transport of ions and sugars through membrane transporters.
Content: Topics: Functions and common structural features
of membrane lipids and proteins. Case study of the erythrocyte
membrane proteins. Lateral diffusion of membrane components. Biosynthesis
and sub-cellular trafficking of membrane proteins. Structures
and functions of cell adhesion molecules. Common features of membrane
transporters for ions and neutral molecules together with the
specialised features that provide substrate specificity . Kinetics
of transport. Structural features of membrane transporters.
BIOL0049: Biochemical parasitism
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0023, Pre BIOL0055
Aims & Learning Objectives: To examine the biochemical
adaptations required for existence as a successful parasite. Students
will be able to define a virus and understand the concept of parasitism;
they will appreciate the metabolic constraints caused by occupancy
of this niche and the effects that parasitic infections and infestations
have on the host. They will be able to conceive of ways of subverting
parasite biochemistry to design effective treatments.
Content: Parasitology: protozoan and helminth biochemistry
and its modifications in parasites. The modes of action of anti-parasite
drugs and what these tell us about target metabolism.
BIOL0055: Genes & genomes
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0023
Aims & Learning Objectives: A comparative study of
the genome structure and expression in eukaryotes, protozoan &
metazoan. Students will gain a thorough appreciation of the complexities
of gene regulation and the various stages at which expression
is regulated; they will also know how to use genome structural
information to distinguish between individuals and will be able
to devise a strategy for the identification and mapping of genes.
Content: Genome structure and mapping (genetic & physical).
Repetitive DNA, its origins and use in DNA fingerprinting. Assembly
of the eukaryotic RNA synthetic machinery and its regulation by
trabscription factors. Eukaryotic expression systems. RNA splicing
and its control.
BIOL0062: Fungi & people
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES15 OR5
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To achieve understanding
of the many ways in which fungi are of direct importance to people;
how beneficial fungal activities or effects can be exploited or
enhanced and how detrimental fungal activities or effects can
be remedied or avoided.
After taking the course, the student should be able to:
categorize and describe the ways in which fungi are of practical
importance to [people; identify the constraints which currently
limit our ability to control and make use of fungi; identify the
opportunities which are available for the practical exploitation
of fungi.
Content: Fungal diseases of people and animals; mycotoxins
and mycotoxicoses; cultivation of edible and industrially or medically
important fungi; ethnomycology; biodeterioration and biodegradation;
fungi and pollution; future uses of fungi.
BIOL0070: Plant biotechnology & the environment
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To define 'Plant Biotechnology'
and describe the categories included within the definition and
their applications. By the end of this course the student should
have gained: A general understanding of the various categories
of plant biotechnology; an understanding of the direct and indirect
effects of plant biotechnology on the environment in terms of
socio-economic costs and benefits; an appreciation of policy and
institutional issues related to the exploitation of plant biotechnology
by both the public and private sectors in a democratic society.
Content: The definition of 'Plant Biotechnology', the categories
included within the definition and their applications. The link:
population + consumption level + (bio) technology = environmental
impact. World, regional and national trends in population size
and food consumption levels and their implications for agricultural
and natural ecosystems. The contribution of plant biotechnology
to agricultural systems and their environmental implications.
Ex situ and in situ biodiversity conservation strategies and the
impact of biotechnology. Risk analysis and the release of genetically
manipulated organisms into the environment. Public and private
sector research, ownership of biological resources and intellectual
property rights. Control of biotechnology R & D and implementation:
priority setting; public participation; policies and institutions;
developed and developing countries. The Cassava Biotechnology
Network as an example of control and implementation of plant biotechnology.
BIOL0072: Biology as a world view
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: How science views the world,
what aspects of the world it considers worth investigating and
how it conducts its investigations reflect and shape culture.
This unit will examine these issues, focusing on modern biology
and its predecessors. Particular attention will be given to the
philosophical and social implication of the biological worldview,
and the extent to which this worldview reflects reality.
Content: The origin of the Western worldview and its subsequent
development in ancient Greece and mediaeval Europe. The influence
of the scientific revolution and of the Enlightenment on the development
of the scientific worldview. Issues covered include: how science
is possible; how science identifies areas for study; the scientific
approach; the role and implications of classification; prehistory
and history of theories of the initiation and development of individuals;
the role of inductive and deductive reasoning in fashioning the
worldview. The unit will conclude with an investigation into the
mind-body problem and its implications for science.
BIOL0074: The evolution of social behaviour
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0040
Aims & Learning Objectives: To discuss in detail the
principles of the evolution of social behaviour. To provide a
good understanding of theoretical issues and principles of experimentation
and analysis.
Content: This course debates the hottest topics in the
evolution of social behaviour in animals including Homo sapiens.
These topics include kin selection, inclusive fitness theory,
sexual selection, kin recognition, altruism, genetic determinism,
the evolution of co-operation and conflict, selfishness and spite
and human sociobiology. This is a course based largely on seminars
presented by students on the basis of their reading of primary
publications, reviews and text book examples.
BIOL0079: Clinical biochemistry
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0006
Aims & Learning Objectives: To understand the principles
of biochemistry as applied to medicine. After taking this course
the students should be able to: understand the molecular biology
and appreciate the medical significance of various congenital
and other defects in humans: give an account of the biochemical
aspects of cystic fibrosis; abnormalities of post absorptive blood
sugar, glycogen storage diseases, plasma lipids.
Content: Topics: ion channels, metabolism of carbohydrates,
lipids, and proteins.
BIOL0089: Human biochemistry
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX60 CW40
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To teach the fundamentals
of human metabolism and bioenergetics: to gain a basic understanding
of nutrition and its effect on performance of the human body.
To enable students to describe and explain the relationship between
the biochemistry and physiology of human performance.
Content: Basic thermodynamics and biochemistry of muscles
and movement.
Bioenergetics: the requirement for energy and how it is produced
at the cellular level.
Energy fuels: the breakdown and synthesis of carbohydrates, fats
and protein; anaerobic and aerobic metabolism.
Control of metabolism and the biochemistry of fatigue: the role
of oxygen and minerals.
An introduction to the biochemistry of nutrition.
An introduction to the biochemistry and pharmacology of drugs
in sport.
CHEY0006: Spectroscopy
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: Introduction to the principles
of molecular spectroscopy. The students will be capable of interpreting
experimental spectra and analysing their results to obtain spectroscopic
constants. Application of spectroscopic methods to solve structural
methods in organic chemistry.
Content: Introduction to electromagnetic radiation. Rotational
spectroscopy; rigid rotor model. Vibrational spectroscopy. Linear
ditomics and polyatomic molecules. Vibration-rotation spectroscopy
. Electronic spectra of conjugated compounds. IR spectra of functional
group containing compounds. Origins and applications of proton
and carbon NMR spectra. Introduction to mass spectrometry.
Natural science students must have undertaken CHEY0008 and CHEY0007
in the previous year.
CHEY0007: General chemistry
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX65 PR25 CW10
Requisites: Co CHEY0008
Aims & Learning Objectives: To provide a broad introduction
to the principles governing chemical reactivity and to illustrate
these with a range of examples. At the end of the course students
should be able to analyse experimental data and classify reactions.
To establish the need for theories which explain structure and
bonding in compounds and how they can be used to rationalise reaction
and structural chemistry.
Content: Introduction to thermodynamics and kinetics with
a range of case-study examples to illustrate how the basic principles
can be applied to real reactions. Chemical equilibria and coupled
reactions. An introduction to atomic and molecular structure and
bonding in compounds and how this is used to explain trends in
structure and reactivity across the Periodic Table.
Students must have A-level Chemistry to undertake this unit.
CHEY0008: Introductory organic chemistry
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX65 PR25 CW10
Requisites: Co CHEY0007, Ex CHEY0001, Ex CHEY0002, Ex CHEY0003,
Ex CHEY0004, Ex CHEY0009, Ex CHEY0010, Ex CHEY0011, Ex CHEY0012
Aims & Learning Objectives: To provide an introduction
to the subject of organic chemistry as a basis for understanding
molecular processes affecting other areas of sciences, with reference
to the themes of structure and bonding, reactivity, mechanism
and synthesis.
Content: Structure and bonding: Lewis theory, formal charge;
resonance; hybridization conformation, configuration, chirality.
Reactivity: chemistry of functional groups including alkanes,
alkenes, alkyl halides, alcohols, ethers, thiols, aldehydes, ketones,
carboxylic acids, esters, acyl halides, thioesters, amides, amines;
aromatics.
Mechanism: energy profiles, heterolyis, homolysis, acidity, basicity,
nucleophilicity, electrophilicity, electrophilic addition, nucleophilic
substitution, elimination; nucleophilic addition/elimination,
electrophilic and nucleophilic aromatic substitution, kinetic
vs. thermodynamic control.
Students must have A-level Chemistry to undertake this unit.
CHEY0013: Characterization methods
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites: Pre CHEY0006
Aims & Learning Objectives: To provide an introduction
to a number of techniques for characterisation of chemical compounds
including X-ray diffraction, and the origins and applications
of NMR and ESR spectroscopy, To describe chromatographic and photometric
methods of chemical analysis. Students should understand the principles
of the techniques and be able to apply them in interpreting straightforward
example of results. Selection of particular techniques to solve
particular problems will be a feature of the unit.
Content: Overview of X-ray generation and use of filters.
Crystal classes, lattices and unit cells. Bragg's law. Uses of
powder diffraction. General principles of NMR-Magnetic properties
of nuclei, sensitivity and abundance. Spectra of I = 1/2 nuclei.
Chemical shifts and coupling constants. Problems with I > 1/2
nuclei. More advanced NMR techniques. Magnetic properties of the
electron and origin and interpretation of ESR spectra. Gas and
liquid chromatographic methods of analysis and applications. Origins
of fluorescence, phosphorescence and analytical applications.
Electroanalytical methods of chemical analysis.
CHEY0014: Synthesis of organic molecules
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To provide the student
with a working knowledge of important classes of organic transformations,
including mechanisms. To give an overview of retrosynthetic analysis
as a valuable method for the design of an organic molecule. To
enable the student to design syntheses of heterocyclic and alicyclic
compounds.
Content: The principles of retrosynthesis. The use of carbon
nucleophiles in retrosynthesis. Malonate ester synthesis and applications.
Umpolung reagents. Alkene synthesis, including Wittig reaction.
Oxidation reactions of alkenes and alcohols. Reduction reactions
of ketones and other carbonyl compounds. Protecting groups and
strategy in organic synthesis. The synthesis of ring systems including
discussion of pericyclic reactions and stereoelectronic effects.
Synthesis of large rings, spirocyclic and bicyclic compounds.
The chemistry of alicyclic systems. Description and synthesis
of heterocycles. Routes to pyrroles, farron, thiphene, pyridine
and indoles and their reactivity. Synthesis and reactivity of
pyridines, quinolines and isoquinolines. Synthesis and reactivity
of 3- and 4-membered ring heterocycles.
Natural science students must have undertaken CHEY0008 and CHEY0007.
CHEY0015: Transition metal chemistry
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To develop bonding models
that can be applied to a consideration of the properties of transition
metal compounds. To present the general chemical features of d-block
elements in their normal oxidation states. To describe the basic
features of low oxidation state compounds involving (-acceptor
ligands particularly carbon monoxide, nitric oxide and dinitrogen.
To introduce the chemistry of transition metal compounds containing
metal-carbon (- and (-bonds.
Content: Review of earlier material on coordination numbers,
geometries, isomerism. Bonding theories e.g. Crystal Field Theory
and its limitations, elementary MO theory. Explanation of structural
and chemical properties of transition metal- ligand complexes.
including metal carbonyls, metal nitrosyls and dinitrogen complexes.
Organometallics - nomenclature, electron counting, hapticities.
Metal-carbon (- and (-bonding and examples of each. Applications
and uses of organometallics.
Natural science students must have undertaken CHEY0008 and CHEY0007.
CHEY0016: Interfacial chemistry
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To provide an introduction
to the physical chemistry of interfaces of various types and to
illustrate its significance in catalysis, colloids and electrochemistry.
At the end of the module the student should be able to describe
how and why the molecular structure of an interface controls macroscopic
properties of surfaces; explain how the structure of an interface
can be probed; explain the quantitative basis of heteregeneous
catalysis; explain the reasons for the stability of colloidal
dispersions. and explain the basis of electron transfer at interfaces.
Content: Introduction to surfaces and interfaces. Molecular
origin of surface tension. Consequences of surface tension - wetting,
Laplace pressure, capillary rise. Gas-solid adsorption - Langmuir
and BET isotherms. Kinetics of catalysis. Solid-liquid adsorption.
Gibb's equation. Monolayers. Micellisation. Colloid stability.
Interfacial catalysed reactions. Electrode reactions. Electron
transfer at interfaces. Surface spectroscopy. Phase equilibrium
at interfaces.
Natural science students must have undertaken CHEY0008 and CHEY0007.
CHEY0017: Kinetics & mechanism 2
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To summarize the main factors
which determine the mechanism of a reaction and how these affect
the reaction rate. To illustrate some experimental methods for
studying reaction rates and elucidating reaction mechanisms with
reference to examples from organic and inorganic chemistry. To
introduce the chemistry of some important reactive intermediates.
Content: Evidence for mechanisms and intermediates; principles
for acceptability;. Solvent and substituent effects on equilibria.
Rates for reactions of various kinetic orders, and kinetic treatment
of more complex mechanisms. Theoretical treatments of reaction
kinetics and examples of their application.. Reactions in solution.
Catalysis by acids and bases.; Nucleophilic catalysis. Stereochemistry
and mechanism. Aspects of the chemistry of carbocations, carbanions,
radicals, carbenes, nitrenes, and arynes. Experimental methods
for fast reactions: Basic photochemical processes. Applications
of photochemistry. New methods of studying reactions: molecular
beams; infra-red chemiluminescence.
Natural science students must have undertaken CHEY0008 and CHEY0007.
CHEY0056: Introduction to chemistry
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites: Co CHEY0057
Aims & Learning Objectives: This course is designed
for students without A-level chemistry who need to have some appreciation
of chemical ideas to use in their major degree subject(s). It
will provide a broad introduction to the principles governing
chemical reactivity and to illustrate these with a range of examples.
Content: Introduction to atomic structure and chemical
bonding e.g. valency. Trends in structure and reactivity across
the Periodic Table. The mole, chemical equations and chemical
reactions. The emphasis will be on taking examples from the real
world and explaining the chemical principles which underlie them.
