Student work

In addition to their engagement with scheduled classes, students are expected to study independently to develop their knowledge and understanding of what's taught in their modules. Each unit of credit should correspond to 10 hours of study time in total, for the average student at that level.

For a typical 120-credit year this corresponds to a study-time commitment (including scheduled classes) of around 42 hours per week, which should allow time to engage in other activities.

If you encounter difficulties in understanding the lecture material which cannot easily be resolved, for example, by reference to textbooks or discussion with classmates, you are encouraged to approach your tutor in your tutorials, or the lecturer concerned.

One of the aims of our teaching programme is
To develop the ability to be a self-directed learner, including fostering a healthy intellectual curiosity in this and other disciplines, and the ability to determine one’s own learning needs and to organise one’s own learning,
so students are expected and encouraged to use information in the library and online to help their studies, as well as discussing physics with other students and with staff.

The School encourages students to form groups that can meet on a regular basis to discuss the work being covered in the teaching programme. When tackling assignments, students should try to distinguish between mutually supportive and helpful collaboration and inappropriate copying from each other or the internet.
Copying will bring little gain in understanding or skills, and may lead to action under the University’s Good academic practice policy.