MScinPhysics

DepartmentofPhysics
FacultyofNaturalSciences

Handbook(2012/13)

1. INFORMATION FOR MSC STUDENTS AND STAFF

1.1IntroductionandGeneralInformation 1.2Ourprinciples 1.3.AimsandObjectives 1.4.StaffMembers 1.5.PersonalSupervisorsandOtherPointsofContact 1.6.Lectures 1.7.Safety 1.8EmploymentduringStudies

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2. STRUCTURE OF THE COURSE.

2.1GeneralStructure 2.2.Timetable

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3. COURSE REQUIREMENTS
3.1Assessmentofthecoursecomponents 3.2RequirementsforpassingtheMSc 3.3ImperialCollegeStatementregardingPlagiarism 3.4UseofMaterialsforTeaching 3.5UseofCalculatorsinWrittenExaminations 3.6Resits

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ACADEMIC SUPPORT

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4.1AbsencesandIllness 4.2Informationforstudentswithdisabilities,specificlearningdifficultiesorlongtermhealthissues 4.3Blackboard 4.4Howtocomplain

5. PROFESSIONAL SKILLS 6. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT LIFE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

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6.1.BeforeyouArrive 6.2.WheretoFindUs 6.3.WhenyouArrive 6.4.IDCards 6.5.Mail 6.6.Telephones 6.7.SecurityandEmergencies 6.8.LibraryFacilities 6.9Photocopying 6.10Accommodation 6.11.FoodandDrink 6.12.Health 6.13.SportsFacilities 6.14.Banking 6.15.Parking 6.16.Travel 6.17.LifeinLondon 6.18.MovingonfromImperial 6.19.AndWhenYouLeave...

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7. COMPUTER FACILITIES

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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 the Blackett Laboratory, including assessment and feedback mechanisms. This edition of the handbook applies to academic year 2012-13. A printed copy of this handbook will be provided to every student at the start of the academic year and you will be informed of any significant changes to its content. A copy of the current version is placed on the MSc in Physics website 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 the undergraduate physics courses) and they have extensive access to the academic and support staff of the Department; students therefore should not hesitate to approach the Course Supervisors or any member of staff for advice or assistance. The Imperial Study Guide for Masters Students can be found under http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/students/studyguide and the Colleges Student Charter under http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/students/ourprinciples. This handbook describes the framework of the course and its assessment but the Course Supervisor and/or Course Committee may make changes to detailed procedures if the circumstances indicate this is desirable. Similarly, the Board of Examiners has absolute discretion to modify the criteria described in this handbook, although in practice this would only occur in exceptional circumstances. Students will be notified of any changes prior to their 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 experimental and theoretical research fields. These extend from astronomy, space and plasma physics to high energy, theoretical and atomic physics. Solid state, laser physics, applied optics and photonics have wide applications, while fields such as quantum information theory may lead to exciting new applications. The Department has extensive facilities and a tremendous range of research topics and uses this expertise to the benefit of MSc students both in terms of the material taught and 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 Our Principles. The Principles were developed by a College Working Group including representatives of all Faculties and undergraduate and postgraduate students. The Principles define the guiding principles of the College community and cover all students, both undergraduate and postgraduate. They are not a legal contract but rather an easily accessible,

concise source of information and a clear display of staff, student and ICU collaboration. They will be reviewed annually by the Quality Assurance Advisory Committee. The Principles are available at: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/students/ourprinciples. Each Principle is accompanied by drop-down text, which elaborates upon the overarching statements and provides 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 degree programme; provide high quality advanced education in physics beyond Bachelor level within an environment 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 nonspecialised 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: Responsibility Course Supervisor PG Development Officer Physics Postgraduate Administrator Admissions Examinations Board of Examiners (Chairman) Self-Study Project Coordinator Thesis Project Coordinator Departmental Postgraduate Welfare Officer Department Postgraduate Student Representative Department Careers Advisor Department Director of Postgraduate Studies Personal Tutor Person Dr Julia Sedgbeer Prof Richard Thompson Dr Andrew Williamson Ms. Loli Sanchez Rey Dr Julia Sedgbeer Prof. Richard Thompson Dr A. Williamson Dr Julia Sedgbeer Dr A. Williamson Dr A. Williamson Dr A.Czaja Ms Nathalie Skrzypek Prof. Mark Neil Prof. Lesley Cohen Dr Robert Forsyth Room No 526 6M02 Huxley 316 316 Tel Ext. 47811 43606 47631 47512