CHEY0057: Introduction to practical chemistry
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: PR80 CW20
Requisites: Co CHEY0056
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce a range of
practical chemistry techniques to students and to demonstrate
how experimental work can be used to consolidate material presented
in lectures.
Content: A series of experiments to introduce basic analytical
methods such as titrations, gravimetry and spectrophotometry,
manipulation of glassware, straightforward synthetic procedures.
Some supplementary material will be presented in workshops to
reinforce ideas met in the previous lecture based unit.
EDUC0001: Exploring effective learning
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: This unit is intended for
those students who wish to explore their own learning and to develop
strategies for improving it. The unit reviews learning in lectures,
tutorials, seminars etc and assessment as encountered by students
in higher education. Starting from the students own approaches
to learning it considers more effective ways based on experience
and research.
Content: The nature of learning; what is learnt (skills,
knowledge, values etc.); learning styles; learning in groups;
autonomy in learning; communication as part of the learning process;
study skills; presentation skills; time management; assessment
and being assessed.
This is the recommended unit for those wishing to do one education
unit in the year, outside their degree programme.
EDUC0002: Learning: Theory & context
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: This unit will consider
more theoretical aspects of learning. It will consider theories
of learning and their application in particular situations including
schools, colleges, universities and lifelong learning. It will
also explore the implications of new technologies for learning
and the impact of visual literacy on learning.
Content: Learning theories; information processing; experiential
learning; metacognition; reflection; language and learning; memory.
Contexts for learning: schools, further education, higher education,
distance and open learning, the workplace, lifelong learning.
It is advisable to have done EDUC0001 before this unit, but it
is not a requirement. However, Natural Science students must have
taken EDUC0001 in order to undertake this unit.
EDUC0003: Education in society
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: This unit will consider
the role of education in society. It will be based on an assessment
of the purposes of education and of educational organisations
such as schools, colleges and universities. It will consider government
policies towards education; how these policies are formed and
what they mean in practice. Examples will be drawn from the UK
and wider.
Content: Aims and purposes of education in different societies
and through time; the politics of education; the role of state
in education policy and practice: national curricula, national
development plans, centralised and decentralised systems, the
relationship between education and culture; the hidden curriculum;
vocationalism; educational alternatives; Europeanisation and globalisation.
EDUC0004: Educational institutions as organisations
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: This unit considers educational
institutions as organisations. It will look at how these institutions
are organised around their key purposes. It will consider key
organisational issues such as curriculum design and implementation,
equal opportunities, staff development, measuring and identifying
effectiveness, ways of improving the quality of provision; the
learning institution.
Content: Schools/colleges/universities as organisations;
purposes of the organisations and the practical implications;
curriculum purposes and design; equalising opportunities: class,
gender, race etc; curriculum strategies: setting, banding, streaming,
differentiating, learning support/special needs, pastoral care,
assessment, cross-curricular elements; measuring/identifying effectiveness
and approaches to improvement; the culture of the teacher: staff
development/professional development issues; open learning, lifelong
learning, access to learning and accreditation of learning.
EDUC0005: Science education in practice
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: This unit considers teaching
and theories of teaching within the context of science education.
The unit includes practical activities within a teaching context
which are designed to illustrate the underlying theories. The
unit considers issues such as curriculum, assessment, purposes,
elements of instructional design and the role of the teacher.
Content: The relationship between teaching and learning;
issues related to designing a curriculum for science: why teach
science, how do we learn science, elements of science teaching,
conceptual nature of science learning; designing a science curriculum;
implementing an aspect of a science curriculum and evaluating
it; assessing learning in science.
This unit is intended for science, engineering and mathematics
students who may be interested in a career in teaching.
EDUC0006: Issues in science education
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: This unit considers key
issues in science education. Examples include: the purposes of
science education, public understanding of science, how science
is learnt, science learning in relation to practical experience,
assessment of science learning, equal opportunities in science
education.
Content: The issues will change from time to time, examples
include: Theories of learning science, their practical implications
and value to the science educator, for example, constructivism
and Cognitive Acceleration through Science Education (CASE); the
nature and role of practical experience in science learning; equal
opportunities in science education; the purposes of science education
in for example, the public understanding of science; the nature
of science in National Curricula.
ENGR0001: Environmental studies: A crisis in material resources?
A
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX85 CW15
Requisites: Co MATE0027
Aims & Learning Objectives: Through a study of the
science and technology of some renewable energy sources, students
are encouraged to consider the broad questions as to whether there
is an environmental 'crisis', whether there are limits to growth,
and whether there can be sustainable development, and to start
to develop defensible positions on these issues.
Content: Energy
The thermodynamics of power generation - 2nd Law of Thermodynamics
considerations.
Combustion of fossil fuels - effects on the environment: greenhouse
effect, acid rain.
The need to conserve fossil fuels: nuclear and alternative forms
of energy.
The possible future contribution and cost of some of the following
energy alternatives.
(i) Solar energy: various forms of solar collector, power generation
from the concentration of solar energy; direct generation of energy.
(ii) Wind energy: types of generator, horizontal and vertical
axis, survey of existing machines and their performance, future
developments.
(iii) Wave energy: survey types of wave machine including those
under development; methods of converting motion of wave machines
into electricity;; the current funding situation; effects on the
environment.
(iv) Tidal energy: review of schemes, existing (e.g. La Rance)
and proposed (e.g. Severn and Mersey): technical and environmental
problems.
(v) Geothermal energy: power generation from hyper-thermal fields,
exploration, geological conditions necessary; review of current
production (e.g. New Zealand, Japan), problems associated with
high mineral content. Lower temperature sources: district heating
schemes. Hot dry rock schemes: current state of the art, future
possibilities.
(vi) Biomass: current contributions, particularly in Third World
countries; conversion of sugar into alcohol as petrol replacement
(Brazil).
Seminar programme combined with a student exercise such as a case
study to encourage students to integrate the syllabus content
and to relate the science and technology of environmental relevance
to a wider social and economic context.
Students must have Chemistry A-level or undertaken CHEY0056 &
CHEY0057.
ENGR0002: Environmental studies: The earth as an ecosystem
A
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX90 CW10
Requisites: Co UNIV0001
Aims & Learning Objectives: To develop an understanding
of the role that process design and development play in pollution
prevention and clean technology
Content: Hierarchies of good environmental practices.
Waste minimisation methodology.
Waste elimination, minimisation, and recycling.
Engineering aspects of waste reduction at source.
Benefits and challenges of advanced treatments.
Technological change in new and existing processes.
Implications arising from changes in products and raw materials.
Recycling methods (on-site and off-site), Re-use and reclamation.
Waste to energy processes.
Quantification of wastes and effluents.
Process waste diagrams and environmental mass balances.
Design simulation and optimisation methods.
Thermodynamic and kinetic limitations.
Quantification of progress, Normalisation of data and indexing.
Seminar programme
Seminars are intended to encourage students to integrate the syllabus
content and to relate it to a wider social and economic context.
Students must have undertaken ENGR0001 or CHEY0008 & CHEY0008.
ESML0204: Chinese stage 1A (beginners) (6 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: Chinese
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0205
Aims & Learning Objectives: An introduction to basic
Chinese ("putonghua") as a preparation to communicating
in a Chinese context.
Content: Basic Chinese grammatical forms. Recognition and
production of essential Chinese characters; the Chinese phonetic
system and the Pinyin system. Initial emphasis will be placed
on speaking and listening. Reading and writing tasks of an appropriate
nature will be gradually incorporated. Special attention will
be paid to the recognition and differentiation of tones.
ESML0205: Chinese stage 1B (6 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: Chinese
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0204
Aims & Learning Objectives: A continuation of Chinese
Stage 1A
Content: A continuation of Chinese Stage 1A
ESML0206: Chinese stage 2A (post beginners) (6 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: Chinese
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0207
Aims & Learning Objectives: A course to consolidate
existing knowledge of Chinese, to develop listening, reading,
speaking and writing, and to reinforce grammar, in order to enable
students to operate in a Chinese speaking environment.
Content: This unit contains a variety of listening, reading,
speaking and writing tasks covering the appropriate grammatical
structures and vocabulary and there will be continued emphasis
on tones and pronunciation.
Teaching materials will include reading passages from a variety
of sources as well as topical and relevant audio and video material.
Students are required to give short talks and undertake writing
tasks in Chinese.
ESML0207: Chinese stage 2B (6 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: Chinese
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0206
Aims & Learning Objectives: A continuation of Chinese
Stage 2A
Content: A continuation of Chinese Stage 2A
ESML0208: Chinese stage 3A (advanced beginners) (6 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: Chinese
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0209
Aims & Learning Objectives: This course builds on the
Chinese covered in Chinese Stage 2 A and B in order to enhance
the student's abilities in the four skill areas.
Content: This unit contains a variety of listening, reading,
speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures
and vocabulary relating to China, Singapore and Taiwan.
There will be discussion in the target language of topics derived
from teaching materials, leading to small-scale research projects
based on the same range of topics and incorporating the use of
press reports and articles as well as audio and visual material.
Students are encouraged to devote time and energy to developing
linguistic proficiency outside the timetabled classes, for instance
by additional reading and/or participating in informally arranged
conversation groups and in events at which Chinese is spoken.
ESML0209: Chinese stage 3B (6 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: Chinese
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0208
Aims & Learning Objectives: A continuation of Chinese
Stage 3A
Content: A continuation of Chinese Stage 3A
ESML0210: French stage 7A (advanced) (6 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: French
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0211
Aims & Learning Objectives: A course to consolidate,
refine and enhance previous advanced knowledge of French
Content: This unit contains a variety of listening, reading,
speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures
and vocabulary.
Teaching materials cover a wide range of cultural, political and
social topics relating to France and may include short works of
literature.
There will be discussion in the target language of topics derived
from teaching materials, leading to small-scale research projects
based on the same range of topics and incorporating the use of
press reports and articles as well as audio and visual material.
Students are encouraged to devote time and energy to developing
linguistic proficiency outside the timetabled classes, for instance
by additional reading and/or participating in informally arranged
conversation groups and in events at which French is spoken.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom
work.
ESML0211: French stage 7B (6 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: French
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0210
Aims & Learning Objectives: A continuation of French
Stage 7A
Content: A continuation of French Stage 7A
ESML0212: French stage 8A (post advanced) (6 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: French
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0213
Aims & Learning Objectives: Continued consolidation
and enhancement of the language already acquired in French Stage
7A and 7B
Content: This unit contains a variety of listening, reading,
speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures
and vocabulary.
Teaching materials cover a wide range of cultural, political and
social topics relating
to France and may include short works of literature or extracts
from longer works. Where numbers permit, some subject-specific
material may be included, covering the relevant scientific and
technological areas and/or business and industry.
There will be discussion and analysis in the target language of
topics derived from teaching materials with the potential for
small-scale research projects and presentations. Audio and video
materials form an integral part of this study, along with newspaper,
magazine and journal articles.
Students are actively encouraged to devote time and energy to
developing linguistic proficiency outside the timetabled classes,
by additional reading, links with native speakers and participating
in events at which French is spoken.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom
work.
ESML0213: French stage 8B (6 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: French
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0212
Aims & Learning Objectives: A continuation of French
Stage 8A
Content: A continuation of French Stage 8A
ESML0214: French stage 9A (further advanced) (6 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: French
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0215
Aims & Learning Objectives: A continuation of the work
outlined in French 8A and 8B
Content: This unit contains a variety of listening, reading,
speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures
and vocabulary.
Teaching materials used cover a wide variety of sources and cover
aspects of cultural political and social themes relating to France.
Works of literature or extracts may be included, as well as additional
subject-specific material, as justified by class size. This may
encompass scientific and technological topics as well as materials
relevant to business and industry.
There will be discussion in the target language of topics relating
to and generated by the teaching materials, with the potential
for small-scale research projects and presentations. Audio and
video materials form an integral part of this study, along with
newspaper, magazine and journal articles.
Students are actively encouraged to consolidate their linguistic
proficiency outside the timetabled classes, by additional reading,
links with native speakers and participating in events at which
French is spoken.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom
work.
ESML0215: French stage 9B (6 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: French
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0214
Aims & Learning Objectives: A continuation of French
Stage 9A
Content: A continuation of French Stage 9A
ESML0216: French stage 4A (intermediate) (6 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: French
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0217
Aims & Learning Objectives: A course to consolidate
existing knowledge of French, to develop listening, reading, writing
and speaking, and to reinforce grammar, in order to enable students
to operate in a French-speaking environment.
Content: This unit contains a variety of listening, reading,
speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures,
vocabulary and pronunciation relating to a selection of topics.
Remedial work is carried out where necessary.
Teaching materials will include reading passages from a variety
of sources as well as topical and relevant audio and video material.
Students are required to give short presentations, conduct brief
interviews and write dialogues, reports and letters in French.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom
work.
ESML0217: French stage 4B (6 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: French
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0216
Aims & Learning Objectives: A continuation of French
Stage 4A
Content: A continuation of French Stage 4A
ESML0218: French stage 5A (post intermediate) (6 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: French
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0219
Aims & Learning Objectives: This course builds on the
French covered in French Stage 4A and 4B in order to enhance the
student's abilities in the four skill areas.
Content: This unit contains a variety of listening, reading,
speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures,
vocabulary and pronunciation.
Teaching materials cover a wide range of cultural, political and
social topics relating to France and may include short works of
literature.
There will be discussion in the target language of topics derived
from teaching materials, leading to small-scale research projects
based on the same range of topics and incorporating the use of
press reports and articles as well as audio and visual material.
Students are encouraged to devote time and energy to developing
linguistic proficiency outside the timetabled classes, for instance
by additional reading and/or participating in informally arranged
conversation groups and in events at which French is spoken.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom
work.
ESML0219: French stage 5B (6 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: French
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0218
Aims & Learning Objectives: A continuation of course
French Stage 5A
Content: A continuation of course French Stage 5A
ESML0220: French stage 6A (advanced intermediate) (6 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: French
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0221
Aims & Learning Objectives: This course concentrates
on the more advanced aspects of French with continued emphasis
on practical application of language skills in a relevant context,
in order to refine further the student's abilities.
