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Physics
School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences,
Faculty of Science
Course description
Our Physics MSc will deepen your understanding of the Universe through topics at the cutting edge of physics research. You’ll have the opportunity to explore semiconductor physics and technology, quantum mechanics, particle physics, general relativity, and soft matter and biological physics.
You’ll gain expertise that can be applied to some of the biggest challenges in science and technology, by developing your technical skills and experience. You’ll also learn how specialist knowledge, such as computer programming and data analysis, can be applied in the computing, electronics and telecommunications industries.
The biggest part of your Physics MSc will be your research project. You’ll apply the knowledge and skills you’ve developed to research an important issue or problem in Physics. This will involve reviewing research literature, designing and conducting research using qualitative and quantitative research techniques, handling and analysing data, and reporting findings both verbally and in writing. Topics for your research project could include:
- Using tau leptons in collider experiments to search for new physics
- Characterising ultra-fast imaging photon sensors for neutrino experiments
- Design a masterclass for high-school students using ATLAS open data
- Nano antennas - an emerging technology for light manipulation at the nanoscale
- Perovskites and organic semiconductor for photovoltaics
- 3D scale models of solar-cell power towers in complex urban environments
Modules
Core modules:
- Research project
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Students will undertake a supervised research project , applying their scientific knowledge to a range of research problems from experimental and/or theoretical projects, spanning the research expertise of the School. Along with applying their knowledge, students will manage their project, ensuring that they apply skills developed in time management, project planning, scientific record keeping, information retrieval and analysis from scientific and other technical information sources.
60 credits - Physics Research Skills
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This module is designed to enhance and support the Physics MSc course. It will to allow students to develop skills in various aspects of the research process. Students will conduct a literature review and develop a range of skills that include project management, ethics assessment and; intellectual property management and exploitation. Students will attend seminars and be supported by one to one sessions with their project supervisor.
30 credits
Optional modules:
A student will take 90 credits from this group.
- Advanced Quantum Mechanics
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Quantum mechanics at an intermediate to advanced level, including the mathematical vector space formalism, approximate methods, angular momentum, and some contemporary topics such as entanglement, density matrices and open quantum systems. We will study topics in quantum mechanics at an intermediate to advanced level, bridging the gap between the physics core and graduate level material. The syllabus includes a formal mathematical description in the language of vector spaces; the description of the quantum state in Schrodinger and Heisenberg pictures, and using density operators to represent mixed states; approximate methods: perturbation theory, variational method and time-dependent perturbation theory; the theory of angular momentum and spin; the treatment of identical particles; entanglement; open quantum systems and decoherence. The problem solving will provide a lot of practice at using vector and matrix methods and operator algebra techniques. The teaching will take the form of traditional lectures plus weekly problem classes where you will be provided with support and feedback on your attempts.
15 credits - An Introduction to General Relativity
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A course on Einstein's theory of gravity. We start with the principle of equivalence, then move on to tensors. We motivate and then write down Einstein's equations. We use Schwarzschild black holes, Friedmann Robertson Walker cosmology and gravitational waves as examples. Einstein invented general relativity in 1915. The theory makes a link between geometry and the presence of energy and matter. This is expressed in the principle of equivalence, which we introduce and discuss. General relativity calls for a sophisticated mathematics called differential geometry, for which an important tool set is tensors and tensor components. We spend about the first half of the course learning about this, and using the formalism to write down Einstein's equations. We then study solutions that have been found to correspond to black holes without spin or charge, the Friedmann Robertson Walker cosmology thought to provide a useful description of the large-scale structure of the Universe, and gravitational waves that were first detected by the LIGO experiment in 2015. The course has no formal prerequisites, but it is very mathematical. Familiarity with special relativity will be helpful, but is not required.
15 credits - The Development of Particle Physics
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The module describes the development of several crucial concepts in particle physics, emphasising the role and significance of experiments. Students are encouraged to work from the original literature. The module focuses not only on the particle physics issues involved, but also on research methodology - the design of experiments, the critical interpretation of data, the role of theory, etc. Topics covered include the discoveries of the neutron, the positron and the neutrino, the parity and CP violations, experimental evidence for quarks and gluons, etc.
15 credits - Advanced Electrodynamics
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This module gives a detailed mathematical foundation for modern electrodynamics, starting from Maxwell's equations, charge conservation and the wave equation, to gauge invariance, waveguides, cavities and antennas, and an introduction to quantum electrodynamics. After a brief recap of vector calculus, we explore the role of the scalar and vector potential, the multi-pole expansion of the field, the Poisson and Laplace equations, energy and momentum conservation of the fields, and waveguides and cavities. After a relativistic treatment of the fields we consider the quantisation of the electromagnetic field modes, the Hamiltonian for the dipole coupling between a field and a radiation emitter, and finally we explore the Aharonov-Bohm effect.
15 credits - Dark Matter and the Universe
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This course aims to provide students with an understanding of Dark Matter in the Universe from both the astrophysics and particle physics viewpoints. This course is split into two halves. The first half of the course is on the astrophysical evidence for Dark Matter, and the second half of the course is on the detection of candidate Dark Matter particles.