726 1018 608 912B H6/M64

41789 47557 46611 47598 47761

Huxley External Examiner Prof. Stephen M Barnett FRS FRSE University of Strathclyde

Details of the lecturers on the course will be available on the timetable and the Departmental and course website. Contact details for the course lecturers can be found there or by the People tab on 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 primarily to be the first point of contact for any issues or difficulties that may arise throughout the course. He will be able to advise students on selection of courses, career matters, writing recommendation letters, 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 may arise. There is one elected student representative on the MSc Course Committee, and students are encouraged 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 Personal Tutor or the Course Supervisor. Each student is asked to complete an online questionnaire, PG SOLE, about the lecture courses towards the end of Terms 1 and 2. The results of this are discussed at the Physics MSc Course Committee 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 for undergraduate teaching. Some lectures may be in other lecture rooms throughout the Blackett Laboratory (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 of paramount importance. All students are issued with the current version of the Blackett Laboratory Safety 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.

Information on health and safety can be found under http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/facilitiesmanagement/healthandsafety. Summer projects may be taken in research group laboratories where high-power laser beams or other 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 covering electrical, chemical and laser safety as appropriate. The Building Evacuation Signal is an announcement to leave the building. When this is heard everyone 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%20a nd%20Procedures/Student%20Employment%20During%20Studies.pdf

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 the addition of a major individual project carried out between June and September. The provisional programme content is as follows: Table 1: Overview of the course Course component Six lecture courses, including Advanced Classical Physics unless previously studied. At least four of these courses must be at Level 4. Advanced mathematical techniques lecture course. Self-study project Research Skills Training Graduate School transferable skills courses Major Project Total Term 1 (30 ECTS total): Compulsory courses Advanced Classical Physics (Level 3, 6 ECTS) unless this material has already covered at 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 is sometimes referred to as MTM Self-study project on an agreed area of physics (6 ECTS). Selected transferable skills courses (offered by the Graduate Schools) ECTS 36 6 6 6 0 36 90

Optional courses Two or three options from level 4 list (including Optics and Photonics, Quantum Fields MSc 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 plus private 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)

Optional courses Three options from level 4 list (including Optics and Photonics or Quantum Fields MSc or CDT 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 be as 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 two members of staff;

Lecture course list The 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 of two 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.

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 especially popular courses may require students to register prior to attending. Both courses and staff change occasionally 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 supported by regular lecturer office hours and problem sheets handed out by the lecturer. In addition, for the more theoretical courses, Rapid Feedback Sessions are available where a postgraduate student takes students through selected problem sheet questions which have previously been handed in for marking. Some courses have pre-requisite requirements, but since some students will not have studied here previously, a flexible attitude will be taken to these requirements. In many cases the prerequisite course can be studied in term 1. A list of all prerequisite topics is provided for each course 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 workshops Students are required to attend a minimum of four workshops from the the Graduate SchoolMasterClass 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 development training during their Masters degree and can request a transcript from the Graduate School to confirm the classes that they have attended. Project Research 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 ending in June and project work occupying the summer. The College standard lecturing schedule is

followed, with 50 minute lectures commencing on the hour, Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, with Wednesday afternoons free. The total number of lectures per week on the MSc course depends on 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. Staff may recommend seminars that are particularly accessible (not all of them are!). Also of interest are the Physics Department colloquia, about three times per term, designed to appeal to a wide audience.

3. Course Requirements
3.1 Assessment of the course components
Lecture courses Details of the assessment for the Advanced Mathematical Techniques course will be given at the start of the course. Other examinations for lecture courses offered by the Masters courses in the Department will be at the same time as the Masters courses please note that some may be in January. The MSci lecture courses will be assessed by conventional examinations, as for the MSci students taking these courses. These take place in May and June. Research Skills Training The research skills training will be assessed by exercises and reports on appropriate mini-projects in a variety of theoretical, computational and experimental areas. Self-study Project The self-study project will be assessed by a presentation (to a group of MSc students) and a written report. Major Project The major project will be assessed by continuous assessment by the supervisor, a literature review 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 Lecture courses Projects Component Six lecture courses Mathematical Techniques Self-study project Research Skills Training Major project ECTS 36 6 6 6 36 Weight(%) 46 6 6 6 36

To pass the MSc, the candidate must achieve a mark of 50% or higher in each element of the MSc. In addition, they must have passed each component with a mark of 40% or higher. Students must also attend the required Graduate School courses. A candidate can be considered for a Merit if the candidate has achieved an aggregate mark of 60% and a mark of 60% 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 mark of 70% and a mark of 70% 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.