Content: This unit contains a variety of listening, reading,
speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures
and vocabulary. There is continued further development of the
pattern of work outlined in French Stage 5A and 5B
ESML0221: French stage 6B (6 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: French
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0220
Aims & Learning Objectives: A continuation of course
French Stage 6A
Content: A continuation of course French Stage 6A
ESML0222: German stage 1A (beginners) (6 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: German
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0223
Aims & Learning Objectives: An introduction to everyday
German, in order to enable the student to cope at a basic level
in a German speaking environment, concentrating on oral/aural
communication and reading.
Content: Initial emphasis will be placed on speaking, listening
and reading. As vocabulary is acquired more attention will be
given to grammar. Writing tasks of a relevant and appropriate
nature will be incorporated.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom
work
ESML0223: German stage 1B (6 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: German
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0222
Aims & Learning Objectives: A continuation of German
Stage 1A
Content: A continuation of German Stage 1A
ESML0224: German stage 2A (post beginners) (6 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: German
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0225
Aims & Learning Objectives: A course to build on language
skills acquired in German Stage 1A and 1B to enhance listening,
reading, speaking and writing, and to consolidate grammar, in
order to enable students to operate in a German-speaking environment.
Content: This unit contains a variety of listening, reading,
speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures,
vocabulary and pronunciation.
Teaching materials will include reading passages from a wide variety
of sources as well as topical and relevant audio and video material.
Students are required to give short presentations, conduct brief
interviews and write dialogues, reports and letters in German
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom
work.
ESML0225: German stage 2B (6 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: German
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0224
Aims & Learning Objectives: A continuation of German
Stage 2A
Content: A continuation of German Stage 2A
ESML0226: German stage 3A (advanced beginners) (6 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: German
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0227
Aims & Learning Objectives: This course builds on the
German covered in German Stage 2A and 2B in order to enhance the
student's abilities in the four skill areas.
Content: This unit contains a variety of listening, reading,
speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures
and vocabulary relating to a selection of topics.
Teaching materials cover a wide range of cultural, political and
social topics relating to German speaking countries and may include
short works of literature.
There will be discussion in the target language of topics derived
from teaching materials, leading to small-scale research projects
based on the same range of topics and incorporating the use of
press reports and articles as well as audio and visual material.
Students are encouraged to devote time and energy to developing
linguistic proficiency outside the timetabled classes, for instance
by additional reading and/or participating in informally arranged
conversation groups and in events at which German is spoken.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom
work.
ESML0227: German stage 3B (6 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: German
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0226
Aims & Learning Objectives: A continuation of German
Stage 3A
Content: A continuation of German Stage 3A
ESML0228: German stage 7A (advanced) (6 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: German
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0229
Aims & Learning Objectives: A course to consolidate,
refine and enhance previous advanced knowledge of German
Content: This unit contains a variety of listening, reading,
speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures
and vocabulary.
Teaching materials cover a wide range of cultural, political and
social topics relating to German speaking countries and may include
short works of literature.
There will be discussion in the target language of topics derived
from teaching materials, leading to small-scale research projects
based on the same range of topics and incorporating the use of
press reports and articles as well as audio and visual material.
Students are encouraged to devote time and energy to developing
linguistic proficiency outside the timetabled classes, for instance
by additional reading and/or participating in informally arranged
conversation groups and in events at which German is spoken.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom
work.
ESML0229: German stage 7B (6 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: German
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0228
Aims & Learning Objectives: A continuation of German
Stage 7A
Content: A continuation of German Stage 7A
ESML0234: German stage 4 (intermediate) (6 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: German
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0235
Aims & Learning Objectives: A course to consolidate
existing knowledge of German, to develop listening, reading, writing
and speaking, and to reinforce grammar, in order to enable students
to operate in a German-speaking environment.
Content: This unit contains a variety of listening, reading,
speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures,
vocabulary and pronunciation relating to a selection of topics.
Remedial work is carried out where necessary.
Teaching materials will include reading passages from a variety
of sources as well as topical and relevant audio and video material.
Students are required to give short presentations, conduct brief
interviews and write dialogues, reports and letters in German.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom
work.
ESML0235: German stage 4B (6 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: German
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0234
Aims & Learning Objectives: A continuation of German
4A
Content: A continuation of German 4A
ESML0236: German stage 5A (post intermediate) (6 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: German
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0237
Aims & Learning Objectives: This course builds on the
German covered in German Stage 4A and 4B in order to enhance the
student's abilities in the four skill areas.
Content: This unit contains a variety of listening, reading,
speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures,
vocabulary and pronunciation.
Teaching materials cover a wide range of cultural, political and
social topics relating to German speaking countries and may include
short works of literature.
There will be discussion in the target language of topics derived
from teaching materials, leading to small-scale research projects
based on the same range of topics and incorporating the use of
press reports and articles as well as audio and visual material.
Students are encouraged to devote time and energy to developing
linguistic proficiency outside the timetabled classes, for instance
by additional reading and/or participating in informally arranged
conversation groups and in events at which German is spoken.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom
work.
ESML0237: German stage 5B (6 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: German
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0236
Aims & Learning Objectives: A continuation of German
Stage 5A
Content: A continuation of German Stage 5A
ESML0238: German stage 6A (advanced intermediate) (6 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: German
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0239
Aims & Learning Objectives: This course concentrates
on the more advanced aspects of German with continued emphasis
on practical application of language skills in a relevant context,
in order to refine further the student's abilities.
Content: This unit contains a variety of listening, reading,
speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures
and vocabulary. There is continued further development of the
pattern of work outlined in German Stage 5A and 5B
ESML0239: German stage 6B (6 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: German
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0238
Aims & Learning Objectives: A continuation of German
Stage 6A
Content: A continuation of German Stage 6A
ESML0240: Italian stage 1A (beginners) (6 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: Italian
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0241
Aims & Learning Objectives: An introduction to everyday
Italian, in order to enable the student to cope at a basic level
in an Italian speaking environment, concentrating on oral/aural
communication and reading.
Content: Initial emphasis will be placed on speaking, listening
and reading. As vocabulary is acquired more attention will be
given to grammar. Writing tasks of a relevant and appropriate
nature will be incorporated.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom
work
ESML0241: Italian stage 1B (6 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: Italian
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0240
Aims & Learning Objectives: A continuation of Italian
Stage 1A
Content: A continuation of Italian Stage 1A
ESML0242: Italian stage 2A (post beginners) (6 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: Italian
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0243
Aims & Learning Objectives: A course to build on language
skills acquired in Italian Stage 1A and 1B, to enhance listening,
reading, speaking and writing, and to consolidate grammar, in
order to enable students to operate in an Italian-speaking environment.
Content: This unit contains a variety of listening, reading,
speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures,
vocabulary and pronunciation.
Teaching materials will include reading passages from a wide variety
of sources as well as topical and relevant audio and video material.
Students are required to give short presentations, conduct brief
interviews and write dialogues, reports and letters in Italian.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom
work.
ESML0243: Italian stage 2B (6 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: Italian
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0242
Aims & Learning Objectives: A continuation of Italian
Stage 2A
Content: A continuation of Italian Stage 2A
ESML0244: Italian stage 3A (advanced beginners) (6 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: Italian
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0245
Aims & Learning Objectives: This course builds on the
Italian covered in Italian Stage 2A and 2B in order to enhance
the students abilities in the four skill areas.
Content: This unit contains a variety of listening, reading,
speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures
and vocabulary relating to a selection of topics.
Teaching materials cover a wide range of cultural, political and
social topics relating to Italy and may include short works of
literature.
There will be discussion in the target language of topics derived
from teaching materials, leading to small-scale research projects
based on the same range of topics and incorporating the use of
press reports and articles as well as audio and visual material.
Students are encouraged to devote time and energy to developing
linguistic proficiency outside the timetabled classes, for instance
by additional reading and/or participating in informally arranged
conversation groups and in events at which Italian is spoken.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classwork
ESML0245: Italian stage 3B (6 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: Italian
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0244
Amis & Learning Objectives: A continuation of Italian
Stage 3A.
Content: A continuation of Italian Stage 3A.
ESML0246: Japanese 1A (beginners) (6 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: Japanese
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0247
Aims & Learning Objectives: An introduction to everyday
Japanese, in order to enable the student to cope at a basic level
in a Japanese speaking environment, concentrating on oral/aural
communication and the reading and writing of the 2 phonetic Japanese
scripts and selected kanji (Chinese characters)
Content: Initial emphasis will be placed on speaking, listening
and reading. As vocabulary is acquired more attention will be
given to grammar. Writing tasks of a relevant and appropriate
nature will be incorporated. Course material will be drawn from
a variety of sources and will include audio-visual resources.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom
work
ESML0247: Japanese 1B (6 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: Japanese
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0246
Aims & Learning Objectives: A continuation of Japanese
Stage 1A
Content: A continuation of Japanese Stage 1A
ESML0252: Spanish stage 1A (beginners) (6 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: Spanish
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0253
Aims & Learning Objectives: An introduction to everyday
Spanish, in order to enable the student to cope at a basic level
in a Spanish speaking environment, concentrating on oral/aural
communication and reading.
Content: Initial emphasis will be placed on speaking, listening
and reading. As vocabulary is acquired more attention will be
given to grammar. Writing tasks of a relevant and appropriate
nature will be incorporated.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom
work
ESML0253: Spanish stage 1B (6 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: Spanish
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0252
Aims & Learning Objectives: A continuation of Spanish
Stage 1A
Content: A continuation of Spanish Stage 1A
ESML0258: Spanish stage 4A (intermediate) (6 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: Spanish
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0259
Aims & Learning Objectives: A course to consolidate
existing knowledge of Spanish, to develop listening, reading,
writing
and speaking, and to reinforce grammar, in order to enable students
to operate in a Spanish-speaking environment.
Content: This unit contains a variety of listening, reading,
speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures,
vocabulary and pronunciation relating to a selection of topics.
Remedial work is carried out where necessary.
Teaching materials will include reading passages from a variety
of sources as well as topical and relevant audio and video material.
Students are required to give short presentations, conduct brief
interviews and write dialogues, reports and letters in Spanish.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom
work.
ESML0259: Spanish stage 4B (6 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: Spanish
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co ESML0258
Aims & Learning Objectives: A continuation of Spanish
Stage 4A
Content: A continuation of Spanish Stage 4A
ESML0260: Spanish stage 5A (post intermediate) (6 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: Spanish
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0261
Aims & Learning Objectives: This course builds on the
Spanish covered in Spanish Stage 4A and 4B in order to enhance
the student's abilities in the four skill areas.
Content: This unit contains a variety of listening, reading,
speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures,
vocabulary and pronunciation.
Teaching materials cover a wide range of cultural, political and
social topics relating to Spain and may include short works of
literature.
There will be discussion in the target language of topics derived
from teaching materials, leading to small-scale research projects
based on the same range of topics and incorporating the use of
press reports and articles as well as audio and visual material.
Students are encouraged to devote time and energy to developing
linguistic proficiency outside the timetabled classes, for instance
by additional reading and/or participating in informally arranged
conversation groups and in events at which Spanish is spoken.
Audio and video laboratories are available to augment classroom
work.
ESML0261: Spanish stage 5B (6 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: Spanish
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0260
Aims & Learning Objectives: A continuation of Spanish
Stage 5A
Content: A continuation of Spanish Stage 5A
ESML0262: Spanish stage 6A (advanced intermediate) (6 credits)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: Spanish
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0263
Aims & Learning Objectives: This course concentrates
on the more advanced aspects of Spanish with continued emphasis
on practical application of language skills in a relevant context,
in order to refine further the student's abilities.
Content: This unit contains a variety of listening, reading,
speaking and writing tasks covering appropriate grammatical structures
and vocabulary. There is continued further development of the
pattern of work outlined in Spanish Stage 5A and 5B
ESML0263: Spanish stage 6B (6 credits)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: Spanish
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX45 CW40 OR15
Requisites: Co ESML0262
Aims & Learning Objectives: A continuation of Spanish
Stage 6A
Content: A continuation of Spanish Stage 6A
ESML0264: EFL English for academic purposes A
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: English Language Centre
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX30 CW40 OR30
Requisites: Co ESML0265
Aims & Learning Objectives: The aim of this course
is to improve students' academic skills in English, thereby enabling
them to raise the standard of their degree course work
Content: Essay and report writing:
- This includes overall structure, orthography, grammar, punctuation
and appropriateness of writing style
Effective reading skills
- This includes reading skills and vocabulary development
Spoken English
- This includes presentation and seminar skills, pronunciation
and listening to lectures
ESML0265: EFL English for academic purposes B
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: English Language Centre
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX30 CW40 OR30
Requisites: Co ESML0264
Aims & Learning Objectives: Continuation of EFL English
for Academic Purposes A
Content: Continuation of EFL English for Academic Purposes
A
MANG0069: Introduction to accounting & finance (service
unit)
Semester 1
Credits: 5
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX50 CW50
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To provide students undertaking
any type of degree study with an introductory knowledge of accounting
and finance
Content: The role of the accountant, corporate treasurer
and financial controller
Sources and uses of capital funds
Understanding the construction and nature of the balance sheet
and profit and loss account
Principles underlying the requirements for the publication of
company accounts
Interpretation of accounts - published and internal, including
financial ratio analysis
Planning for profits, cash flow. Liquidity, capital expenditure
and capital finance
Developing the business plan and annual budgeting
Estimating the cost of products, services and activities and their
relationship to price.
Analysis of costs and cost behaviour
MANG0071: Organisational behaviour (service unit)
Semester 2
Credits: 5
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX60 CW40
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To develop the student's
understanding of people's behaviour within work organizations
Content: Topics of study will be drawn from the following:
The meaning of organising and organisation
Socialisation, organisational norms and organisational culture
Bureaucracy, organisational design and new organisational forms
Managing organisational change
Power and politics
Business ethics
Leadership and team work
Decision -making
Motivation
Innovation
Gender
The future of work
MANG0072: Managing human resources (service unit)
Semester 2
Credits: 5
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: The course aims to give
a broad overview of major features of human resource management.
It examines issues from the contrasting perspectives of management,
employees and public policy.
Content: Perspectives on managing human resources.
Human resource planning, recruitment and selection.
Performance, pay and rewards.
Control, discipline and dismissal.
MANG0073: Marketing (service unit)
Semester 1
Credits: 5
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX60 CW40
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: 1. To provide an introduction
to the concepts of Marketing.
