Small-group teaching
Tutorials
In the first and second years, individual courses are supported by tutorials in which small groups of between four to six students meet at twice weekly intervals to discuss the material from lecture courses and problems. Tutorials have no fixed format however and discussion frequently ranges beyond the immediate subject matter to wider implications and issues.
Workshops
In the first year there are, in addition to tutorials, maths workshops available to support the mathematics material. These workshops are particularly useful for those commencing study after a gap year, as they allow a better refreshment of A-level material while also providing support for first year mathematics modules.
Problem classes
In the first and second years, the mathematics modules have weekly problem classes associated with the material covered in the lectures. This provides you with a great opportunity to tackle some problems and raise any issues you may have with the course.
In the third and fourth years, several physics modules have problem classes associated with them. Similarly to the mathematics classes in the first and second years, your attending allows you the opportunity to question an academic about the material and to get on with exercises designed to prepare you for examinations.
Seminars
In the fourth year a limited amount of teaching is done by seminars, with a particular overall topical theme. A group, of perhaps twelve students, meets each week with a member of staff in attendance to hear short talks by one or two members of the group on a particular aspect of the subject, and this is followed by discussions. The subjects are chosen to reflect contemporary issues so that there is scope for debate on values, as well as on purely scientific matters.
One of the main purposes of the seminar is to help you practise and develop your skill in communication, an important ability in all contexts but particularly so in science and industry. The member of staff in charge of the seminar group advises beforehand on the preparation of the seminar, and makes constructive comments afterwards.
Supervisors
In addition to small group meetings with tutors, each student has a supervisor who is a member of the academic staff. His or her role is to guide your studies and be concerned about your academic progress and general welfare. Towards the end of your course, when you come to consider jobs or further study, he or she will advise you and write references in support of your applications.
You meet your supervisor in your first week at University and thereafter regularly, at least twice every term. However, fortnightly meetings for personal discussions are arranged in the first term. He or she is always available to advise you on academic issues and any other problems which may arise from time to time. Throughout your course there will be additional supervisors for particular activities (e.g. first year laboratory supervisor, communication skills supervisor, project supervisor).
Communication skills
The aim of these exercises, which run throughout the BSc and MPhys courses, is to help you in gathering, evaluating, and presenting information. Such exercises include Study Skills, Laboratory Mini-project Presentation, Electronic Information Gathering, Essays, 3rd Year Conference, Project Talks, Seminars.
Prizes are presented in several communication skills activities for the best presentation or essay.