15 credits - Advanced Soft Matter and Biological Physics
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Fascinating behaviour of soft matter and biological systems often occurs at thermal energy scales and can be described by statistical mechanical models. In addition, living biological matter is driven out of equilibrium due to internal biochemical sources of energy. Mathematical models and modern advanced experimental techniques are revealing the physical principles underpinning the biological world and the technological possibilities of complex soft materials.Much recent progress in soft matter and biology has been made thanks to the advent of advanced experimental techniques which we will show are based on elegant physical principles. We will also study the physical principles underpinning the behaviour of complex soft matter and biological materials. We will describe phase transitions in multiple soft matter systems by calculating free energies. We will use random walk models to describe the shape of polymer molecules and the Brownian motion of colloids. We will also study the dynamics of polymers and the kinetics of polymerisation. We will then consider how polymerisation of protein filaments and action of molecular motors can generate forces in biological cells. This will involve us introducing concepts of systems that are in equilibrium versus out of equilibrium. Using a mathematical framework we can describe behaviour at different length scales for example from the cytoskeleton to tissues, bacteria colonies and flocking. We will also investigate how the energy required for life is captured in photosynthesis.
15 credits - Optical Properties of Solids
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The course covers the optical physics of solid-state materials. The optical properties of insulators, semiconductors, and metals from near-infrared to ultraviolet frequencies are considered, covering both established technologies and the latest developments in photonics. The infrared properties of materials are then discussed, and the course concludes with an introduction to nonlinear crystals. The module will be taught via lectures and problem classes.
15 credits
The course first develops the classical model of absorption and refraction based on Lorentz oscillators, and then discusses the use of quantum theory to understand the absorption and emission spectra. The optical properties in state-of-the-art materials are discussed in the context of photonics research and applications. The topics covered include:
Dispersion in optical materials, including optical fibres,
Interband absorption,
Excitons,
Luminescence,
Low-dimensional materials,
Free carrier effects,
Phonon effects,
Nonlinear crystals. - Solid State Physics
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Covering the electronic properties of solids, this module details the classification of solids into conductors, semiconductors and insulators, the free electron model, the origin of electronic band structure, the fundamental electronic properties of conductors and semiconductors, carrier statistics, experimental techniques used to study carriers in a solid, and the classification and physics of the principal types of magnetism. A review of the application of these fundamental concepts to state of the art research in the field completes the module.
15 credits - Particle Physics
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This 15-credit Physics module introduces students to the exciting field of modern particle physics. It provides the mathematical tools of relativistic kinematics, enabling them to study interactions and decays and evaluate scattering form factors. Particles are classified as fermions - the constituents of matter (quarks and leptons) - or as bosons, the propagators of field. The four fundamental interactions are outlined. Three are studied in detail: Feynman diagrams are introduced to describe higher order quantum electrodynamics; weak interactions are discussed from beta decay to high energy electroweak unification; strong interactions, binding quarks into hadrons, are presented with the experimental evidence for colour. The role symmetry plays in the allowed particles and their interactions is emphasised.
15 credits - Physics in an Enterprise Culture
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This is a seminar and workshop based course where students will create a proposal for a new business. Seminars will cover topics such as innovation, intellectual property, costing and business planning. Workshops will support students to develop ideas and communicate them effectively. Both a business proposal and a pitch to investors are assessed. This modules give students an opportunity to develop a business proposal, using their physics knowledge as a starting point. The module starts with a series of seminars and workshops designed to help students come up with possible new ideas for products or services that they are interested in developing further. Further seminars formalise how business ideas are tested to ensure that basic assumptions about customers and markets are sensible and also guidance is given in terms of how to estimate the costs and revenues associated with the idea. Finally seminars to support writing the idea into a proposal are given. Evaluation of ideas using peer feedback is a key part of the module and midway through, a review panel is organised to give an opportunity for students to formally evaluate other ideas to help them develop their own.
15 credits - Advanced Particle Physics
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The module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of modern particle physics. Focusing on the standard model, it provides a theoretical underpinning of this model and discusses its predictions. Recent developments including the discovery of the Higgs Boson and neutrino oscillation studies are covered. A description of the experiments used to probe the standard model is provided. Finally the module looks at possible physics beyond the standard model.
15 credits - Origin of the Chemical Elements
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This course looks at the origin, distribution and evolution of the chemical elements, which are created in the early Universe, during the life cycles of stars and in the interstellar medium. The main teaching method is the standard 50-minute lecture, which is well suited to the delivery of the factual information in this course. The syllabus includes topics such as: Experimental evidence for elemental abundances; Observational evidence for elemental abundances; Primordial nucleosynthesis; Stellar nucleosynthesis; Neutron capture; Supernovae and kilonovae; Cosmic rays; Galactic chemical evolution.
15 credits - Quantum Optics and Quantum Computing
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Quantum computing is introduced through the fundamental concepts of quantum gates and circuits before moving to cover more advanced topics such as quantum programming, quantum algorithms and quantum error correction. These concepts are then applied by studying how programming quantum circuits can be done using cloud computers (e.g. using openQASM format) and the implementation of quantum algorithms (including examples) and quantum error correction using stabiliser formalism and graph states and quantum error correction codes.
