physics msc handbook.pdf

7/27/2019 Physics MSc Handbook.pdf

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MScinPhysics

DepartmentofPhysicsFacultyofNaturalSciences

Handbook(2012/13)


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1.INFORMATIONFORMSCSTUDENTSANDSTAFF 41.1IntroductionandGeneralInformation 41.2Ourprinciples 41.3.AimsandObjectives 51.4.StaffMembers 51.5.PersonalSupervisorsandOtherPointsofContact 61.6.Lectures 61.7.Safety 61.8EmploymentduringStudies 72.STRUCTUREOFTHECOURSE. 82.1GeneralStructure 82.2.Timetable 103.COURSEREQUIREMENTS 123.1

Assessment

of

the

course

components

12

3.2RequirementsforpassingtheMSc 123.3ImperialCollegeStatementregardingPlagiarism 133.4UseofMaterialsforTeaching 133.5UseofCalculatorsinWrittenExaminations 133.6Resits 13

4 ACADEMICSUPPORT 144.1AbsencesandIllness 144.2Informationforstudentswithdisabilities,specificlearningdifficultiesorlongtermhealthissues 144.3Blackboard 154.4Howtocomplain 165.PROFESSIONALSKILLS 176.GENERALINFORMATIONABOUTLIFEINTHEDEPARTMENTOFPHYSICS 18


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6.1.BeforeyouArrive 186.2.WheretoFindUs 186.3.WhenyouArrive 186.4.

ID

Cards

18

6.5.Mail 186.6.Telephones 196.7.SecurityandEmergencies 196.8.LibraryFacilities 196.9 Photocopying 196.10

Accommodation

20

6.11.FoodandDrink 206.12.Health 206.13.SportsFacilities 216.14.Banking 216.15.Parking 216.16.

Travel

21

6.17.LifeinLondon 226.18.MovingonfromImperial 226.19.AndWhenYouLeave... 227.COMPUTERFACILITIES 23


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1. Information for MSc Students and Staff

Welcome to the MSc in Physics. The purpose of this handbook is to provide current and

prospective students, and staff, with a detailed description of the MSc in Physics course in theBlackett Laboratory, including assessment and feedback mechanisms.

This edition of the handbook applies to academic year 2012-13. A printed copy of this handbookwill be provided to every student at the start of the academic year and you will be informed of anysignificant changes to its content. A copy of the current version is placed on the MSc in Physicswebsite http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/physics/admissions/pg/msc/mscphysics in Adobe .pdf format.In the same location you will find a link to the MSc in Physics programme Specifications.

The MSc course usually has a relatively small number of students (in comparison to theundergraduate physics courses) and they have extensive access to the academic and supportstaff of the Department; students therefore should not hesitate to approach the CourseSupervisors or any member of staff for advice or assistance. The Imperial Study Guide forMasters Students can be found underhttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/students/studyguideand theColleges Student Charter underhttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/students/ourprinciples.

This handbook describes the framework of the course and its assessment but the CourseSupervisor and/or Course Committee may make changes to detailed procedures if thecircumstances indicate this is desirable. Similarly, the Board of Examiners has absolutediscretion to modify the criteria described in this handbook, although in practice this wouldonly occur in exceptional circumstances. Students will be notified of any changes prior totheir introduction.

The handbook, along with other useful information will be available on the course webpage

http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/physics/admissions/pg/msc/mscphysics.

1.1 Introduction and General Information

The Physics Department is one of the most prestigious postgraduate schools in Physics in the UK.In terms of research it uniquely covers the most comprehensive range of important experimentaland theoretical research fields. These extend from astronomy, space and plasma physics to highenergy, theoretical and atomic physics. Solid state, laser physics, applied optics and photonicshave wide applications, while fields such as quantum information theory may lead to excitingnew applications. The Department has extensive facilities and a tremendous range of researchtopics and uses this expertise to the benefit of MSc students both in terms of the material taughtand the wide range of exciting projects available.

1.2 Our principles

At its June 2012 meeting the Senate approved a Student Charter for the College, entitled OurPrinciples. The Principles were developed by a College Working Group including representativesof all Faculties and undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The Principles define the guiding principles of the College community and cover all students, bothundergraduate and postgraduate. They are not a legal contract but rather an easily accessible,
http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/physics/admissions/pg/msc/mscphysicshttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/students/studyguidehttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/students/ourprincipleshttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/physics/admissions/pg/msc/mscphysicshttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/physics/admissions/pg/msc/mscphysicshttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/students/ourprincipleshttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/students/studyguidehttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/physics/admissions/pg/msc/mscphysics


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concise source of information and a clear display of staff, student and ICU collaboration. They willbe reviewed annually by the Quality Assurance Advisory Committee.