Marks are collated by the Course Supervisor and reviewed internally before being sent to the external examiner for external inspection. An Examiners meeting is held in October at which the Final 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 writing papers, reports, theses, etc. This is particularly important when the work is in collaboration with other persons. The College definition and policy regarding plagiarism can be found at http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/exams/examoffences A useful link on properly using material is http://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 made available to students electronically. Such materials will include lecture notes, problem sets and solutions, computational exercises and solutions, and recordings of lectures and problem classes etc. All this material is copyright, and students may not use it for any purpose other than their own private study, and they may not distribute it to anyone else in any medium. The penalties for infringing these rules are severe and they may include expulsion from Imperial College and prosecution under copyright law.

3.5 Use of Calculators in Written Examinations

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

3.6 Resits
Resits for the examinations are normally held at the next available opportunity, usually the following academic year.

Academic Support

4.1 Absences and Illness

The College monitors the attendance of all its students. Students are requested to notify lecturers and the Course Organiser if they become ill. Students are required to provide a medical certificate if they are absent for 3 days or more, including during the summer project. If a student misses an examination 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 their services 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 that claims for mitigating or extenuating circumstances should be made before, or no later than five days 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 remain confidential and will only be viewed by the advisory panel which will make a recommendation to the Board of Examiners about your request. You may indicate if there is any information which you DO NOT wish to be released to the Board of Examiners but bear in mind that the more information that is received by the Board the better able they will be to reach an informed decision. The mitigation policy and procedures can be found under http://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 learning difficulties or long-term health issues
At Imperial College we recognise that studying at university can be a challenge, especially if you have a disability. We are keen that you have every opportunity to fulfil your potential and graduate with the degree 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 and support to enable you to do this. Some people never think of themselves as having a disability, but students who have experienced any of the issues listed below have found that a little extra help and support has made all the difference 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

Visual difficulties

Where to find help:

1. Your Disability Liaison Officer (Andrew Williamson. andrew.williamson@imperial.ac.uk) Andrew Williamson is your first point of contact within your department and is there to help you with arranging any support within the department that you need. Andrew is also the person who will apply for Special Examination arrangements on your behalf. You need to contact him without delay 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/disabilityadvisoryservice The Disability Advisory Service works with individual students no matter what their disability to ensure that they have the support they need. We can also help if you think that you may have an unrecognised study problem such as dyslexia. Our service is both confidential (information about you is only passed on to other people in the university with your agreement) and individual in that any 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 departmental liaison officer senior tutor or exams officer, the accommodation office or the estates department 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 can apply for a grant called the Disabled Students Allowance which can pay any extra costs that are a direct result of disability. This fund is not means-tested and is also a grant not a loan so any home student with a disability can apply and will not be expected to pay it back. Remember students with unseen disabilities such as mental health difficulties, dyslexic type difficulties or long term health problems are also eligible for this fund.

4.3 Blackboard
Some of the material for the lecture courses may be delivered using a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) http://learn.imperial.ac.uk which (among other things) can be used to access material, such as lecture notes and problem sheets posted by the course lecturer. Different lecture courses use the VLE to differing degrees and you will be advised by each lecturer what material they have made available. You will need to register with the course before you can access the material. In most cases this will be done upon your arrival but please contact andrew.williamson@imperial.ac.uk if you wish to gain access to a course.

Please note that the College will be migrating to a new version of the VLE during the 2012-13 academic year. You will need to register for the Graduate School courses and the Risk Assessment Foundation Training 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 service that they have received. If you wish to raise a concern, you should first seek advice from your student representatives and raise the matter with the individual concerned. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you should consult the Colleges Registry website which provides clear and consistent procedures that indicate how you can take your comments further: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/proceduresandregulations/policiesandprocedures/complaintsap peals

5. Professional Skills
All postgraduate students in Physics are members of the Graduate School. The Graduate School has overall responsibility for postgraduate education and research and, in particular, in delivering a variety of transferable skills courses, social and academic events and careers 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 the Graduate School to confirm the classes attended. Students are free to attend other courses if desired.