15 credits
The second part of the module covers quantum optics and quantum optical applications at the forefront of current research in the field. This includes topics such as weak and strong coupling of dipole sources in a cavity, single photon sources, protocols of quantum optical communications and linear optics computation. The module then progresses to quantum optical applications. Cavity electrodynamics is studied in the regimes of strong and weak coupling of matter excitations to the electromagnetic field in optical microstructures. This will lead to the physics of highly efficient single photon devices necessary for linear optics quantum computation. The effects of entanglement and quantum teleportation will be also considered. - Introduction to Cosmology
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The aim of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the Universe as its own entity. Students will learn how the contents of the Universe affect its dynamic evolution, and how we can use observations of Type 1a Supernovae and the Cosmic Microwave Background to constrain the properties of the Universe. Students will also learn about key epochs during the history of the Universe, from inflation through to nucleosynthesis, recombination, and reionisation, before learning how the first stars and galaxies started to form. Throughout a series of lectures, students will first learn that spacetime forms the fabric of the Universe, and how the contents of the Universe in the form of dark energy, dark and baryonic matter, and radiation dictate the dynamic evolution of the Universe. Students will next learn about modern precision cosmology, whereby cosmologists use observations of Type 1a Supernovae and the Cosmic Microwave Background to measure various cosmological parameters. This aspect of the course will form the basis of a computer programming-based assessment. Toward the end of the lecture course, students will learn about the epochs of inflation, nucleosynthesis, recombination and reionisation, before learning how today's stars and galaxies began to form. Finally, students will learn about current cosmological research via a literature review.
15 credits - Statistical Physics
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Statistical Physics is the derivation of the thermal properties of matter using the under-lying microscopic Hamiltonians. The aims of this course are to introduce the techniques of Statistical Mechanics, and to use them to describe a wide variety of phenomena from physics, chemistry and astronomy. Current research literature is explored through a directed reading exercise.
10 credits - Semiconductor Physics and Technology
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This module builds on the core solid state physics modules to provide an introduction to semiconductor electronic and opto-electronic devices and modern developments in crystal growth to produce low dimensional semiconductor structures (quantum wells, wires, dots and atomically thin two-dimensional materials). Band structure engineering, the main physical properties and a number of applications of low dimensional semiconductor structures are covered. The modules concludes with some examples of recent advances in the field, such as new epitaxial techniques and atomically thin two-dimensional materials.
15 credits
A student will be eligible for a Postgraduate Certificate in Physics if they successfully obtain a minimum of 60 credits from the modules listed above, excluding the Research Project.
A student will be eligible for Postgraduate Diploma in Physics if they successfully obtain a minimum of 120 credits from the modules listed above.
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Open days
An open day gives you the best opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our courses.
Open days and campus tours
Duration
1 year full-time
Teaching
You’ll be taught through lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, presentation skills training, and one-to-one research project meetings with your supervisor.
A large portion of your Physics MSc will be spent working on an individual research project. You’ll undertake your research within a wider community of physics researchers, who are experts in their field. Here you’ll have access to our outstanding research facilities and gain first-hand experience as a researcher.
Assessment
You'll be assessed through examinations, coursework, a literature review, and a dissertation and viva.
Your career
Our Physics MSc will provide you with the problem solving and data analysis skills that employers value in a variety of careers, such as computer programming, software engineering, data science, and researching and developing new products and services. University of Sheffield physics graduates have been employed by BT, EDF Energy, HSBC, IBM, Manchester United FC, Nissan, the NHS and the Civil Service.
You’ll cover advanced topics and gain extensive research training, which is also great preparation for a PhD and a career in physics research. University of Sheffield graduates have gone to work for many of the world's top 100 universities.
School
School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
The School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences is leading the way with groundbreaking research and innovative teaching.
Our physics and astronomy researchers are focusing on some of the biggest questions in science, such as how to build a quantum computer, how to detect dark matter and how to distribute clean energy.
We’ve been ranked 1st in the UK in terms of the quality of our physics research. In the Research Excellence Framework 2021, 100 percent of research and impact from physics and astronomy was rated in the highest two categories as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Our researchers run experiments on the Large Hadron Collider at CERN and help to map the Universe using the Hubble Space Telescope. We’re working with the National Grid to help maximise the potential of solar energy and are playing a leading part in the quantum technology revolution, by establishing a multi-million pound Quantum Centre here in Sheffield.
Our physicists and astronomers have received honours from the Royal Society and the Institute of Physics. They are participants in a large number of international collaborations including the ATLAS Experiment, the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the HiPERCAM high-speed astronomical imaging project, the LUX-ZEPLIN dark matter experiment, and the Hyper-Kamiokande neutrino observatory.
Entry requirements
Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in Physics or any degree where Physics is a named component, with relevant modules.
Module requirements
You should have studied at least four modules from the following list:
- Electromagnetism
- Mechanics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Solid State Physics
- Statistical Physics or Statistical Mechanics
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.
Fees and funding
Apply
You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.
Contact
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.