The Principles are available at: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/students/ourprinciples. Each Principleis accompanied by drop-down text, which elaborates upon the overarching statements andprovides links to further information.

1.3. Aims and Objectives

The aim of the MSc in Physics course is to:

attract well-qualified Bachelor level students and provide an intellectually challenging degreeprogramme;

provide high quality advanced education in physics beyond Bachelor level within anenvironment committed to excellence in both teaching and research;

extend students knowledge of advanced mathematical methods; extend students core knowledge of physics and provide them with a wide choice of specialist

courses in all the main areas of physics; lead students to a deep understanding of selected areas of physics at the frontiers of

knowledge; give students training in appropriate research methods; give students the experience of undertaking a major, individual, physics-related project and

reporting the results in a full scientific report and viva; develop students skills of communication, both written and oral, to specialised and non-

specialised audiences; equip students for further academic study at Doctoral level or for other careers as a

professional physicist.

1.4. Staff Members

The staff with administrative responsibility for the MSc course are:

Responsibilit y Person Room No Tel Ext.

Course Supervisor Dr Julia SedgbeerProf Richard Thompson

5266M02 Huxley

4781143606

PG Development Officer Dr Andrew Williamson 316 47631

Physics PostgraduateAdministrator

Ms. Loli Sanchez Rey 316 47512

Admissions Dr Julia SedgbeerProf. Richard Thompson

Examinations Dr A. Williamson

Board of Examiners (Chairman) Dr Julia Sedgbeer

Self-Study Project Coordinator Dr A. Williamson

Thesis Project Coordinator Dr A. Williamson

Departmental PostgraduateWelfare Officer

Dr A.Czaja 726 41789

Department PostgraduateStudent Representative

Ms Nathalie Skrzypek 1018 47557

Department Careers Advisor Prof. Mark Neil 608 46611

Department Director of Post-

graduate Studies

Prof. Lesley Cohen 912B 47598

Personal Tutor Dr Robert Forsyth H6/M64 47761
http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/students/ourprincipleshttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/students/ourprinciples


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Huxley

External Examiner Prof. Stephen M Barnett FRSFRSE -University of Strathclyde

Details of the lecturers on the course will be available on the timetable and the Departmental andcourse website. Contact details for the course lecturers can be found there or by the People tabon the college website.

1.5. Personal Supervisors and Other Points of Contact

The Personal Tutor for the course is Dr Robert Forsyth. The role of the Personal Tutor is primarilyto be the first point of contact for any issues or difficulties that may arise throughout the course. Hewill be able to advise students on selection of courses, career matters, writing recommendationletters, and also any matters of a non-academic nature. Other contacts are the Course Supervisor,Dr Julia Sedgbeer, and, for more personal matters, Arnaud Czaja, the Physics Postgraduate

Welfare Officer, who may be contacted on Ext.41789, and the college counsellor, David Allman,who is available on Ext.49430. See also the website

http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/counselling

for more information.

Shortly after the start of the year, the MSc student body are asked to appoint a representative,whose role is to act as a channel between students and staff for any general matters that mayarise.

There is one elected student representative on the MSc Course Committee, and students areencouraged to raise general or specific academic matters through this channel.

Any concerns of a more urgent or personal nature should be discussed with the students PersonalTutor or the Course Supervisor.

Each student is asked to complete an online questionnaire, PG SOLE, about the lecture coursestowards the end of Terms 1 and 2. The results of this are discussed at the Physics MSc CourseCommittee with a view to addressing any concerns in the future

1.6. Lectures

Most MSc lectures take place in Lecture Theatres 1, 2 and 3 which are also continually used forundergraduate teaching. Some lectures may be in other lecture rooms throughout the BlackettLaboratory (most likely H503 and 630).

1.7. Safety

In a course that may make use of high-voltage power supplies, lasers and chemicals, safety is ofparamount importance. All students are issued with the current version of the Blackett LaboratorySafety Booklet at the start of the MSc course, and all students are required to attend the College

Health and Safety lecture and Laboratory Safety lecture, which are held early in the first term.
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Information on health and safety can be found underhttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/facilitiesmanagement/healthandsafety.

Summer projects may be taken in research group laboratories where high-power laser beams orother potentially dangerous equipment such as high-voltage power supplies are routinely in use.Students must read, sign and follow the safety guidelines agreed for each laboratory coveringelectrical, chemical and laser safety as appropriate.

The Building Evacuation Signal is an announcement to leave the building. When this is heardeveryone must leave immediately by the nearest fire exit.