2. To understand the principles and practice of marketing management.
3. To introduce students to a variety of environmental and other
issues facing marketing today.
Content: Marketing involves identifying and satisfying
customer needs and wants. It is concerned with providing appropriate
products, services, and sometimes ideas, at the right place and
price, and promoted in ways which are motivating to current and
future customers. Marketing activities take place in the context
of the market, and of competition.
The course is concerned with the above activities, and includes:
consumer and buyer behaviour
market segmentation, targetting and positioning
market research
product policy and new product development
advertising and promotion
marketing channels and pricing
MANG0074: Business information systems (service unit)
Semester 2
Credits: 5
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX60 PR25 OT15
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: Information Technology
(IT) is rapidly achieving ubiquity in the workplace. All areas
of the business community are achieving expansion in IT and investing
huge sums of money in this area. Within this changing environment,
several key trends have defined a new role for computers:
a) New forms and applications of IT are constantly emerging. One
of the most important developments in recent years has been the
fact that IT has become a strategic resource with the potential
to affect competitive advantage: it transforms industries and
products and it can be a key element in determining the success
or failure of an organisation.
b) Computers have become decentralised within the workplace: PCs
sit on managers desks, not in the IT Department. The strategic
nature of technology also means that managing IT has become a
core competence for modern organisations and is therefore an important
part of the task of general and functional managers. Organisations
have created new roles for managers who can act as interfaces
between IT and the business, combining a general technical knowledge
with a knowledge of business.
This course addresses the above issues, and, in particular, aims
to equip students with IT management skills for the workplace.
By this, we refer to those attributes that they will need to make
appropriate use of IT as general or functional managers in an
information-based age. In dealing with management issues, our
aims are to provide practical as well as theoretical knowledge.
As such, the course integrates hands-on work in the computer lab,
dealing with management problems, and practical elements of IT
practice that managers are likely to encounter when they become
involved with IT in any organisation. Thus, in addition to providing
an appreciation of the business value and opportunities stemming
from new technology, the latter includes the various issues encountered
when devising, evaluating, and managing any IT project.
Content: The course is divided into two components, to
reflect the fact that is oriented to both theoretical and practical
aspects of IT.
Section one comprises the practical element of the course. It
is primarily focused on case studies, involving the application
of selected software to management problems. It involves hands-on
work in the computer laboratory.
Section two relates to the examination of IT in its business context.
Here the focus is upon examining the value of IT in terms of why
IT is strategic and how it can affect the competitive environment,
as well as how it should be managed within the business.
The sessions will be organised as follows: IT and Corporate Strategy;
IT-Induced Transformation; Strategic Alignment of IT and Business
Strategies; Evaluation of IT Investments; Project Development
and Management: Implementation of Technology
MANG0076: Business policy (service unit)
Semester 1
Credits: 5
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX60 CW40
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To provide an appreciation
of how organisations develop from their entrepreneurial beginnings
through maturity and decline .
To examine the interrelationship between concepts of policy and
strategy formulation with the behavioural aspects of business
To enable students to explore the theoretical notions behind corporate
strategy
Students are expected to develop skills of analysis and the ability
to interpret complex business situations.
Content: Business objectives , values and mission; industry
and market analysis ; competitive strategy and advantage ; corporate
life cycle; organisational structures and controls .
MATE0001: Introduction to materials science & engineering
1A
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW80 PR20
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: Materials Science applies
principles of physics and chemistry to materials of engineering
interest. This course aims to be of general interest, and to show
students its scope and philosophy.
Content: (i) An introduction to the various categories
of materials - polymers, metals, ceramics and natural materials.
A comparative overview of their price, availability and mechanical
properties followed by an introduction to the manufacturing processes
that can be applied to them.
(ii) Can strength and stiffness of materials be explained in terms
of atomic structure? Concepts of strength and elastic modulus;
the atomic and molecular constitution of different types of material.
Primary and secondary bonding; potential energy curves for ionic,
covalent and van der Waals bonds. Structure and 'bond density';
relation between potential energy curves and modulus; Hooke's
law;. Relation between P.E. curves and strength; brittle strength;
surface cracks; toughening; fibres & whiskers.
Students must have A-level Physics or Chemistry to undertake this
unit.
MATE0002: Crystal structure
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX60 CW20 PR20
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce the techniques
for concise representation of atomic arrangements in crystalline
materials. To present the basic rules governing the crystal structures
adopted by both elements and simple compounds. On completion,
the student should be able to: describe simple crystal structures
using standard crystallographic notation and terminology; represent
crystal planes and directions using standard notation and perform
simple calculations; identify the key features of a given material
which are responsible for its observed crystal structure.
Content: Crystallography: Lattices, unit cells and cell
centring, crystal systems, Bravais lattices, symmetry. Lattice
planes and directions, notation and calculation of interplanar
spacing and angles.
Crystal Chemistry: Structures of metals, CCP, HCP and BCC, interstitial
sites in metal structures. Factors governing ionic structures,
coordination numbers and polyhedra, radius ratio rules, polarisation
effects, Pauling's rules. Factors governing covalent structures.
Examples of structures, AX and AX2 compounds, carbon, Perovskite,
SiO2 structures and phase transitions, silicates.
Crystallinity in polymers: Evidence for crystallinity, structures
of polymers, single crystals, spherulites, factors influencing
crystallinity.
Students must have A-level Physics or Chemistry in order to undertake
this unit.
MATE0005: Introduction to materials science & engineering
1B
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW80 PR20
Requisites: Pre MATE0001
Aims & Learning Objectives: Materials Science applies
principles of physics and chemistry to materials of engineering
interest. This course aims to be of general interest, and to show
students its scope and philosophy.
Content: (i) Why do metals corrode? The causes of corrosion;
corrosion as an electrochemical process. Examples (with case studies):
galvanic corrosion, differential aeration cell,
crevice corrosion, pitting corrosion, selective de-alloying, sensitisation
of stainless steel and weld decay. General case study: corrosion
and corrosion control in motor vehicles.
(ii) Collapse of the Alexander Kjelland oil rig. Need for engineering
structures in extreme environments. Economics of North Sea oil,
nature of North Sea environment. Load bearing capacity of materials,
failure of materials. Need for rational analysis of elasticity,
fracture and flow. Outline of elementary elastic analysis and
Griffith fracture theory. Materials parameters (modulus, strength,
toughness) and dependence on material (esp. quality of steels).
Description of Alexander Kjelland rig. Report of sequence of events
in disaster. Analysis of events and explanation of causes of collapse
in terms of materials science and engineering. Consequences for
design of systems to withstand failure, general approach for all
major engineering projects (other examples:- Amsterdam 747 crash,
Challenger space shuttle explosion).
MATE0009: Metals & alloys
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX60 CW20 PR20
Requisites: Pre MATE0002
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce the principles
of alloy constitution and show their application to the thermal
and mechanical treatment of engineering alloys. On completion,
the student should be able to: identify common types of alloy
phase, their characteristics and their interactions; interpret
simple binary phase diagrams; describe and explain the effects
of commercial heat treatments on steels and light alloys.
Content: Microstructure of metals, grain refinement, influence
of grain size on mechanical properties, the Petch equation; microstructural
and mechanical effects of cold-working and annealing; applications
and limitations of pure metals.
Alloys: Solid solutions, factors determining solubility, effect
of composition on properties, intermediate phases and phase structure.
Phase diagrams of binary systems, invariant reactions, precipitation
from solution. Equilibrium microstructures in simple systems of
commercial interest; Al-Si, Cu-Ni, Cu-Zn, Cu-Al, Fe-C, cast irons.
Departures from equilibrium, coring and undercooling. Normalised
and annealed steels. Non-equilibrium structures; age-hardening
systems, steels, quenching and hardenability, tempering, selected
alloy steels.
MATE0010: Electronic structure & materials properties
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX60 CW20 PR20
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To provide a coherent quantum-mechanical
treatment of the behaviour and role of electrons in solids.
To introduce the concepts of: wave-particle duality; quantum mechanical
uncertainty and wave functions.
To provide a quantum mechanical description of bonding and electrical
conduction in solids.
Content: Classical theory of electrical conduction in metals,
Ohm's Law, thermal conductivity, electronic specific heat and
the failure of classical theory. DeBroglie wave length, wave-particle
duality, Heisenberg uncertainty principle, Schroedinger wave equation.
Electrons in an infinite potential well, quantum states, quantum
numbers, energy levels, density of states, the free electron model,
Fermi energy, k-space, the Fermi surface.
Electrical conduction in a free-electron metal, electron scattering,
resistivity of pure and impure metals. Nearly free electron model,
Bragg reflections, energy gaps, zone boundaries, Brillouin zones,
band overlap, semi-conductors and insulators.
Qualitative solution of the Schroedinger equation for hydrogen,
wave functions and quantum numbers; atomic orbitals. Bonding between
atoms; linear combination of atomic orbitals; hybridisation; s
and p bonds; delocalisation; structure of molecules.
Students must have A-level Mathematics and A-level Physics or
Chemistry in order to undertake this unit.
MATE0013: Ceramics & glasses
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX60 CW20 PR20
Requisites: Pre MATE0009, Pre MATE0002
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce the application
of constitutional and kinetic principles to the manufacture and
exploitation of ceramics and inorganic glasses. On completion,
the student should be able to: distinguish between ceramics and
glasses on a basis of their structures and properties; describe
the relationship between various classes of ceramic and their
applications.
Content: Classification of Ceramics. What is a ceramic?
Revision of crystal structures and forces with specific reference
to the scientifically and technologically important ceramic materials.
General properties of ceramics, mechanical, chemical, thermal,
optical, magnetic and electrical. The nature of brittle ceramics
and the use of statistics for mechanical design. Classification
of ceramics, traditional, refractories, advanced ceramics, both
structural and functional to include examples of technological
importance.
Strengthening and toughening of ceramics. Precursor materials,
powder manufacture and powder processing. Ceramic forming methods,
wet and dry. Drying of ceramic powder compacts. Densification
and sintering, both solid and liquid phase. Hot pressing. Reaction
bonding. Pyrolytic deposition. Use of phase diagrams. Structural
chemistry of the common glasses. Networks and network modifiers.
The glass transition temperature, viscosity, thermal optical and
electrical properties. Special glasses, their technology and use.
Electrical properties, ionic and electronic conduction, Switching
glasses. Lenses, fibre optics, thermal and mechanical properties,
glass to metal seals. Stress relief, toughened glass, surface
effects, ion exchange and implantation. Composite applications.
Glass ceramics.
MATE0014: Polymers
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX60 CW20 PR20
Requisites: Pre MATE0002
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce the principles
of polymer science with particular emphasis on those aspects relevant
to polymers as practical engineering materials.
Content:
Introduction.
Homopolymers, copolymers,linear, crosslinked, tacticity, plastics,
rubbers, fibres, molecular weight.
The versatility of polymers.
* The Length of Chains: Molecular Weight
* Molecular Weight - Definitions, determination
* Molecular Motion & the Glass Transition
* Glass transition temperature effect of structure.
* Molecular motion: nature of vitrification
* Viscoelasticity effect of temperature rate and structure
* Crystallinity. Morphology effect of molecular structure
Where do polymers come from? - Polymerisation
* Polymerisation Classification. Examples and mechanisms of step
and chain polymerisation. Kinetics of radical polymerisation
* Step polymerisation. Carothers equation. Molecular weight distribution,
Copolymer equation.
The dramatic properties of rubber
* Elastomers. Chemical nature, vulcanisation
* Stereospecific polymerisation, kinetic theory of rubber elasticity
The environmental dimension
* Additives. Fillers, plasticisers, antistatic agents.
* Degradation: thermal, ultra-violet, stabilisers.
MATE0015: Physical methods of analysis
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX60 CW20 PR20
Requisites: Pre MATE0010
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce the physical
principles employed in a variety of instrumental techniques for
materials analysis, particularly those based on diffraction and
on spectroscopy. On completion, the student should be able to:
describe methods of forming an image by electromagnetic waves;
recognise the scope and limitations of optical microscopy n its
various forms; discuss the scattering, diffraction and absorption
of X-rays and electrons and their use in chemical and structural
analysis.
Content: Electromagnetic Waves: e-m spectrum, generation
of e-m waves. Lasers. Polarization. Superposition of waves, interference.
Huygens' wave construction, diffraction from a single aperture,
diffraction grating. Optical Microscopy: resolving power, depth
of field, lens aberrations. Spectroscopy: emission and absorption
spectra. Optical, infrared and ultraviolet spectroscopy. X-ray
techniques: generation of X-rays, characteristic and continuous
radiation. X-ray scattering and absorption. Detection of X-rays.
X-ray fluorescence analysis. X-ray diffraction, powder patterns,
determination of lattice parameters, structure factor and diffraction
intensities. Single crystal diffraction, Laue back reflection
technique.
Electron Microscopy and Analysis: Electron waves, interaction
of electrons with matter. Transmission electron microscope. The
Laue conditions, reciprocal lattice and the Ewald sphere. Electron
diffraction, analysis of diffraction patterns. Methods of specimen
preparation, applications.
Scanning electron microscope, resolving power, image contrast.
Applications. Electron probe microanalysis, X-ray spectrometers
and solid state detectors, quantitative analysis, applications.
Scanning transmission electron microscopy.
Surface analysis techniques: auger analysis, electron spectroscopy,
secondary ion mass spectrometry.
MATE0017: Physical properties of materials
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX60 CW20 PR20
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce the methods
of statistical mechanics.
To provide a coherent explanation of the thermal properties of
crystalline electrically insulating solids.
To explain the magnetic and dielectric properties of materials
and their optimization for particular engineering applications.
Content: Thermal Properties: Elements of statistical mechanics,
Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution: introduction to lattice vibrations,
quantisation. Debye temperature, specific heat, thermal conductivity,
phonons, thermal expansion.
Magnetic Properties: Dipole moment of atomic orbitals, quantisation,
dipole moment of atoms in solids, spin-orbit coupling, orbital
quenching, crystalline field anisotropy, exchange, spontaneous
magnetisation, ferromagnetism. Magnetocrystalline anisotropy,
magnetisation energy, domains, Bloch walls, magnetisation process,
hysteresis, domain wall pinning, soft and hard materials. Permanent
magnets and transformer cores. Ferrimagnetism, ferrites magnetic
recording.
