Course Description
Philosophy attempts to answer questions such as: What is knowledge? What is the nature of truth? Why should we act morally? Philosophy is just as much the study of reasoning and argument as it is the application of thought to specific problems.
What makes Philosophy at Aberdeen especially attractive is the breadth of courses, the user-friendly materials you will use and the experts who will teach you. In your first year alone, you can study topics such as How Should One Live? Controversial Questions, and Experience, Knowledge and Reality.
In Physics, you will look at the most fundamental of the sciences and how it explains the world around us and the Universe beyond, challenging our imaginations with concepts like relativity and string theory. You will explore its relevance to our lives championed and explained by leading scientists including Professor Stephen Hawking and broadcaster and author Professor Brian Cox.
Discoveries in physics make possible technological innovations like the transistors and the microchip, computers and lasers, which have changed our lives. You will study the universe, the history and philosophy of science and gain useful skills in mathematics to add value to any career.
As a graduate, you will have great skills in thinking logically, critically analysing and solving problems – all skills which are greatly valued by employers and open career options in business and all sectors.
Course Content
- Year 1
Compulsory Courses
The Physical Universe A (PX1015) - 15 Credit Points
The Physical Universe B (PX1513) - 15 Credit Points
Academic Writing for Divinity, History & Philosophy (AW1007)
Professional Skills Part 1 (PD1001)
Experience, Knowledge and Reality (PH1023) - 15 Credit Points
Calculus i (MA1005) - 15 Credit Points
Algebra (MA1006) - 15 Credit Points
Calculus II (MA1508) - 15 Credit Points
- Year 2
Compulsory Courses
Dynamical Phenomena (PX2015) - 15 Credit Points
Relativity and Quantum Mechanics (PX2510) - 15 Credit Points
What We are: Mind in A Physical World (PH201B) - 15 Credit Points
Gender Equality (PH2535) - 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select 45 credit points from courses of choice, which must include one 15 credit second year Mathematics course.
- Year 3
Compulsory Courses
Energy and Matter (PX3014) - 15 Credit Points
Quantum Mechanics (PX3511) - 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select:
- Research and Computing Skills (PX3017) OR Introduction to the Solid State (PX3016)
- Advanced Practical Physics (PX3510) OR Electricity and Magnetism (PX3512)
Plus select a further 60 credit points from level 3 courses in Philosophy.
Introduction to the Solid State (PX3016) - 15 Credit Points
Advanced Practical Physics (PX3510) - 15 Credit Points
Electricity and Magnetism (PX3512) - 15 Credit Points
Research and Computing Skills (PX3017) - 15 Credit Points
- Year 4
Compulsory Courses
Project A (PX4011) - 30 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select one of the following:
- Case Studies in Physics (PX4007)
- Statistical Physics and Stochastic Systems (PX4012)
- Structure of Matter and the Universe (PX4510)
Plus select a further 60 credit points from level 4 courses in Philosophy.
Case Studies in the Physical Sciences (PX4007) - 15 Credit Points
Statistical Physics and Stochastic Systems (PX4012) - 15 Credit Points
Structure of Matter and the Universe (PX4510) - 15 Credit Points
Analytical Mechanics and Elements of General Relativity (PX4517)
Entry Requirements
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB*
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB*
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB*
Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
*Including good performance in Mathematics and Physics by the end of your senior phase of education.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB*
Minimum: BBC*
Adjusted: CCC*
*Including good performance in Mathematics and Physics by the end of your senior phase of education.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL*.
*Including good performance in Mathematics and Physics by the end of your senior phase of education.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 OR AAABB*, obtained in a single sitting. (B must be at B2 or above)
*Including good performance in Mathematics and Physics by the end of your senior phase of education.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 54 with: Listening - 51; Reading - 51; Speaking - 51; Writing - 54
Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course.
- Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course.
- Written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
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