1.8 Employment during Studies

Please note the Colleges policy regarding part time employment during your MSc course:

https://workspace.imperial.ac.uk/registry/Public/Procedures%20and%20Regulations/Policies%20and%20Procedures/Student%20Employment%20During%20Studies.pdf
http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/facilitiesmanagement/healthandsafetyhttps://workspace.imperial.ac.uk/registry/Public/Procedures%20and%20Regulations/Policies%20and%20Procedures/Student%20Employment%20During%20Studies.pdfhttps://workspace.imperial.ac.uk/registry/Public/Procedures%20and%20Regulations/Policies%20and%20Procedures/Student%20Employment%20During%20Studies.pdfhttps://workspace.imperial.ac.uk/registry/Public/Procedures%20and%20Regulations/Policies%20and%20Procedures/Student%20Employment%20During%20Studies.pdfhttps://workspace.imperial.ac.uk/registry/Public/Procedures%20and%20Regulations/Policies%20and%20Procedures/Student%20Employment%20During%20Studies.pdfhttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/facilitiesmanagement/healthandsafety


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2. Structure of the Course.

2.1 General Structure

The MSc in Physics programme is based on the final year of the MSci programme, with theaddition of a major individual project carried out between June and September. The provisionalprogramme content is as follows:

Table 1: Overview of the course

Course component ECTSSix lecture courses, including Advanced Classical Physics unless previouslystudied. At least four of these courses must be at Level 4.

36

Advanced mathematical techniques lecture course. 6Self-study project 6Research Skills Training 6Graduate School transferable skills courses 0

Major Project 36Total 90

Term 1 (30 ECTS total):

Compulsory courses

Advanced Classical Physics (Level 3, 6 ECTS) unless this material has already coveredat Bachelors level

Advanced mathematical techniques lecture course (20 lectures and classworks, 6 ECTS).This course is a subset of the Mathematics for Theory of Materials course and issometimes referred to as MTM

Self-study project on an agreed area of physics (6 ECTS).

Selected transferable skills courses (offered by the Graduate Schools)

Optional courses

Two or three options from level 4 list (including Optics and Photonics, Quantum FieldsMSc or CDT lecture courses, with the agreement of the appropriate course supervisor) or

level 3 list (6 ECTS each)*

Term 2 (30 ECTS total):

Compulsory courses

Research Skills Training (6 ECTS) in the form of mini-projects (~3 hrs per week plusprivate study, reading etc) to include for example

o Labview and interfacing;o Computational algebra and Mathematica;o Numerical methods and Matlab;

Prepare literature review and project plan (March-April) (6 ECTS)

Selected transferable skills courses (offered by the Graduate Schools)


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Optional courses

Three options from level 4 list (including Optics and Photonics or Quantum Fields MSc orCDT lecture courses) or level 3 list (6 ECTS each)

Term 3 & summer period (30 ECTS):

Revision & Examinations on 6 lecture courses (May and early June)

3-month individual project in research group (mid-June to Mid-Sept).Projects will be coordinated and monitored centrally in the department. Assessment will beas follows

o Continuous assessment mark from the project supervisor;o Project viva in September;o Poster session for all projects in the middle of September, to which external

sponsors and prospective students will be invited.

o Project report submitted at the end of September, marked independently by twomembers of staff;

Lecture course listThe list of option courses at Level 4 is at present:

Advanced Particle Physics;

Atmospheric Physics;

Biophysics of Nerve Cells and Networks;

Concepts in Device Physics:

Cosmology;

General Relativity;

Hydrodynamics and Shocks;

Laser Technology;

Optical Communications Physics;

Quantum Field Theory;

Quantum Information;

Quantum Optics;

Quantum Theory of Matter;

Space Physics;

Unification/The Standard Model.

Students will be able to take a maximum oftwo options at Level 3:

Advanced Classical Physics (compulsory if not already taken at UG level);

Astrophysics;

Computational Physics;

Dynamical Systems and Chaos;

Foundations of Quantum Mechanics;

Group Theory;

Instrumentation;

Lasers, Optics and Biophotonics;

Medical Imaging

Plasma Physics;

Statistical Mechanics.


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The up to date course syllabus can be found at:http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/physics/courses/ug/course_lists/all_courses

All MSc and undergraduate courses are offered subject to staff availability. Some especiallypopular courses may require students to register prior to attending. Both courses and staff changeoccasionally and certain courses may not be offered in a given academic year.

Each of these courses involves 26 hours of lectures and one revision lecture. They are supportedby regular lecturer office hours and problem sheets handed out by the lecturer. In addition, for themore theoretical courses, Rapid Feedback Sessions are available where a postgraduate studenttakes students through selected problem sheet questions which have previously been handed infor marking.

Some courses have pre-requisite requirements, but since some students will not have studiedhere previously, a flexible attitude will be taken to these requirements. In many cases theprerequisite course can be studied in term 1. A list of all prerequisite topics is provided for eachcourse at the start of the year so that students can identify which topics they must learn

beforehand if they take that course.