Dielectrics: Dielectric constant, dielectric breakdown. Capacitors,
Ferroelectricity, properties of perovskite dielectrics, piezoelectricity,
applications and materials. Pyro-electricity, infrared detection.
MATE0019: Semiconductor microtechnology
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To provide detailed coverage
of the science and technology exploited in semiconductor electronic
devices. On completion, the student should be able to: treat quantitatively
the electrical characteristics of semiconducting materials and
simple devices; describe the manufacture and characteristics of
semiconductor devices and have a quantitative appreciation of
the limitations imposed and effects caused by impurities and materials
imperfections.
Content: Revision of nearly-free electron model, electron
effective mass, electrons and holes, contact potentials. Intrinsic
semiconductors; Fermi level, carrier concentration, mobility,
conductivity, temperature dependence, recombination and trapping,
carrier diffusion. Extrinsic semiconductors; P type and N type
impurities, Fermi level, carrier concentration, conductivity,
temperature dependence. The P-N junction; 'built-in potential',
carrier diffusion, depletion layer, forward and reverse bias.
The junction transistor, field effect transistor, semiconductor
surface potentials, surface effect devices, other simple semiconductor
devices. Crystal purification and growth, epitaxy. Doping and
dopant profiles. Oxidation and photolithography. Metallization
and packaging. Very large scale integration (VLSI), MOS (metal-oxide-semiconductor)
and bipolar technologies. Photoemissive materials and devices.
Light emitting diodes, photoconductivity and devices. Semi-conductor
lasers.
MATE0027: Environmental studies: A crisis in material resources?
B
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX75 CW25
Requisites: Co ENGR0001
Aims & Learning Objectives: To achieve an understanding
of environmental aspects of the science and technology of engineering
materials, to use this knowledge to illuminate the broad questions
as to whether there is an environmental 'crisis', whether there
are limits to growth, and whether there can be sustainable development,
and to develop defensible positions on these issues.
Content: Engineering materials feature strongly in many
environmental conflicts and debates. The development of civilization
and wealth creation depend on the availability of raw materials
resources. The global distribution of these resources is uneven
and historically it has led to territorial and financial disputes.
The extraction of materials by mining and quarrying leaves physical
scars on a monumental scale and there are often additional problems
of environmental contamination and subsidence which result from
these activities. The purification of raw materials and manufacturing
processes cause a wide spectrum of environmental problems including
atmospheric pollution and poisoning of water courses. At the end
of the useful life of manufactured objects the potential for recycling
must be considered to minimise environmental impact.
Topics will be examined within the framework of:
* The environmental issue or concern
* Materials considerations
* Environmental outcome
Examples of topics: materials resources, materials properties,
glass, cement, asbestos, metals, environmental degradation, polymers
Seminar programme combined with a student extended essay to encourage
students to integrate the syllabus content and to develop their
own views on the relation between environmental science and the
wider social and economic context.
MATE0028: Biomedical & natural materials A
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites: Co MATE0029
Aims & Learning Objectives: This course aims to give
an appreciation of a range of topics that relate to the structure
and properties of natural materials and the way in which natural
and synthetic materials are linked at the interface between medicine
and engineering.
Content: 1. Biological materials
The importance of the structure/properties relationship in 'engineering'
materials.
Mechanical properties - units and definitions. Stress, strain,
Young's modulus, density, specific mechanical properties, toughness,
elastic and viscoelastic deformation, damping.
The principal hard and soft tissues in the body and their main
anatomical functions: bone, teeth, cartilage, tendons & ligaments,
skin, arterial wall, cervical tissue.
Chemical and physical compositions: main chemical constituents
- hydroxyapatite, dentine and enamel, aminoacids and mucopolysaccharides,
proteoglycans (proteins), collagen, elastin. Crystalline and amorphous
structures, polymers and composites.
Performance of natural materials under stress: brittleness and
toughness, yielding (plastic behaviour), fatigue, creep (viscoelasticity),
rubbery behaviour, damping. Efficiency of bone structures. Mechanical
response of hard and soft tissues in terms of their structures.
2. Prosthetics
Use of biomaterials for replacement and repair of hard and soft
tissues.
Functional considerations - forces on joints, cyclic loading,
wear and tear, body environment
Materials used for implant purposes - metals, alloys, ceramics,
polymers, composites
Applications in the fields of orthopaedics, cardiovascular, dental,
ocular, drug delivery and wound healing
Evaluation of biomaterials - biocompatibility testing, corrosion,
wear, deterioration.
Students must have A-level Physics or Chemistry in order to undertake
this unit.
MATE0029: Biomedical & natural materials B
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX50 CW50
Requisites: Co MATE0028
Aims & Learning Objectives: This course aims to give
an appreciation of a range of topics that relate to the structure
and properties of natural materials. The importance of timber
as a structural material is emphasised
Content: 1. Natural Polymers
Polymers versatile materials, mostly from petroleum. Polymers
from renewable resources: natural rubber as an example.
Natural rubber. Latex, coagulation, processing, properties of
rubber in contrast to those of 'conventional' materials. Structure-property
relationships for natural rubber, especially its high, non-linear
elasticity. Polymer crystallinity, diene polymerisation. Rubber
as a lightly cross-linked amorphous polymer above its glass transition
temperature; kinetic theory of rubber elasticity (qualitative
only).
2. Wood and Natural Fibres
World resources. Hardwoods, softwoods, chipboard, reconstituted
board products.
Wood structure. Earlywood, latewood, annual rings, heartwood,
growth defects, types of cell, structure of the cell wall, cellulose,
lignin, hemicellulose, extractives.
Mechanical properties of wood. Tensile, compressive and shear
strengths and stiffnesses, anisotropic properties, solid wood
and board products.
Glulam in building. History, finger jointing, glulamination, shaping,
joining, construction techniques, codes and standards.
Effect of environment on the properties of wood. Moisture content
and relative humidity, shrinkage, creep under steady state and
cyclic conditions, duration of load, temperature, durability,
preservation.
Wind energy and wood. History of wind turbines, vertical and horizontal
axis machines, selection of blade materials, weight, properties,
cost, fatigue, fabrication of wood composite turbine blades.
Wood and the environment. Life cycle analysis, wood versus other
materials of construction. Which is greener, steel or timber?
Deforestation versus reforestation.
Natural fibres. Fibre types, eg. jute, sisal, cotton, flax, mechanical
properties versus synthetic fibres, end uses. Sisal and sisal
composites, structure and availability of sisal, polymerisation
of natural resin, cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), properties of
sisal-CNSL, fabrication of roof panels for Tanzania.
MATH0015: Programming
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: Computing
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX75 CW25
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: Aims: To introduce functional
programming while drawing out the similarities with abstract mathematics.
To show that the mathematical thought process is a natural one
for programming. To provide a gentle introduction to practical
functional programming.
Objectives: Students should be able to write simple functions,
to understand the nature of types and to use data types appropriately.
They should also appreciate the value and use of recursion.
Content: Expressions, choice, scope and extent, functions,
recursion, recursive datatypes, higher-order objects.
MATH0016: Information management 1
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: Computing
Level: Level 1
Assessment: ES60 CW30 OT10
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: Aims: To introduce students
to the use of a workstation, to word-processing, spreadsheets
and relational data bases, and to the basic ideas of computing,
and to the range of applications and misapplications of computers
in science. To give students some experience of working in small
groups.
Objectives: Students should have a practical ability to use contemporary
information management facilities. They should be able to write
a good report, and they should have the confidence and the language
to enable criticism of the use of computers in science.
Content: Introduction: hardware, software, networking.
Use of the workstation. Social issues. The relationship between
computing and science. Computers as calculators, as simulating
engines, and as new realities. Mathematical and computational
models. The difficulty of validating or criticising computational
models. Example of fluid flow, and the numerical wind tunnel.
Experiment and decision making using computational models. Artificial
intelligence, expert systems, neural nets, artificial evolution.
The use and abuse of computers in science. Word processing, HTML,
Scientific journalism and scientific reports. The goals of succinctness
and clarity. Spreadsheets, organizing, exploring and presenting
numerical data. Introduction to Statistics. Mean, standard deviation,
histograms, the idea of probability density functions.
MATH0017: Principles of computer operation & architecture
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: Computing
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX75 CW25
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: Aims: To introduce students
to the structure, basic design, operation and programming of conventional,
von Neumann computers at the machine level. Alternative approaches
to machine design will also be examined so that some recent machine
architectures can be introduced. In particular the course will
develop to explore the relationships between what actually happens
at the machine level and important ideas about, for example, aspects
of high-level programming and data structures, that students encounter
on parallel courses.
Objectives: Familiarity with the von Neumann model, the nature
and function of each of the main components and general principles
of operation of the machines, including input and output transfers
and basic numeric manipulations.
Understanding of the characteristics of logic elements; the ability
to manipulate/simplify Boolean functions; practical experience
of simple combinatorial and sequential systems of logic gates;
and a perception of the links between logic systems and elements
of computer processors and store.
Understanding of the role and function of an assembler and practical
experience of reading and making simple changes to small, low-level
programmes. Understanding of the test running and debugging of
programmes.
Content: Basic principles of computer operation: Brief
historical introduction to computing machines. Binary basis of
computer operation and binary numeration systems. Von Neumann
computers and the structure, nature and relationship of their
major elements. Principles of operation of digital computers;
use of registers and the instruction cycle; simple addressing
concepts; programming. Integers and floating point numbers. Input
and output; basic principles and mechanisms of data transfer;
programmed and data channel transfers; device status; interrupt
programming; buffering; devices.
Introduction to digital logic and low-level programming: Boolean
algebra and behaviour of combinatorial and sequential logic circuits
(supported by practical work). Logic circuits as building blocks
for computer hardware.
The nature and general characteristics of assemblers; a gentle
introduction to simple assembler programmes to illustrate the
major features and structures of low-level programmes. Running
assembler programmes (supported by practical work).
MATH0018: Databases/performance analysis
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: Computing
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX75 CW25
Requisites: Pre MATH0015
Aims & Learning Objectives: Aims: To present an introductory
account of the theory and practice of databases. To convey an
understanding of the wide variety of techniques available for
assessing the performance of programs and of computer-based systems.
Objectives: To demonstrate understanding of the basic structure
of relational database systems and to be able to make elementary
queries. Students should be able to use basic benchmark programs,
and the standard profiling tools. They should be aware of the
limitations of such techniques, and of the wide variety of possible
approaches to measuring, assessing, comparing and planning the
performance of computer-based systems.
Content: Databases: Network and relational models. Completeness
of relational models, Codd's classification of canonical forms:
first, second, third, and fourth normal forms. Keys, join, query
languages (SQL, Query-by-example). Object databases.
Performance Analysis: Benchmarking, including standard benchmarks
such as Whetstone, Dhrystone. Benchmarking suites; SPECMarks.
Contrast performance and test suites. Determining where time goes;
profiling, sampling, emulating. Use of memory. Effects of architecture.
Comparison of hardware and software monitoring. Program Comparison,
Pitfalls, Performance Engineering, Queueing Theory, Case Studies.
MATH0023: C Programming
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: Computing
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX75 CW25
Requisites: Pre MATH0015
Aims & Learning Objectives: Aims: To ensure students
appreciate the concept of an algorithm as an effective procedure.
To introduce criteria by which algorithms may be chosen, and to
demonstrate non-obvious algorithms. To provide practical skills
at reading and writing programs in ISO Standard C.
Objectives: Students should be able to determine the time and
space complexity of short algorithms, and know 3 sorting algorithms
and 2 searching algorithms. Students should be able to design,
construct and test short programs in C, using standard libraries
as appropriate. They should be able to read and comprehend the
behaviour of programs written by others.
Content: Algorithms: Introduction: Definition of an algorithm
and characteristics of them. Basic Complexity: The efficiency
of different algorithmic solutions. Best, average and worst case
complexity in time and space. Fundamental Algorithms: Sorting.
Searching. Space-time trade-offs. Graphs. Dijkstra's shortest
path.
C Programming: Introduction: C as a simplified programming language;
ISO Standards.
Basic Concepts: Functions, variables, weak typing. Statements
and expressions.
Data Structuring: Enumeration, struct and arrays. Pointers and
construction of complex structures. The preprocessor: #include,
#if and #define Programming: Input-output. Use of standard libraries.
Multiple file programs. User interfaces. Professionalism: Coding
standards, defensive programming, documentation, testing. Ethics.
MATH0024: Information management 2
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: Computing
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX50 CW25 OT25
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: Aims: To introduce students
to the use of a workstation, to wordprocessing, spreadsheets and
relational databases, and to the basic ideas of computing, and
to the range of applications and misapplications of computers
in science. To give students some experience of working in small
groups.
Objectives: Students should have a practical ability to use contemporary
information management facilities. They should be able to write
a good report, and they should have the confidence and the language
to enable criticism of the use of computers in science.
Content: Normal and Poisson distributions. A simple introduction
to confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Elementary tools
for dealing with non-normal data. An introduction to correlation.
Computational experiments. Databases. Notations of set theory.
Data types and structures. Hierarchical, network, and relational
databases. Some natural operations on relations: union, projection,
selection, Cartesian product, set difference. Design of relational
databases. Access as an example of a database system. The integrated
use of word processing, spreadsheets and relational databases.
MATH0025: Machine architectures, assemblers & low-level
programming
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: Computing
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Pre MATH0017
Aims & Learning Objectives: Aims: To introduce students
to the structure, basic design, operation and programming of conventional,
von Neumann computers at the machine level. Alternative approaches
to machine design will also be examined so that some recent machine
architectures can be introduced. In particular the course will
develop to explore the relationships between what actually happens
at the machine level and important ideas about, for example, aspects
of high-level programming and data structures, that students encounter
on parallel courses.
Objectives: Development of a critical awareness that what happens
at machine level is strongly related to the forms and conventions
developed at higher levels of programming. Reinforcement of structured
programming by practical development of low-level programming
skills that can be related to high-level practice.
Awareness of the potential advantages and disadvantages of different
architectures; appreciation of the importance of the synergistic
relationship between hardware and system software, e.g. in operating
systems. A launch point for more advanced architecture studies.