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 essential information 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 and the 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 the opportunity 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 nearest tube stations are South Kensington and Gloucester Road on the District/Circle Line and High Street Kensington on the Circle Line. South Kensington and Gloucester Road are also on the Piccadilly Line which goes directly to Heathrow Airport. The Department of Physics is located at the Blackett Laboratory, on the corner of Queens Gate and 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 on Level 3 of the Sherfield Building. After that, go to the PG Office (316 on the 3rd floor of the Blackett Laboratory) 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 the Hall when you check in. The ID card is essential for a number of purposes, including registering at the Central Library. It is also used as a swipe card to get in and out of the building when the College 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

If you have any mail to be delivered to the Department, please use your name together with the above 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 dialling 0. Five-figure internal numbers may be dialled directly on the phone. All extension numbers prefixed with a 4 may be dialled directly by external callers using 020 7594-XXXX. Extension numbers 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 of members 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 the Department and in the laboratories, and your safety induction and literature should give you details on First Aid procedures. Petty theft happens from time to time. Don't leave valuables lying around and always close and lock 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 from Imperial College, at least one of which was from the Huxley building. Make sure that the doors to any rooms containing computers are properly locked if you are one of the last to leave in the evenings or at weekends. Unfortunately, some thefts have been from locked offices, so if you have a 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 Facilities

The Central Library is next to the Sherfield Building. This is an amalgam of the Imperial College and Science Museum Libraries. The catalogue may be accessed from terminals in the Central Library and over the web (starting from the College home page). The Central Library also houses the 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 the printers) by cards using credit added by the card loaders scattered throughout College (there is one on the Level 3 computer suite).

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 be booked 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 594 9444). Outside the College, two of the most useful sources of listings are The Evening Standard and Loot, both published on six days of the week and online. www.gumtree.com is also a useful place to 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 the Blackett Lab (which also offers an impressive view over London). Due to their large number, MSc students are unfortunately not permitted to use the Maths Department Common Room on Level 5 of 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 on Gloucester Road (one block west of Queen's Gate), and around the tube station at South Kensington. 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 arrive at Imperial, even if you do not normally need to see a doctor. Most students are eligible to register with 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 in order 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 overseas may all use the Health Service free of charge. The Health Service is open from 8am to 6pm weekdays 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 General Practitioners, an extensive range of services are offered, including free condoms, physiotherapy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, osteopathy, massage, pyschotherapy, vaccinations and treatment for sports injuries. Dental treatment is also provided at the Health Service. It is open from 9am to 6pm. Appointments are usually necessary (call 0207 589 6623 or Ext.4-9396). It is generally necessary to pay for dental treatment, although students and those on income support can obtain subsidies. If travelling elsewhere in the European Union, you would be advised to obtain an EHIC card

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 EHIC is available to all persons resident in the United Kingdom, but non European Union students will need longer to apply. Emergency assistance (Medical, Security and Fire, Police, Ambulance) The Health Centre (http://www.imperialcollegehealthcentre.co.uk) The Student Accommodation Office (http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/residences) The Student Counselling service (http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/counselling) Careers Service (http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/careers) Chaplaincy (Religious support, including other major faiths) (http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/chaplaincy) Students Union (http://www.imperialcollegeunion.org/) Internal Tel. 4444 (internal) 020 7584 6301/49375 49444 49637 48024 49600 48060

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. The four largest banks in the UK are National Westminster, Barclays, Lloyds and HSBC. Many banks are attentive to the special needs of students. Students opening accounts may need their Certificate 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 be obtained.

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:

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 Course Organiser 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 be bought 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 at http://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/aboutthecareersservice provides training on important skills like CV writing and interview techniques as well as careers advice and information from potential employers. Many students who successfully complete a Masters degree in the Department of Physics go on to do 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. Please either provide details of how you can be contacted or monitor your College email account as we may need to contact you afterwards (with your final result, for instance).

7. Computer Facilities
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 be found at http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/ict/services/newstudents. All new members of College will be given a College username and email address. The induction pack given to you at the start of your studies will explain how to activate your account please note 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 Service.Desk@imperial.ac.uk or they 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 College which are available to the MSc students, these are in the central library on level 2, in Mechanical Engineering building on level 4, and the undergraduate computing lab on level 3 Blackett, although undergraduates have priority of use in the latter. Some Halls of Residence have their own computer suites available for residents. The computer suites have network printers for use by students. Each student has an account to pay for their printing and you must have sufficient credit in this account to print your job. When starting, your account will be given some credit extra credits can be obtained from the card loaders 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/collegenet work/networkconnections/wirelessconnection Please note that if you are using your own computer on a College network you are still bound by the Colleges terms and conditions of use, which you will have to agree to prior to activating your account 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/Blackboard Learning System, a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which (among other things) is used to manage 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.