Graduate School professional development workshopsStudents are required to attend a minimum of four workshops from the the GraduateSchoolMasterClass programme. The courses include:

Research Skills and Reference Management

Preparing and Writing a Literature Review

Interpersonal Skills

Academic writing

Information posters layout and design

Note-taking and efficient reading

Students will receive non-credit bearing recognition for attending professional developmenttraining during their Masters degree and can request a transcript from the Graduate School toconfirm the classes that they have attended.

ProjectResearch projects will be available in all 9 research groups in the department:

Astrophysics (ASTR);

Condensed Matter Theory (CMTH);

Photonics (PHOT);

Quantum Optics and Laser Science (QOLS);

Plasma physics (PLAS); Theoretical physics (THEO);

Experimental Solid State Physics (EXSS);

High Energy Particle Physics (HEPP);

Space and Atmospheric Physics (SPAT).

In addition we expect to be able to offer projects at national laboratories and centres of excellence.

2.2. Timetable

The course lasts one calendar year full time. It begins in October, with formal coursework endingin June and project work occupying the summer. The College standard lecturing schedule is
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followed, with 50 minute lectures commencing on the hour, Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, withWednesday afternoons free. The total number of lectures per week on the MSc course dependson the choice of courses, but it typically totals about 12 lectures.

Students are also welcome to attend the wide range of research seminars given at Imperial. Staffmay recommend seminars that are particularly accessible (not all of them are!). Also of interest arethe Physics Department colloquia, about three times per term, designed to appeal to a wideaudience.


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3. Course Requirements

3.1 Assessment of the course components

Lecture coursesDetails of the assessment for the Advanced Mathematical Techniques course will be given at thestart of the course. Other examinations for lecture courses offered by the Masters courses in theDepartment will be at the same time as the Masters courses please note that some may be inJanuary. The MSci lecture courses will be assessed by conventional examinations, as for the MScistudents taking these courses. These take place in May and June.

Research Skills TrainingThe research skills training will be assessed by exercises and reports on appropriate mini-projectsin a variety of theoretical, computational and experimental areas.

Self-study ProjectThe self-study project will be assessed by a presentation (to a group of MSc students) and awritten report.

Major ProjectThe major project will be assessed by continuous assessment by the supervisor, a literaturereview and project plan (at the start of term 3), a poster presentation and viva (in mid-September),and a written report (in late September).

3.2 Requirements for passing the MSc

The components of the MSc in Physics (see Table 1) are grouped into two elements:

Element Component ECTS Weight(%)Lecture courses Six lecture courses 36 46

Mathematical Techniques 6 6Projects Self-study project 6 6

Research Skills Training 6 6Major project 36 36

To pass the MSc, the candidate must achieve a mark of 50% or higher in each element of theMSc. In addition, they must have passed each component with a mark of 40% or higher. Studentsmust also attend the required Graduate School courses.

A candidate can be considered for a Merit if the candidate has achieved an aggregate mark of60% and a mark of60% for at least one of the two elements and 50% for the other element.

A candidate can be considered for a Distinction if the candidate has achieved an aggregate markof70% and a mark of70% for at least one of the two elements and 60% for the other element.

The Examiners reserve the right to change these thresholds in exceptional circumstances.


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Marks are collated by the Course Supervisor and reviewed internally before being sent to theexternal examiner for external inspection. An Examiners meeting is held in October at which theFinal Marks are agreed. The Final Marks are then sent to the College administration.

3.3 Imperial College Statement regarding Plagiarism

Students should be aware of the need to give proper credit for the work of others when writingpapers, reports, theses, etc. This is particularly important when the work is in collaboration withother persons. The College definition and policy regarding plagiarism can be found athttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/exams/examoffences

A useful link on properly using material ishttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/physics/students/ug/info/guidance

3.4 Use of Materials for Teaching

It is anticipated that most materials involved in the delivery of the course work will be madeavailable to students electronically. Such materials will include lecture notes, problem sets andsolutions, computational exercises and solutions, and recordings of lectures and problem classesetc. All this material is copyright, and students may not use it for any purpose other than their ownprivate study, and they may not distribute it to anyone else in any medium. The penalties forinfringing these rules are severe and they may include expulsion from Imperial College andprosecution under copyright law.

3.5 Use of Calculators in Written Examinations

The College Board of Graduate Studies has determined that only College-owned approved non-programmable calculators can be used in the written examinations. The Physics Department hasapproved and can provide calculators, which use algebraic logic. Appropriate arrangements will bemade for students wishing to use RPN calculators. However, in all cases, only College-ownedcalculators may be used in the written examinations and therefore students are advised to eitherpurchase an appropriate calculator or practise on a College-owned calculator before the writtenexaminations.