Content: Low-level programming and structures: A more detailed
examination of machine architecture and facilities, exemplified
by the 68000 series. Further exploration of different modes of
operand addressing; the implementation of program control mechanisms;
and subroutines. The relationship between the low-level and aspects
of high-level, structured programming such as decisions, loops
and modules; nested and recursive routines and conventions for
parameter transmission at high and low levels will be examined
(supported by practical programming work which may continue throughout
the semester).
Aspects of modern computer architectures: Non von Neumann architectures
and modern approaches to machine design, including , for example,
RISC (vs. CISC) architectures. Topics in contemporary machine
design, such as pipelining; parallel processing and multiprocessors.
The interaction between hardware and software.
MATH0026: Projects & their management
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: Computing
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: Aims: To gain experience
of working with other people and, on a small-scale, some of the
problems that arise in the commercial development of software.
To appreciate the personal, corporate and public interest ethical
problems arising from all aspects of computer systems. To distinguish
between scientific and pseudo-scientific modes of presentation,
and to encourage competence in the scientific mode.
Objectives: To carry out the full cycle of the first phase of
development of a software package, namely; requirements analysis,
design, implementation, documentation and delivery. To know the
main terms of the Data Protection Act and be able to explain its
application in a variety of contexts. To be able to design a presentation
for a given audience. To be able to assess a presentation critically.
Content: Project Management: Software engineering techniques,
Controlling software development, Project planning/ Management,
Documentation, Design, Quality Assurance, Testing.
Professional Issues: Ethical and legal matters in the context
of information technology. Personal responsibilities: to employer,
society, self. Professional responsibilities: codes of professional
practice, Chartered Engineers. Legal responsibilities: Data Protection
Act, Computer Misuse Act, Consumer Protection Act. Intellectual
property rights. Whistle-blowing. Libel and slander. Confidentiality.
Contracts.
Presentation Skills: How to construct a good explanation. How
to construct a good presentation. Sales and manipulative techniques,
theatre, and scientific clarity. Active listening and reading.
Some items in the charlatan's toolkit: jargon, pseudo-mathematics,
ambiguity.
MATH0031: Statistics & probability 1
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: Statistics
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: Aims: To introduce some
basic concepts in probability and statistics.
Objectives: Ability to perform an exploratory analysis of a data
set, apply the axioms and laws of probability, and compute quantities
relating to discrete probability distributions
Content: Descriptive statistics: Histograms, stem-and-leaf
plots, box plots. Measures of location and dispersion. Scatter
plots.
Probability: Sample space, events as sets, unions and intersections.
Axioms and laws of probability. Probability defined through symmetry,
relative frequency and degree of belief. Conditional probability,
independence. Bayes' Theorem. Combinations and permutations.
Discrete random variables: Bernoulli and Binomial distributions.
Mean and variance of a discrete random variable. Poisson distribution,
Poisson approximation to the binomial distribution, introduction
to the Poisson process. Geometric distribution. Hypergeometric
distribution. Negative binomial distribution. Bivariate discrete
distributions including marginal and conditional distributions.
Expectation and variance of discrete random variables. General
properties including expectation of a sum, variance of a sum of
independent variables. Covariance. Probability generating function.
Introduction to the random walk.
Students must have A-level Mathematics, Grade B or better in order
to undertake this unit.
MATH0032: Statistics & probability 2
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: Statistics
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Pre MATH0031
Aims & Learning Objectives: Aims: To introduce further
concepts in probability and statistics.
Objectives: Ability to compute quantities relating to continuous
probability distributions, fit certain types of statistical model
to data, and be able to use the MINITAB package.
Content: Continuous random variables: Density functions
and cumulative distribution functions. Mean and variance of a
continuous random variable. Uniform, exponential and normal distributions.
Normal approximation to binomial and continuity correction. Fact
that the sum of independent normals is normal. Distribution of
a monotone transformation of a random variable.
Fitting statistical models: Sampling distributions, particularly
of sample mean. Standard error. Point and interval estimates.
Properties of point estimators including bias and variance. Confidence
intervals: for the mean of a normal distribution, for a proportion.
Opinion polls. The t-distribution; confidence intervals
for a normal mean with unknown variance.
Regression and correlation: Scatter plot. Fitting a straight line
by least squares. The linear regression model. Correlation.
MATH0033: Statistical inference 1
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: Statistics
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Pre MATH0031, Pre MATH0032
Aims & Learning Objectives: Aims: Introduce classical
estimation and hypothesis-testing principles.
Objectives: Ability to perform standard estimation procedures
and tests on normal data. Ability to carry out goodness-of-fit
tests, analyse contingency tables, and carry out non-parametric
tests.
Content: Point estimation: Maximum-likelihood estimation;
further properties of estimators, including mean square error,
efficiency and consistency; robust methods of estimation such
as the median and trimmed mean.
Interval estimation: Revision of confidence intervals.
Hypothesis testing: Size and power of tests; one-sided and two-sided
tests. Examples. Neyman-Pearson lemma.
Distributions related to the normal: t, chi-square and
F distributions.
Inference for normal data: Tests and confidence intervals for
normal means and variances, one-sample problems, paired and unpaired
two-sample problems. Contingency tables and goodness-of-fit tests.
Non-parametric methods: Sign test, signed rank test, Mann-Whitney
U-test.
MATH0035: Statistical inference 2
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: Statistics
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX75 CW25
Requisites: Pre MATH0033
Aims & Learning Objectives: Aims: Introduce the principles
of building and analysing linear models.
Objectives: Ability to carry out analyses using linear Gaussian
models, including regression and ANOVA. Understand the principles
of statistical modelling.
Content: One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA): One-way
classification model, F-test, comparison of group means.
Regression: Estimation of model parameters, tests and confidence
intervals, prediction intervals, polynomial and multiple regression.
Two-way ANOVA: Two-way classification model. Main effects and
interaction, parameter estimation, F- and t-tests.
Discussion of experimental design.
Principles of modelling: Role of the statistical model. Critical
appraisal of model selection methods. Use of residuals to check
model assumptions: probability plots, identification and treatment
of outliers.
Multivariate distributions: Joint, marginal and conditional distributions;
expectation and variance-covariance matrix of a random vector;
statement of properties of the bivariate and multivariate normal
distribution. The general linear model: Vector and matrix notation,
examples of the design matrix for regression and ANOVA, least
squares estimation, internally and externally Studentized residuals.
MATH0103: Foundation mathematics 1
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX50 CW50
Requisites: Co MATH0104
Aims & Learning Objectives: Core 'A' level maths. The
course follows closely the essential set book: L Bostock &
S Chandler, Core Maths for A-Level, Stanley Thornes ISBN 0 7487
1779 X
Content: Numbers: Integers, Rationals, Reals. Algebra:
Straight lines, Quadratics, Functions, Binomial, Exponential Function.
Trigonometry: Ratios for general angles, Sine and Cosine Rules,
Compound angles. Calculus: Differentiation: Tangents, Normals,
Rates of Change, Max/Min.
MATH0104: Foundation mathematics 2
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX50 CW50
Requisites: Co MATH0103
Aims & Learning Objectives: Core 'A' level maths. The
course follows closely the essential set book: L Bostock &
S Chandler, Core Maths for A-Level, Stanley Thornes ISBN 0 7487
1779 X
Content: Integration: Areas, Volumes. Simple Standard Integrals.
Statistics: Collecting data, Mean, Median, Modes, Standard Deviation.
PHAR0002: Physiology, pathology & pharmacology 1 (Human
physiology)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: OT100
Requisites: Co PHAR0010
Aims & Learning Objectives: An outline of human physiology
Content: Physiology of the major systems of the body and
control, i.e. physiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and
gastrointestinal and renal systems to understand how the major
systems of the body are integrated and controlled.
Students must have A-level Chemistry and another Science A-level,
preferably Biology in order to undertake this unit.
PHAR0010: Physiology, pathology & pharmacology 2 (General
pharmacology)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Co PHAR0002
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce the student
to general aspects of pharmacology and receptor theory.
Content: Drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and
excretion; receptor theory; blood and respiration pharmacology.
PHAR0062: Physiology, pathology & pharmacology 4
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment:
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: Please see the Director
of Studies for details about this unit.
PHAR0063: Physiology, pharmacology & pathology 5 (Pharmacology
of autocoids & immunology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: Understanding release of
autocoids and the immune response.
Content: Drugs affecting autocoids, inflammation and immune
disorders.
PHAR0064: Physiology, pharmacy & pathology 6
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment:
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: Please see the Director
of Studies for details about this unit.
PHAR0118: Pharmacology area of choice [NS]
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment:
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: Please see the Director
of Studies for details of this unit.
PHYS0007: Mathematics for scientists 1
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce basic mathematical
techniques required by science students. To show how methods may
be used for different applications. To develop an understanding
for the interpretation of mathematical results.
To review common mathematical functions and their graphical representation.
To introduce complex numbers. To introduce vectors in three dimensions.
To develop differential calculus.
Content: Functions of a real variable (3 hours): Graphs
of standard functions (polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric
and hyperbolic functions). Domains and ranges. Composite functions.
Inverse functions. Symmetries and transformations (reflections,
rotation) of graphs. Polynomial curve fitting.
Complex numbers (4 hours): Definition and algebra of complex numbers
in x+iy form. Complex conjugate. Modulus and argument. Argand
diagram, rejq form. De Moivre's
theorem.
Vector algebra (8 hours): Introduction to vectors; physical examples
of scalar and vector quantities. Magnitude of a vector, unit vector.
Cartesian components. Scalar product; projections, components,
physical examples. Vector product; determinantal form for Cartesian
components, physical examples. Geometrical applications of vectors.
Triple product. Introduction to vector spaces.
Differentiation (9 hours): Review of differentiation. Higher derivatives,
meaning of derivatives. Logarithmic and implicit derivatives.
Taylor and Maclaurin expansions. Standard series. Convergence
of series; ratio test, limits, L'Hopital's rule. Functions of
two variables. Partial differentiation. Taylor expansion in two
variables. Chain rule.
Students must have A-level Mathematics to undertake this unit.
PHYS0008: Mathematics for scientists 2
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites: Pre PHYS0007
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce basic mathematical
techniques required by science students. To show how methods may
be used for different applications. To develop an understanding
for the interpretation of mathematical results.
To develop integral calculus. To introduce ordinary differential
equations. To introduce matrices and show how they are used in
linear algebra.
Content: Integration (7 hours): Review of integration.
Meaning of integration. Methods of integration. Multiple integral,
change of order of integration. Applications of integration (area,
volume, etc). Numerical integration; rectangle rule, trapezium
rule, Simpson's rule.
Ordinary differential equations (8 hours): Origin of ODEs. Solution
of first order ODEs by integrating factors and separation of variables.
Solution of second order ODEs with constant coefficients. Complementary
functions and particular integral. Applications in the natural
sciences; rate equations, population dynamics, oscillatory systems,
etc. Numerical solution of ODEs; Euler method, Runge-Kutta methods.
Introduction to partial differential equations (3 hours): Origin
of PDEs. Solution of PDEs by separation of variables. Wave equation
in one dimension.
Matrices and determinants (6 hours): Introduction to matrices.
Rows and columns. Special matrices. Transpose of a matrix. Matrix
multiplication. Linear transformations. Introductions to determinants.
Inverse of a matrix. Simultaneous linear equations. Numerical
solution of simultaneous equations; Gaussian elimination.
PHYS0013: Quantum & atomic physics
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites: Pre PHYS0008
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce the Schrodinger
wave equation and its solutions in one and three dimensions. To
explain the significance of the wavefunction in determining the
physical behaviour of electrons and other particles. To distinguish
between bound and unbound solutions and show how quantisation
arises from boundary conditions. To develop the quantum mechanical
description of the hydrogen atom and develop this to discuss the
electron configurations and energy levels in atoms. To introduce
atomic spectra.
Content: Introduction: The breakdown of classical concepts.
Old quantum theory.
Basic assumptions of quantum mechanics: Wave functions and probability
density. Observables; position, momentum and energy.
Schrodinger's equation: Time dependence of the wave function.
Time-independent Schrodinger equation and stationary states.
Motion in one dimension: The infinite square well; bound state
energies and wave functions. Parity of solutions. Motion of free
particles. Reflection and transmission at a potential step. Bound
states of a finite square well. Tunnelling through a barrier.
The harmonic oscillator.
Motion in three dimensions: Central potentials. Angular dependence
of solutions. Angular momentum quantum numbers; s, p and d states.
The hydrogen atom: Statement of energy levels and wave functions.
Quantum numbers n, l and m. Comparison of Bohr/Sommerfeld and
Schrodinger models. Vector model of angular momentum. Selection
rules in atomic spectra. Orbital magnetic moment of hydrogen and
introduction to Zeeman effect. Electron spin and magnetic moment;
quantum numbers s and ms. Magnetic coupling of spin and orbital
angular momentum; quantum numbers j and mj. Fine structure
in hydrogen energy level diagram and spectrum.
Atoms with more than one electron: Pauli exclusion principle.
Shell structure of atoms and nomenclature for atomic configurations.
The Periodic Table. Atoms with one electron outside closed shells;
screening of central interaction. Atoms with two electrons outside
closed shells; exchange interaction and coupling of spin angular
momenta, effect on energy level diagram.
Spin-orbit interaction and fine structure in many-electron atoms.
Terminology for labelling angular momentum states of many-electron
atoms. Hund's rules. Zeeman effect in many-electron atoms.
Effects of the nuclear magnetic moment on atomic spectra.
Natural science students must have taken PHYS0048 in order to
undertake this unit.
PHYS0014: Electromagnetic waves & optics
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites: Pre PHYS0008
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce the properties
of electromagnetic plane waves. To relate these to geometric optics.
To cover the basic aspects of diffraction and interference. To
introduce the fundamental physics of lasers.
Content: Electromagnetic plane waves. The em spectrum;
wave and photon description; the optical region; Revision of 1D
waves. 3D plane waves, Vector nature of em waves; relationships
between E B and k. Polarisation. Energy and the Poynting vector.
Impedance. Phase velocity, permittivity, permeability and refractive
index. Concept of birefringence. Dispersive waves; group velocity
Rays and waves for describing light. Huygen's principle. Snell's
Law and lenses. Geometric optics and principles of the telescope
and microscope.
Diffraction. Introduction to Fresnel diffraction; Fraunhofer diffraction
as far-field case. Derivation of Fraunhofer pattern for single
slit, discussion of circular aperture. The diffraction grating.
