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Core modules:

Fundamental Physics and Mathematics I: Mechanics, Oscillations, Waves and Thermal Physics

This core module will give you an understanding of the fundamental physical principles, mathematical tools, and laboratory skills you'll use throughout your degree. 

You'll learn about key physical principles, such as Newton's laws, linear and rotational equations of motion, the wave equation, the laws of thermodynamics, and heat transfer. 

You'll also learn about the linear algebra and calculus that underpins these principles, covering differentiation and integration, complex numbers, matrices and differential equations. 

You'll build a strong foundation in laboratory techniques through hands-on experience. You'll learn how to build and use DC circuits and set up experiments to test principles, including kinematic motion, standing and travelling waves, heat engines, and diffraction.

40 credits

Fundamental Physics and Mathematics II: Electricity, Magnetism and Quantum Physics

In this core module you'll further develop your knowledge of the fundamental physical principles, mathematical tools and laboratory skills needed for your degree.

You'll explore topics across electricity, magnetism and quantum physics, such as electric potentials and fields, electrical circuits, magnetic fields, the Lorentz force, the photo-electric effect, and the quantum wave function. You'll also learn to describe these phenomena through vector calculus and probability theory.

You'll gain hands-on experience of conducting laboratory work. You'll test various aspects of physical principles, including measuring and mapping electric and magnetic fields, and building and using AC circuits.

40 credits

Investigating Nature: the Physicist's Toolbox

This core module provides you with the foundational skills and techniques necessary for success as a physicist. You'll learn how to use self-study skills for independent learning, conduct and report on research projects ethically, and integrate AI responsibly. You'll learn how to import and analyse data in Python, and present these results professionally. You'll also develop your interpersonal and team-management abilities by working with your coursemates on a group project, such as analysing optical precision instruments.

You'll employ general problem-solving techniques that are routinely used in physics, including dimensional analysis, making approximations, and checking your calculations using order-of-magnitude estimations, limiting behaviour, and symmetry considerations.

Through employability workshops, you'll receive guidance on how to showcase your achievements effectively to help secure projects, placements, and graduate opportunities.

20 credits

Optional modules:

A student will take 20 credits (one module) from this group.

Frontiers of Physics

This module introduces you to the various physics research activities undertaken in the School of Mathematical and Physical Science. You'll learn about our research in areas such as gravitational wave detection, quantum computing, atomic force microscopy, biophysics, neutrino physics, exoplanet detection, axions as a dark matter candidate, and integrated photonic chips. 

You'll develop your knowledge of the key concepts and considerations in each area, and be able to do simple estimates and calculations relevant to these topics. You'll have the opportunity to explore what area of physics appeals to you most, helping you with module choices later in your degree.

20 credits

Introduction to Astrophysics

This module will provide you with an understanding of important physical concepts and techniques involved in astrophysics, with an emphasis on how fundamental results can be derived from observations.

You'll apply basic physical principles to astrophysical problems, exploring topics such as solar systems, the properties and evolution of stars and galaxies, as well as the origins and fate of the Universe.

20 credits

Introduction to Electric and Electronic Circuits

This module introduces the concepts and analytical tools for predicting the behaviour of combinations of passive circuit elements, resistance, capacitance and inductance driven by ideal voltage and/or current sources which may be ac or dc sources. The ideas involved are important not only from the point of view of modelling real electronic circuits but also because many complicated processes in biology, medicine and mechanical engineering are themselves modelled by electric circuits. The passive ideas are extended to active electronic components; diodes, transistors and operational amplifiers and the circuits in which these devices are used. Transformers, magnetics and dc motors are also covered.

20 credits