3.6 Resits

Resits for the examinations are normally held at the next available opportunity, usually thefollowing academic year.
http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/exams/examoffenceshttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/exams/examoffenceshttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/physics/students/ug/info/guidancehttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/physics/students/ug/info/guidancehttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/physics/students/ug/info/guidancehttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/exams/examoffences


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4 Academic Support

4.1 Absences and Illness

The College monitors the attendance of all its students. Students are requested to notify lecturersand the Course Organiser if they become ill. Students are required to provide a medical certificateif they are absent for 3 days or more, including during the summer project. If a student misses anexamination because they are ill it is essential that they obtain a medical certificate.

All students have access to the College Health Centre at 40 Princes Gardens. Details of theirservices can be found at http://www.imperialcollegehealthcentre.co.uk

Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances

The College will consider requests for mitigating and extenuating circumstances that may have

affected a students performance in examinations or other areas of their course. Please note thatclaims for mitigating or extenuating circumstances should be made before, or no later than fivedays after, the examination and should be supported by documented evidence, if that is available.

Please note that the information regarding your claim for mitigation or extenuation will remainconfidential and will only be viewed by the advisory panel which will make a recommendation tothe Board of Examiners about your request. You may indicate if there is any information which youDO NOT wish to be released to the Board of Examiners but bear in mind that the more informationthat is received by the Board the better able they will be to reach an informed decision.

The mitigation policy and procedures can be found underhttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/proceduresandregulations/policiesandprocedures/examinationa

ssessment

Please contact the course organiser or your tutor for further information.

4.2 Information for students with disabilities, specific learningdifficulties or long-term health issues

At Imperial College we recognise that studying at university can be a challenge, especially if you havea disability. We are keen that you have every opportunity to fulfil your potential and graduate with thedegree you deserve. It is therefore important that you let us know about any disability, specific

learning difficulty or health problem as soon as possible so that we can give expert advice andsupport to enable you to do this.

Some people never think of themselves as having a disability, but students who have experiencedany of the issues listed below have found that a little extra help and support has made all thedifference to their study experience.

Specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, AD[H]D) Autistic spectrum disorder (such as Aspergers) Deafness or hearing difficulties Long term mental health difficulties (such as chronic anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression)

Medical conditions (such as epilepsy, arthritis, diabetes, Crohns disease) Physical disabilities or mobility impairments
http://www.imperialcollegehealthcentre.co.uk/http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/proceduresandregulations/policiesandprocedures/examinationassessmenthttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/proceduresandregulations/policiesandprocedures/examinationassessmenthttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/proceduresandregulations/policiesandprocedures/examinationassessmenthttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/proceduresandregulations/policiesandprocedures/examinationassessmenthttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/proceduresandregulations/policiesandprocedures/examinationassessmenthttp://www.imperialcollegehealthcentre.co.uk/


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Visual difficulties

Where to find help:

1. Your Disability Liaison Officer(Andrew Williamson. [email protected])

Andrew Williamson is your first point of contact within your department and is there to help youwith arranging any support within the department that you need. Andrew is also the person whowill apply for Special Examination arrangements on your behalf. You need to contact him withoutdelay if you think that you may need extra time or other adjustments for your examinations.http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/exams/specialexamarrangements

2. Disability Advisory Service: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/disabilityadvisoryserviceThe Disability Advisory Service works with individual students no matter what their disability toensure that they have the support they need. We can also help if you think that you may have anunrecognised study problem such as dyslexia. Our service is both confidential (information aboutyou is only passed on to other people in the university with your agreement) and individual in thatany support is tailored to what you need.

Some of the sorts of things we can help with are:

Being an advocate on your behalf with others in the College such as your departmentalliaison officer senior tutor or exams officer, the accommodation office or the estatesdepartment

Checking that your evidence of disability is appropriate and up-to-date Arranging a diagnostic assessment for specific learning difficulties Help with applying to the College for the cost of an assessment Help with your application for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) see below Helping students not eligible for the Disabled Students Allowance in obtaining support

from other sources Help with arranging extra Library support

3. Disabled Students Allowance:http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/disabilityadvisoryservice/supportforstudents/dassupport

Students who are classified as home students for fees purposes and who have a disability canapply for a grant called the Disabled Students Allowance which can pay any extra costs that are adirect result of disability. This fund is not means-tested and is also a grant not a loan so any homestudent with a disability can apply and will not be expected to pay it back. Remember students withunseen disabilities such as mental health difficulties, dyslexic type difficulties or long term healthproblems are also eligible for this fund.