Diffraction limits on optical systems. Definition of resolution,
Rayleigh criterion and resolving power. Resolving power of the
telescope and grating.
Interference and Coherence. Interference with multiple beams.
The interference term and fringe visibility. Anti-reflection coatings.
The Fabry-Perot interferometer.
Lasers. Interaction between light and matter. The Einstein relations.
Obtaining and maintaining lasing action. The properties of laser
light.
Natural science students must have taken PHYS0051 in order to
undertake this unit.
PHYS0016: Building blocks of the universe
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites: Pre PHYS0013
Aims & Learning Objectives: To provide an overview
of our current understanding of elementary particles and the nature
of the fundamental forces acting between them. To describe the
atomic nucleus, radioactive decay processes and nuclear reactions
such as fission and fusion. To discuss how knowledge of the above
enables us to understand the origin of the universe and of the
elements, stars and galaxies within it.
Content: Decays and Interactions. Particle decay laws,
half-life and mean lifetime, generation and decay. Particle kinematics
and the discovery of the neutrino. Elementary Particles. Quarks,
leptons and mediators. Anti-particles. Hadrons (baryons and mesons)
in terms of multiplets. Baryon and lepton number. Fundamental
Interactions. The four forces. The exchange particle model and
Feynman diagrams. The discovery of the W and Z. Conservation laws.
Unification of forces.
The Nucleus. Nucleon interactions and binding energy. Nuclear
size and mass. The liquid drop model and semi-empirical mass formula.
The shell model. Radioactive Decay. Beta-decay. Electron and positron
emission; K-capture. Alpha decay: energetics and simplified tunnelling
theory.
Nuclear Reactions and Fission. Centre of mass frame. Scattering,
spontaneous fission, fission products. Induced fission, chain
reactions, delayed neutrons. Nuclear Fusion Reactions. Principles
of fusion reactions. Stellar nucleosynthesis. The Cosmic Connection.
The Big Bang re-visited. Separation of unified forces. Inflation
theory. Formation of elementary particles. Cosmic nucleosynthesis.
Dark matter in the universe. MACHOs, WIMPs and Winos.
Natural science students must have taken PHYS0049 in order to
undertake this unit.
PHYS0017: Introduction to solid state physics
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites: Pre PHYS0008, Pre PHYS0013
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce students to
the real space and reciprocal lattice. To develop an elementary
understanding of the organisation of electron states in energy
bands in metals and semiconductors. To describe the basic properties
of metals and semiconductors.
Content: The real space lattice, translational symmetry,
unit cells, Miller indices and planar spacings. The reciprocal
lattice and its use in X-ray crystallography. Introduction to
bonding and energy bands in metals. Atomic orbitals leading to
sp³ hybridisation in C, Si and Ge. Bonding in covalent solids,
energy bands and gaps in semiconductors. Acceptor and donor doping
in extrinsic semiconductors, electrons and holes. Introduction
to momentum (k) space and propagation of plane waves in solids.
The Brillouin zone and Bragg reflection for simple lattices. Blochs
theorum. Free electron theory of metals and semiconductors. Fermi-Dirac
statistics and the equilibrium Fermi gas. Electronic specific
heat. Difference between semiconductors and metals. E-k diagrams,
direct and indirect gaps, band edges and effective mass in semiconductors.
Nearly free electron model. Semi-classical dynamics of electrons
in solids and transport properties. Mobility and conductivity.
Plasma oscillations. Hall effect, cyclotron resonance and other
experimental techniques for investigating band structure.
PHYS0019: Mathematics for scientists 3
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites: Pre PHYS0008
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce basic mathematical
techniques required by science students. To show how methods may
be used for different applications. To develop an understanding
for the interpretation of mathematical results.
To introduce the fundamentals of Fourier analysis and give examples
of its applications to physical systems.
Content: Transform methods (18 hours): Definition of Fourier
series and Fourier components for simple periodic functions. Fourier
sine and cosine series. Complex form of Fourier series and Fourier
coefficients.
Transition to aperiodic functions, the Fourier transform. Properties
of the Fourier transform; inversion, convolution. Applications
of Fourier transforms to physical systems.
Causal functions and the Laplace transform. Applications of the
Laplace transform.
Discrete Fourier transform. Sampling theorem and applications
to signal processing.
Eigenvalues and eigenvectors (6 hours): Homogeneous linear equations.
Eigenvalues and eigenvectors of Hermitian matrices and their properties.
Linear transformations. Diagonalisation of quadratic forms. Normal
modes of vibration.
PHYS0020: Mathematics for scientists 4
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites: Pre PHYS0019
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce basic mathematical
techniques required by science students. To show how methods may
be used for different applications. To develop an understanding
for the interpretation of mathematical results.
To introduce orthogonal curvilinear coordinate systems. To introduce
vector calculus in Cartesian, cylindrical and spherical coordinate
systems. To introduce scalar and vector fields. To introduce grad,
div and curl and show their physical significance. There are two
alternative endings to this course. Physics students will be shown
how to apply vector analysis to the derivation of Maxwell's equations.
Natural Sciences students will be introduced to the theory of
functions of a complex variable.
Content: Vector analysis (16 hours): Differentiation of
vectors. Space curves; parameterisation of curves, tangent vector.
Polar coordinates; velocity and acceleration. Introduction to
scalar and vector fields. Directional derivative; gradient of
a scalar field, Ñ as a vector
operator in Cartesian coordinates. Introduction to div and curl
in Cartesian coordinates; physical interpretation. Identities
involving Ñ; definition of Ѳ.
Tangential line integrals. Classification of fields; conservative
fields, potential functions, path independence of line integrals
in conservative fields. Orthogonal curvilinear coordinate systems;
Cartesian, spherical polar and cylindrical polar coordinates.
Surface and volume integrals. Div and curl; definitions as limits
of integrals; explicit forms. Ѳ
in spherical and cylindrical polar coordinates. Vector integral
theorems; divergence and Stokes theorems, derivation and applications.
Green's theorem and applications.
EITHER
Introduction to Maxwell's equations (8 hours): Derivation of integral
and differential forms of Maxwell's equations and continuity equation.
The wave equation in source-free vacuum. Plane wave solutions.
OR
Functions of a complex variable (8 hours): Differential functions,
analytic functions, singularities, Cauchy-Riemann equations, power
series in a complex variable, elementary functions, principal
values, branch cuts. Complex integration; Cauchy's theorem and
integral, zeroes and poles, Laurent expansion, residue theorem,
principal value of an integral, Jordan's lemma, integration of
simple functions, summation of series.
PHYS0024: Contemporary physics
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 3
Assessment: ES100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To enable students to find
out about some of the most exciting developments in contemporary
Physics research.
Content: This unit will be based around 5 or 6 seminars
from internal and external speakers who will introduce topics
of current interest in Physics. Students will then choose one
of these subjects on which to research and write a technical report.
Topics are likely to include recent developments in:
Astrophysics and Cosmology
Particle Physics
Medical Physics
Laser Physics
Semiconductor Physics
Superconductivity
Quantum Mechanical Simulation of Matter.
Students should have taken an appropriate selection of Year 1
and Year 2 Physics units in order to undertake this unit.
PHYS0025: Equations of science
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites: Pre PHYS0020
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce methods for
solving some of the most important partial differential equations
which arise in the natural sciences. The course will cover both
linear equations and non-linear equations.
Content: Linear equations of science (15 hours): Partial
differential equations of science, including Laplace's equation,
Poisson's equation, diffusion equation, wave equation, Schrodinger's
equation. Solution by separation of variables; separation in Cartesian,
cylindrical and spherical coordinate systems. Series solutions
of differential equations; examples including Legendre polynomials,
spherical harmonics and Bessel functions. Theory of orthogonal
functions; eigenvalues and eigenvectors, superposition methods,
Green's functions. Examples from the natural sciences.
Non-linearity and chaos (9 hours): Origins of non-linearity in
the natural sciences; mathematical description. Wave propagation
and non-linearity; solitons, soliton interactions. Vibrations
of non linear oscillators; phase space, trajectories, attractors,
repellors, limit cycles, chaos. Logistic maps. Bifurcations. Fractals.
PHYS0030: Quantum mechanics
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites: Pre PHYS0020
Aims & Learning Objectives: To develop a mathematical
model of the quantum world and to show how this may be used to
describe a wide range of physical phenomena. To show the relation
between wave functions, operators and experimental observables.
To set up and solve the Schrodinger equation in a number of standard
model systems.
Content: Introduction: Breakdown of classical concepts.
Old quantum theory.
Quantum mechanical concepts and models: The "state"
of a quantum mechanical system. Hilbert space. Observables and
operators. Eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. Dirac bra and ket vectors.
Basis functions and representations. Probability distributions
and expectation values of observables.
Schrodinger's equation: Operators for position, time, momentum
and energy. Derivation of time-dependent Schrodinger equation.
Correspondence to classical mechanics. Commutation relations and
the Uncertainty Principle. Time evolution of states. Stationary
states and the time-independent Schrodinger equation.
Motion in one dimension: Free particles. Wave packets and momentum
probability density. Time dependence of wave packets. Bound states
in square wells. Parity. Reflection and transmission at a step.
Tunnelling through a barrier. Linear harmonic oscillator.
Motion in three dimensions: Stationary states of free particles.
Central potentials; quantisation of angular momentum. The radial
equation. Square well; ground state of the deuteron. Electrons
in atoms; the hydrogen atom. Hydrogen-like atoms; the Periodic
Table.
Spin angular momentum: Pauli spin matrices. Identical particles.
Symmetry relations for bosons and fermions. Pauli's exclusion
principle.
Approximate methods for stationary states: Time independent perturbation
theory. The variational method. Scattering of particles; the Born
approximation.
PHYS0031: Simulation techniques
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites: Pre PHYS0020
Aims & Learning Objectives: To outline the steps required
in the construction of a mathematical model of a physical system.
To introduce various computational techniques to analyse these
models, illustrated through case studies.
Content: Construction of a mathematical model of a physical
system; de-dimensionalisation, order of magnitude estimate of
relative sizes of terms.
Importance of boundary conditions. The need for computed solutions.
Discretisation using grids or basis sets. Discretisation errors.
The finite difference method; review of ODE solutions. Construction
of difference equations from PDEs. Boundary conditions. Applications.
The finite element method; Illustration of global, variational
approach to solution of PDEs. Segmentation. Boundary conditions.
Applications.
Molecular Dynamics and Monte-Carlo Methods; examples of N-body
problems, ensembles and averaging. The basic MD strategy. The
basic MC strategy; random number generation and importance sampling.
Applications in statistical mechanics. Simulated annealing. Computer
experiments. Solving finite difference problems via random walks.
Other major algorithms of computational science; the Fast Fourier
Transform, matrix methods, including diagonalisation, optimisation
methods, including non-linear least squares fitting.
PHYS0046: Physics for natural scientists 1
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX70 CW20 PR10
Requisites: Co PHYS0047
Aims & Learning Objectives: A course for those without
A level Physics designed to introduce the basic ideas and concepts
of physics and how they relate to everyday phenomena. This will
give the necessary foundation for other courses in the Natural
Sciences programme. The material is structured so as to allow
the student to discover many of the principles for him/herself
through the guided exercises. These principles are consolidated
by using them repeatedly. The course aims to cover many fundamental
concepts, physical phenomena and the operating principles of every
day devices. It also provides an introduction to scientific methods
and allows the student to acquire and practise the skills of basic
mathematical modelling and scientific problem solving.
Content:
1. Motion in one dimension - Newton's Laws, calculus notation.
2. Motion in two and three dimensions. Dynamics and vector notation.
3. Conservation of momentum and energy. Collisions of several
objects.
4. Rotational motion. The dynamics of objects which are rotating.
5. Random and chaotic motion. Brownian motion - the macroscopic
and microscopic world linked. Some implications of chaos theory.
Revision and consolidation.
6. Vibrations. Violin strings - car suspensions. Mathematical
description. Resonance, damping.
7. Waves. Electromagnetic waves. Acoustical waves.
Students must have A-level Mathematics in order to undertake this
unit.
PHYS0047: Physics for natural scientists 2
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX70 CW20 PR20
Requisites: Co PHYS0046
Aims & Learning Objectives: A course for those without
A level Physics designed to introduce the basic ideas and concepts
of physics and how they relate to everyday phenomena. This will
give the necessary foundation for other courses in the Natural
Sciences programme. The material is structured so as to allow
the student to discover many of the principles for him/herself
through the guided exercises. These principles are consolidated
by using them repeatedly. The course aims to cover many fundamental
concepts, physical phenomena and the operating principles of every
day devices. It also provides an introduction to scientific methods
and allows the student to acquire and practise the skills of basic
mathematical modelling and scientific problem solving.
Content: Continuing on from PHYS0046 the content of the
unit is as follows:
8. Charges, forces, fields. Electrostatics and the structure of
atoms and solids.
9. Electric current and potential. Electric circuits and their
behaviour.
10. Electromagnetism. Current and moving charge. The magnetic
field. Particle accelerators. Interplanetary space.
11. Electrodynamics. Currents induced by changing fields. Maxwell's
equations.
12. Electromagnetic radiation. Revision and consolidation.
13. Special relativity. Simple postulates. Space and time.
14. Modern Atomic Physics. The classical view. Line spectra. The
emission electrons from metals. Bohr's quantum model of the atom.
15. The quantum mechanical theory of matter material and particles
and waves. Inherent imprecision.
16. Quantum mechanics in atoms. Spectra. Periodic table
17. Applications of quantum mechanics. Superconductivity. Lasers.
Stellar evolution.
PHYS0048: Introduction to quantum physics [NS]
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX70 CW20 PR10
Requisites: Co PHYS0049
Aims & Learning Objectives: To review the evidence
for the existence of atoms and the scientific developments which
reveal the breakdown of classical physics at the atomic level.
To introduce the ideas of energy and angular momentum quantisation
and the dual wave-particle nature of matter. To prepare students
with the background for courses in quantum mechanics, atomic physics,
nuclear physics, solid-state physics and astrophysics.
Content: The constituents of the atom: Quantum and classical
domains of physics. Existence of atoms. Avogadro's number. Electrons
and ions. The mass spectrograph. Atomic mass units. Structure
of atoms; scattering of alpha-particles and Rutherford's model.