4.3 Blackboard

Some of the material for the lecture courses may be delivered using a Virtual LearningEnvironment (VLE) http://learn.imperial.ac.uk which (among other things) can be used to accessmaterial, such as lecture notes and problem sheets posted by the course lecturer. Different lecturecourses use the VLE to differing degrees and you will be advised by each lecturer what materialthey have made available. You will need to register with the course before you can access thematerial. In most cases this will be done upon your arrival but please [email protected] if you wish to gain access to a course.
http://learn.imperial.ac.uk/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://learn.imperial.ac.uk/


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Please note that the College will be migrating to a new version of the VLE during the 2012-13academic year.

You will need to register for the Graduate School courses and the Risk Assessment FoundationTraining course (RAFT) via the VLE.

4.4 How to complain

Imperial College aims to give the highest specialised instruction and service to all its students,however, in some cases it recognises that students may not always be satisfied with the servicethat they have received. If you wish to raise a concern, you should first seek advice from yourstudent representatives and raise the matter with the individual concerned. If you are not satisfiedwith the outcome, you should consult the Colleges Registry website which provides clear andconsistent procedures that indicate how you can take your comments further:

http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/proceduresandregulations/policiesandprocedures/complaintsappeals
http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/proceduresandregulations/policiesandprocedures/complaintsappealshttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/proceduresandregulations/policiesandprocedures/complaintsappealshttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/proceduresandregulations/policiesandprocedures/complaintsappealshttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/proceduresandregulations/policiesandprocedures/complaintsappealshttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/proceduresandregulations/policiesandprocedures/complaintsappeals


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5. Professional Skil ls

All postgraduate students in Physics are members of the Graduate School.

The Graduate School has overall responsibility for postgraduate education and research and, inparticular, in delivering a variety of transferable skills courses, social and academic events andcareers opportunities. Further details will be given at the start of the course.

Students will be required to attend four of the following courses:

Research Skills and Reference Management

Preparing and Writing a Literature Review

Interpersonal Skills

Academic writing

Information posters layout and design

Note-taking and efficient reading Negotiating Skills

Interview Skills

A record of attendance at the courses is maintained. A transcript can be obtained from theGraduate School to confirm the classes attended.

Students are free to attend other courses if desired.


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6. General Information about Life in the Department of Physics

This section is intended to supply all new arrivals (not just MSc students) with some essentialinformation about the Department of Physics and Imperial College.

6.1. Before you Arrive

Prior to arriving at Imperial College, you should have received joining instructions, a timetable andthe details on the introductory lecture where you shall be given further details of the course,briefings and documents on your course and the Department (such as safety information) and theopportunity to meet your colleagues.

6.2. Where to Find Us

Imperial College is located just behind (south of) the Albert Hall in South Kensington. The nearesttube stations are South Kensington and Gloucester Road on the District/Circle Line and HighStreet Kensington on the Circle Line. South Kensington and Gloucester Road are also on thePiccadilly Line which goes directly to Heathrow Airport.

The Department of Physics is located at the Blackett Laboratory, on the corner of Queens Gateand Prince Consort Road (the entrance is on this road).

6.3. When you Arrive

Unless you have already registered online, MSc students should first register at the Registry onLevel 3 of the Sherfield Building. After that, go to the PG Office (316 on the 3rd floor of the BlackettLaboratory) for any introductory material or instructions.

6.4. ID Cards

One of the very first things you need to do when you arrive is obtain an identity card. For students,photo ID cards are usually obtained either from the PG Office or, if you are staying in Halls, by theHall when you check in. The ID card is essential for a number of purposes, including registering atthe Central Library. It is also used as a swipe card to get in and out of the building when theCollege is locked (at weekends and after 6pm on weekdays).

6.5. Mail

The Department address is:

Physics Department,Imperial College London,South Kensington campus,London, SW7 2AZ.

UK


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If you have any mail to be delivered to the Department, please use your name together with theabove address. The mail will be delivered to the PG Office, who will contact you when it arrives.

6.6. Telephones

The general college number is 020 7589 5111. The College operator may be obtained by dialling0. Five-figure internal numbers may be dialled directly on the phone. All extension numbersprefixed with a 4 may be dialled directly by external callers using 020 7594-XXXX. Extensionnumbers prefixed with a 5 do not have the direct dialling facility. Use the People tab (top right,next to the Search textbox) on the College website to find telephone numbers and offices ofmembers of College. Microsoft Outlook also has contact details for the staff and students.

6.7. Security and Emergencies

Emergencies of all types may be reported to Ext.4444. There are First Aid boxes around theDepartment and in the laboratories, and your safety induction and literature should give you detailson First Aid procedures.

Petty theft happens from time to time. Don't leave valuables lying around and always close andlock the door, even if you go out for just a short time.

More seriously, there have recently been a number of cases of large-scale computer theft fromImperial College, at least one of which was from the Huxley building. Make sure that the doors toany rooms containing computers are properly locked if you are one of the last to leave in theevenings or at weekends. Unfortunately, some thefts have been from locked offices, so if you havea laptop, either take it home each night or lock it in a secure place. If you see anyone at all

suspicious, call security at the above number.

6.8. Library Facili ties

The Central Library is next to the Sherfield Building. This is an amalgam of the Imperial Collegeand Science Museum Libraries. The catalogue may be accessed from terminals in the CentralLibrary and over the web (starting from the College home page). The Central Library also housesthe Haldane Library, with a good general collection (fiction and non-fiction) and a music library.

Electronic journals are available via the library website:

http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/library/digitallibrary

Note that the Physics Department does not have its own library.

6. 9 Photocopying

There is a photocopier in the Level 3 computing suite and the library. They are operated (like theprinters) by cards using credit added by the card loaders scattered throughout College (there isone on the Level 3 computer suite).
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6.10 Accommodation

The College has a number of offices which may provide you with help in finding accommodation.Short-term accommodation, either in the form of a College guest room or a local hotel, may bebooked through the College Conference Office. For long-term accommodation, students should go

to the Accommodation Office on Level 3, Sherfield Building (Ext. 49444 or from outside, 0207 5949444).

Outside the College, two of the most useful sources of listings are The Evening Standard andLoot, both published on six days of the week and online. www.gumtree.com is also a useful placeto look.

6.11. Food and Drink

Lunch can be bought in the Student Common Room, on Level 2 of the Sherfield Building or

downstairs in the Main Dining Room.

Tea, coffee and sandwiches are available in the Physics Common Room, on Level 8 of theBlackett Lab (which also offers an impressive view over London). Due to their large number, MScstudents are unfortunately not permitted to use the Maths Department Common Room on Level 5of the Huxley Building or the Senior Common Room in the Sherfield Building.

A number of sandwich shops, restaurants and pubs, at a range of prices, may be found onGloucester Road (one block west of Queen's Gate), and around the tube station at SouthKensington. Beit Quad and Southside have student bars.

6.12. Health

We strongly recommend that you register with an NHS general practitioner as soon as you arriveat Imperial, even if you do not normally need to see a doctor. Most students are eligible to registerwith the College Health Centre, whether they live in halls of residence or private accommodation.Students living outside the Health Centres registration area may still join the Health Centre inorder to use our services on site during opening hours. For information see:

www.imperial.ac.uk/students/welfareandadvice/thehealthcentre

The College Health Service may be found at 40 Princes Gardens. Their telephone number is

Ext.4-9375/6. For emergencies call Ext.4444. Students, local residents and visitors from overseasmay all use the Health Service free of charge. The Health Service is open from 8am to 6pmweekdays during term time (but it is closed after 1pm on Tuesdays), and 8am to 5pm out of term.Appointments may be made by calling the above number. Otherwise, there is an open clinic(appointments not necessary) from 8:30am to 10am, Monday to Friday. In addition to GeneralPractitioners, an extensive range of services are offered, including free condoms, physiotherapy,acupuncture, herbal medicine, osteopathy, massage, pyschotherapy, vaccinations and treatmentfor sports injuries. Dental treatment is also provided at the Health Service. It is open from 9am to6pm. Appointments are usually necessary (call 0207 589 6623 or Ext.4-9396). It is generallynecessary to pay for dental treatment, although students and those on income support can obtainsubsidies.

If travelling elsewhere in the European Union, you would be advised to obtain an EHIC card
http://www.gumtree.com/http://www.imperial.ac.uk/students/welfareandadvice/thehealthcentrehttp://www.imperial.ac.uk/students/welfareandadvice/thehealthcentrehttp://www.imperial.ac.uk/students/welfareandadvice/thehealthcentrehttp://www.gumtree.com/


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https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do

prior to your travel, as this will enable you to receive medical treatment at reduced cost. The EHICis available to all persons resident in the United Kingdom, but non European Union students willneed longer to apply.

Internal Tel.Emergency assistance (Medical, Security and Fire, Police, Ambulance) 4444 (internal)

The Health Centre 020 7584 6301/49375(http://www.imperialcollegehealthcentre.co.uk)

The Student Accommodation Office 49444(http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/residences)

The Student Counselling service 49637(http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/counselling)

Careers Service 48024(http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/careers)

Chaplaincy (Religious support, including other major faiths) 49600(http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/chaplaincy)

Students Union 48060(http://www.imperialcollegeunion.org/)

6.13. Sports Facilities

The College Sports Centre can be found at 7 Prince's Gardens. Details of facilities, opening time,etc can be found at http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/sports/ethos.