Photons and energy quantisation: Black-body radiation; the ultraviolet
catastrophe and Plancks hypothesis. Photoelectric effect. The
electromagnetic spectrum. X-rays. Compton scattering. Sources
of photons; the Bohr model of the atom. Deficiencies of Bohr's
model.
Wave-particle duality: An introduction to waves. Wave-like properties
of photons and other particles; inadequacies of classical models.
De Broglie's hypothesis. Electron diffraction. Electron microscopy.
Wave aspects of larger particles; atoms, molecules, neutrons.
The uncertainty principle.
Introduction to quantum mechanics: Probability distributions.
Introduction to Schrodinger's wave equation. Energy levels for
hydrogen. Quantum numbers. Electron spin. The exclusion principle.
The periodic table. Optical and X-ray spectra. Shells, valency
and chemical bonding.
Students must have A-level Physics and A-level Mathematics in
order to undertake this unit. Those students without A-level Mathematics
must take MATH0103.
PHYS0049: Relativity & astrophysics [NS]
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX70 CW20 PR10
Requisites: Co PHYS0048
Aims & Learning Objectives: To provide a broad introduction
to astronomy and astrophysics. To explore how the fundamental
laws of physics allow us to study the cosmos, from nearby planets
tostars, galaxies and the most distant of quasars.
To give an understanding of the basics of special relativity and
its consequences for wide areas of physics. To provide a qualitative
introduction to general relativity and its cosmological consequences.
To explain our current understanding of the history of the universe,
from the Big Bang to the present.
Content: Gravitation. Gravitational force and potential
energy. Weight and mass. Circular orbits; Kepler's Laws; planetary
motion. Escape velocity.
Solar System. Earth-Moon system. Terrestrial planets; Jovian planets.
Planetary atmospheres. Comets and meteoroids. Formation of the
solar system.
Stellar Evolution. Structure of the sun. Stellar distances, magnitudes,
luminosities; black-body radiation; stellar classification; Hertzsprung-Russell
diagram. The interstellar medium and star birth. Star death: white
dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes.
Galaxies. Galactic structure; classification of galaxies. Formation
and evolution of galaxies. Active galactic nuclei and quasars.
Astrophysical jets.
Astrophysical Techniques. Telescopes and detectors. Invisible
astronomy: X-rays, gamma-rays, cosmic rays, infrared and radio
astronomy.
Special Relativity. Galilean transformation. Speed of light -
Michelson-Morley experiment; Einstein's postulates. Simultaneity;
time dilation; space contraction; invariant intervals; rest frames;
proper time; proper length. Causality. Lorentz transformation.
Relativistic momentum, force, energy. Doppler effect.
General Relativity. Gravity and geometry. The principle of equivalence.
Deflection of light; curvature of space. Gravitational time dilation.
Red shift. Black holes.
The Universe. Large scale structure of the Universe. Hubble's
Law. The expanding universe. The hot Big Bang. Cosmic background
radiation and ripples therein. History of the universe. The missing
mass problem.
PHYS0050: Introduction to electronics [NS]
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX70 CW20 PR10
Requisites: Pre PHYS0008, Co PHYS0051
Aims & Learning Objectives: To provide an introduction
to electronics by developing an understanding of basic concepts
in electric circuits and digital electronics. To develop techniques
for analysing dc and ac circuits. To introduce the ideal operational
amplifier, Boolean algebra, basic logic gates and flip-flops and
to show how basic gates may be combined to form powerful functions.
To indicate some of the characteristics of real logic families.
To develop the idea of design using simple logic circuits.
Content: DC Circuits: Kirchoff's voltage and current laws.
Analysis of simple circuits using nodal voltage technique. Ideal
voltage and current sources. Equivalent circuits. Thevenin's and
Norton's theorems. Diodes.
Ideal Operational Amplifiers: Theory of ideal operational amplifiers.
Simple applications e.g. inverting and non-inverting amplifiers,
addition and subtraction.
Transients: Techniques for solving for transient waveforms in
simple circuits involving inductors and capacitors. Initial conditions.
AC Circuits: AC voltage and current concepts (phase, rms value,
amplitude etc.). Capacitors and inductors as circuit elements.
Phasors and phasor notation. Complex impedance. LCR circuits (resonance,
Q factor etc). Frequency dependence of circuits. Bode plots.
Combinational Logic: Digital and analog electronics. Combinational
logic. Representation of logic levels. AND, OR and NOT gates.
Truth tables. XOR, NAND and NOR.
Boolean algebra: Notation, laws, identities and De Morgan's Laws.
Standard sum of products. Manipulation between forms. Karnaugh
maps: 2,3 and 4 variables. Simplification. PAL.
Logic gates and characteristics: Basic implementation of gates
using discrete devices (AND using resistors and diodes). Limitations.
Logic family characteristics: Fan out, noise margin and propagation
delay.
Combinational functions: Adder, decoder, encoder, multiplexer,
demultiplexer, ROM structure.
Sequential logic: Latch, SR flip-flop and JK flip-flop. Shift
register. Ripple and synchronous counters. Synchronous counter
design. Basic RAM structure.
Introduction to microprocessors (68000 based): Binary arithmetic.
A simple microprocessor architecture and operation. Concepts of
buses, input/output, DMA and interrupts.
Students must have A-level Physics in order to undertake this
unit.
PHYS0051: Electricity & magnetism [NS]
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX70 CW20 PR10
Requisites: Co PHYS0050
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce the laws of
Electricity and Magnetism. To introduce techniques used in the
solution of simple field problems, both vector and scalar.
Content: Introduction to scalar and vector fields.
Electrostatics Electric forces and fields. Electric charge, Coulomb's
Law, superposition of forces, electric charge distribution, the
electric field, electric flux, Gauss's Law, examples of field
distributions, dipole moment, energy of a system of charges. Electric
potential. Line integral of the electric field, potential difference,
calculation of fields from potential, examples of potential distributions,
energy associated with electric field. Electric field around conductors,
conductors in an electric field, capacitors and their capacitance,
energy stored.
Magnetic fields. Magnetic force on a moving charge, definition
of magnetic field, Lorentz force, force on a current carrying
wire, force between current carrying wires, torque on a current
loop. magnetic moment, Biot-Savart Law, Ampere's Law, magnetic
flux, Gauss's Law, field in loops and coils.
Electromagnetic Induction. Induced emf and examples, Faraday's
Law, Lenz's Law, energy stored in a magnetic field, self and mutual
inductance, energy stored in an inductor.
Students must have A-level Physics in order to undertake this
unit.
SCNC0001: Functional anatomy
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment:
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: A basic grounding in the
structure of the human body. This module will enable students
to classify and identify skeletal bones, describe the structure
and function of muscle and analyse the co-ordinated movements
that these two systems produce within the human body.
Content: Structure and function of bone tissue - structure
of bone and connective tissue. Skeletal construction and function
- types of bone: long, thin, flat, irregular. Axial and appendicular
skeleton. Names of major bones.
Joint types; - immovable, slightly moveable, freely moveable (synovial).
Types of movement: flexion, extension, rotation, adduction, abduction,
circumduction, plantar-flexion.
Differences between cardiac, smooth and skeletal muscle; detailed
structure of skeletal muscle; - fibres and fibre types, nerve
supply to muscle, sliding theory of muscle contraction. Production
of co-ordinated movement.
Relationship of muscular system to skeletal system; - identification
of major muscle groups, origins, insertions and actions of main
muscles. Practical analysis of limb movement. Types of muscular
contraction including, isometric, isotonic, isokinetic, concentric
and eccentric muscle action.
SCNC0005: Human physiology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX70 ES30
Requisites: Pre SCNC0001
Aims & Learning Objectives: To enable students to gain
an understanding of human physiology, namely basic cell functions,
biological control systems and co-ordinated body functions.
Content: Intercellular communication systems; The nervous
system, organisation of the nervous system, the endocrine system,
integration between the nervous and endocrine systems,.
The cardiovascular system; Organisation of the cardiovascular
system, blood vessels, constituents of blood, cardiac function,
the cardiac cycle, coronary circulation, control of heart rate,
stroke volume and cardiac output.
The pulmonary system; Pulmonary pressures and mechanics, ventilation
rate and depth, regulation of arterial oxygen and carbon dioxide
levels, exchange of gases between blood, alveoli and tissues,
transport of carbon dioxide in the blood, control of ventilation.
Energy metabolism; Three main energy systems, ATP-PC, anaerobic
glycolysis and aerobic metabolism.
Regulation of water and electrolyte balance;
Digestion and absorption of food;
SOCS0144: About science 1: History, philosophy & sociology
of science
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: Sociology
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW35 ES45 OR20
Requisites: Co SOCS0145
Aims & Objectives: About Science introduces the main
views of the nature of scientific research and of technological
progress. The course aims to familiarise students with changing
views of science and its interaction with culture and society.
It aims also to develop students' communication skills.
Content: In addition to views of philosophers, historians
and sociologists such as Popper, Lakatos and Kuhn, accounts by
working scientists will also be considered. Source materials include
video films, WWWeb sites and books and journal articles. All students
write essays, a book review and a project report, and will have
an opportunity to develop, present and defend their own views
on one of a number of seminar topics.
SOCS0145: About science 2: Discovery, dissemination &
status of scientific knowledge
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Topic: Sociology
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW50 OR10 ES40
Requisites: Co SOCS0144
Aims & Objectives: Continues to develop and evaluate
several main views of the nature of scientific method introduced
in part 1, using historical case studies of scientific discoveries
and controversies. This unit goes on to deal with the research
process, science and changing worldviews (paradigms), the application
of science in technology and medicine, and the problematic status
of science in relation to its cultural context.
Content: Students are expected to develop an analytical
and critical approach to ideas and opinions about science, and
to master the use of documentary sources. All students prepare
an essay or a project report and a book review, and also present
and defend their own views in an assessed seminar presentation
on a topic of their choice.
SOCS0146: Public knowledge 3A: History, philosophy & sociology
of science
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Topic: Sociology
Level: Level 3
Assessment: ES100
Requisites: Co SOCS0147
Aims & Objectives: The course aims to enable students
to develop an informed and critical view of the nature of all
aspects of scientific activity and the problems arising from the
differences between scientific and popular or commonsense approaches
to problems.
Content: Topics Include: Models and Paradigms (Logical,
Computational, Cognitive and Societal ); Scientific, Expert and
Lay Knowledge; Science and Public Understanding; Public Acceptance
of Science and Technology. The course will be taught by seminars
and directed reading. All students read and discuss a number of
key authors in the seminars and will undertake a research project.
Natural science students must have undertaken SOCS0144 & SOCS0145
in order to take this unit and its co-requisite.
SOCS0147: Public knowledge 3B: History, philosophy & sociology
of science
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX40 RT60
Requisites: Co SOCS0146
Aims & Objectives: This unit is a continuation of SOCS0146.
It aims to enable students to develop an informed and critical
view of the nature of all aspects of scientific activity and the
problems arising from the differences between scientific and popular
or commonsense approaches to problems.
Content: Topics Include: Models and Paradigms (Logical,
Computational, Cognitive and Societal ); Scientific, Expert and
Lay Knowledge; Science and Public Understanding; Public Acceptance
of Science and Technology; Science and Public Policy; Science
and other Modes of Knowledge. The course will be taught by seminars
and directed reading. All students read and discuss a number of
key authors in the seminars, undertake a research project and
will evaluate one or more media presentations about a scientific
issue of their choice.
UNIV0001: Environmental studies: The earth as an ecosystem
B
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX75 CW25
Requisites: Co ENGR0002
Aims & Learning Objectives: To develop an understanding
of the global impact of human agricultural and industrial activity
and of the relationship between the technical and some social
and economic aspects of the topic.
Content: Global human impact: population and consumption
levels
Early mankind and the domestication of other species. The agricultural
and industrial revolutions. Improvements in healthcare and education.
Demographic trends. Sustainable economic development. Equitable
distribution of resources. Policies and institutions
Atmospheric and ground level pollution
Structure and dynamics of the atmosphere. Photochemical cycles
involving O, N and Cl species. Factors affecting ozone concentrations.
The Greenhouse effect.
Photochemical smog and acid rain considered via case studies.
Speciation of anionic and cationic water pollutants.
Biomagnification and heavy metals.
Radioactivity and nuclear reactors; reprocessing and waste storage.
Seminar programme
Seminars combined with a student exercise such as a case study
or essay are intended to encourage students to integrate the syllabus
content and to relate it to a wider social and economic context.
UNIV0024: Project (semester 1)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co UNIV0025
Aims & Learning Objectives: To obtain substantial experience
of project work within the disciplines involved
Content: This will depend on the disciplines involved.
Often it will involve laboratory and or field work. Usually a
literature search will be involved.
UNIV0025: Project (semester 2)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co UNIV0024
Aims & Learning Objectives: To obtain substantial experience
of project work within the disciplines involved
Content: This will depend on the disciplines involved.
Often it will involve laboratory and or field work. Usually the
writing of a dissertation reporting the work done will be involved
UNIV0026: Industrial placement/ training
Academic Year
Credits: 60
Level: Level 2
Assessment:
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics,
Biological Sciences, Materials Science, or Management
Content: To obtain substantial experience of working at
an intellectual level appropriate to a student who has completed
the second year of a degree course.
UNIV0033: Study year abroad
Academic Year
Credits: 60
Level: Level 2
Assessment:
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To assist the student to
develop personal and interpersonal communication skills and to
develop the ability to work and interact effectively in a group
environment in which cultural norms and ways of operating may
be very different from those previously familiar.
To develop an understanding of the stresses that may occur in
working in a culture different from the UKs, and to learn to cope
with those stresses and work efficiently. To develop the self-confidence
and maturity to operate effectively with people from a different
cultural background.
To develop an appreciation of the history and culture of the country
concerned.
For students attending classes in a language other than English,
to develop the ability to operate at a high scientific level in
the language of the country concerned, including oral communication
and comprehension as well as reading and writing.
For students attending Universities in countries whose language
is not English, oral and written fluency in the host language.
Content: It is assumed that the student abroad will accomplish
work equivalent to 60 University of Bath credits (10 units). Details
of these are necessarily left to negotiation with individual University,
students and the Bath Director of Studies. In addition to scientific
study, it might be appropriate to include Management, work in
Language, and in areas related to the culture of the country in
which the student was working.
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Natural Sciences Programme Catalogue
Programme / Unit Catalogue 19977/98