6.14. Banking

Students and long-term visitors will doubtless find it useful to open a bank account in London. Thefour largest banks in the UK are National Westminster, Barclays, Lloyds and HSBC. Many banksare attentive to the special needs of students. Students opening accounts may need theirCertificate of Registration at Imperial College and also ID such as a passport.

6.15. Parking

Parking is extremely limited in the College. Permits for short visits (a day or so) can sometimes beobtained.

6.16. Travel

All staff and students travelling on College business are automatically covered by the College's

insurance policy. It is worth taking with you a copy of the cover note, obtainable from:
https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.dohttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/sports/ethoshttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/sports/ethoshttps://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do


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www.imperial.ac.uk/finance/sections/insurance/overseastravelinsurance

If you do plan to go away during term time, even if only for a few days, please speak to the CourseOrganiser beforehand and leave details indicating where you can be contacted.

6.17. Life in London

Time Out, published weekly, has extensive listings of much that is going in London. It can bebought at a discount at the student shop on the walkway outside the Sherfield Building.

The Student Union organises many events, details of which can be found athttp://www.imperialcollegeunion.org/or from posters on the notice-boards.

6.18. Moving on from Imperial

The Careers Advisory Service http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/careers/aboutthecareersserviceprovides training on important skills like CV writing and interview techniques as well as careersadvice and information from potential employers.

Many students who successfully complete a Masters degree in the Department of Physics go on todo a PhD. Guidance on choosing and applying for a PhD is will be given during the course.

6.19. And When You Leave ...

Make sure you return all keys, copy cards, ID card, books and other College material. Pleaseeither provide details of how you can be contacted or monitor your College email account as wemay need to contact you afterwards (with your final result, for instance).
http://www.imperial.ac.uk/finance/sections/insurance/overseastravelinsurancehttp://www.imperial.ac.uk/finance/sections/insurance/overseastravelinsurancehttp://www.imperialcollegeunion.org/http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/careers/aboutthecareersservicehttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/careers/aboutthecareersservicehttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/careers/aboutthecareersservicehttp://www.imperialcollegeunion.org/http://www.imperial.ac.uk/finance/sections/insurance/overseastravelinsurance


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7. Computer Facil ities

General support and information on using computers at Imperial College is the responsibility of

ICT (Information and Communication Technologies division). Information for new students can befound at http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/ict/services/newstudents.

All new members of College will be given a College username and email address. The inductionpack given to you at the start of your studies will explain how to activate your account pleasenote you will need your CID number to do this.

General help on computing matters can be obtained from the service desk. Their website is at:http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/ict/servicedesk. Their email address is [email protected] orthey can be contacted by phone on ext. 49000.

Students can use any of the College's public area PCs. There are three public areas in Collegewhich are available to the MSc students, these are in the central library on level 2, in MechanicalEngineering building on level 4, and the undergraduate computing lab on level 3 Blackett, althoughundergraduates have priority of use in the latter. Some Halls of Residence have their owncomputer suites available for residents.

The computer suites have network printers for use by students. Each student has an account topay for their printing and you must have sufficient credit in this account to print your job. Whenstarting, your account will be given some credit extra credits can be obtained from the cardloaders throughout College.

The College has a wireless network, and guidance on connecting your computer to the network

can be found at

http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/ict/services/securitynetworkdatacentreandtelephonyservices/collegenetwork/networkconnections/wirelessconnection

Please note that if you are using your own computer on a College network you are still bound bythe Colleges terms and conditions of use, which you will have to agree to prior to activating youraccount and which can be seen at https://www.imperial.ac.uk/ict/activateaccount/.

Much of the course material for the MSc in Physics will be delivered using webCT/BlackboardLearning System, a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which (among other things) is used tomanage course material. Different lecture courses use VLE to differing degrees and you will be

advised by each lecturer what material they have made available on the VLE.
http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/ict/services/newstudentshttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/ict/servicedeskmailto:[email protected]://www3.imperial.ac.uk/ict/services/securitynetworkdatacentreandtelephonyservices/collegenetwork/networkconnections/wirelessconnectionhttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/ict/services/securitynetworkdatacentreandtelephonyservices/collegenetwork/networkconnections/wirelessconnectionhttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/ict/services/securitynetworkdatacentreandtelephonyservices/collegenetwork/networkconnections/wirelessconnectionhttps://www.imperial.ac.uk/ict/activateaccount/https://www.imperial.ac.uk/ict/activateaccount/http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/ict/services/securitynetworkdatacentreandtelephonyservices/collegenetwork/networkconnections/wirelessconnectionhttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/ict/services/securitynetworkdatacentreandtelephonyservices/collegenetwork/networkconnections/wirelessconnectionmailto:[email protected]://www3.imperial.ac.uk/ict/servicedeskhttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/ict/services/newstudents

physics msc handbook.pdf

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