Physics BSc

Core modules:

Introductory Mathematics for Physicists and Astronomers

This module provides the necessary introductory  level 1 mathematics for students taking physics and / or astronomy degrees except those taking theoretical physics degrees.

Topics will be covered in two equally weighted streams: Stream A: common functions of one variable, differentiation, series expansions,  integration and ordinary differential equations. Stream B:  basic complex numbers, vector manipulation, properties and applications of matrices.

20 credits

Further Mathematics for Physicists and Astronomers

This module provides the necessary additional mathematics for all students taking physics and/or astronomy degrees including those taking theoretical physics degrees. The following topics will be covered: introduce the students to vector calculus; elementary probability theory; ensure that the students have a thorough knowledge of how to apply mathematical tools to physical problems.

10 credits

Fundamentals of Physics

This module introduces the fundamentals of University Physics that are built on in later years of study.  This includes the development of data analysis skills, laboratory skills, scientific report writing and communication along with the ability to analyse physics problems and solve them using pen and paper, experiment and computer programming. Key concepts in electromagnetism, classical mechanics, thermal physics, waves and oscillations and quantum mechanics will be studied and used to develop problem solving.

50 credits

Optional modules:

A student will take 40 credits from this group.

Our Evolving Universe

The course provides a general overview of astronomy suitable for those with no previous experience of the subject. The principal topics covered are (1) how we deduce useful physical parameters from observed quantities, (2) the structure and evolution of stars, (3) the structure of the Milky Way, and the classification, structure and evolution of galaxies in general, (4) an introduction to cosmology and (5) extrasolar plantets and an introduction to astrobiology. All topics are treated in a descriptive manner with minimal mathematics.

10 credits

Frontiers of Physics

This 10-credit module aims to introduce research-inspired material into the level 1 physics curriculum. The module includes three short courses on research-based topics taught by an academic who is actively involved in the research. The course will be regularly reviewed to ensure that the material is up to date and includes current areas of investigation. The module aims to show that cutting-edge physics research is often underpinned by basic concepts covered in A level and 1st year physics courses.

10 credits

Physics of Living Systems 2

The aim is to introduce biomechanical descriptions of the human body. We look at its structure and its performance as a physical machine. The structural characteristics of human bones and tissue are investigated, together with the mechanical functions of the skeleton and musculature. Simple fluid dynamic characteristics of the body are introduced, including descriptions of blood-flow in the arteries and veins and air-flow in the lungs.

10 credits

Introduction to Astrophysics

One of four half-modules forming the Level-1 Astronomy course, MPS118 aims to equip students with a basic understanding of the important physical concepts and techniques involved in astronomy with an emphasis on how fundamental results can be derived from fairly simple observations. The module consists of three sections:

(i) Basic Concepts, Fluxes, Temperatures and Magnitudes;

(ii) Astronomical Spectroscopy;

(iii) Gravitational Astrophysics.

Parts (i), (ii) and (iii) each comprise some six lectures. The lectures are supported by problems classes, in which you will learn to apply lecture material to the solution of numerical problems.

10 credits

Solar Systems

One of the four half-modules forming the Level 1 astronomy course, but may also be taken as a stand-alone module. MPS104 covers both our Solar System and the thousands of extrasolar planetary systems we are discovering to examine what we know about the formation and evolution of planetary systems and how our own system fits into this.

10 credits

The Physics of Sustainable Energy

The module will cover the physics of sustainable energy. It includes discussions framed by the book 'Sustainable Energy without the Hot Air' by D MacKay and will cover current energy requirements and what energy could potentially be provided by the various forms of renewable energy. The course will commence with a discussion of the basic physics of energy, power and work and the conversion of energy from one form to another. We examine in detail the history of global energy usage and how we produce and use energy in the UK. We will then explore the impacts that this energy use has on the biosphere and climate and the public perception of such processes. The course will then focus on the energy content of objects and processes we take for granted and will then move on to means by which we can produce energy using renewable technologies, such as wind, wave, solar, biofuels etc. We will also examine nuclear (fusion and fission) energy and will discuss their principles and practical implementation. Finally, we will consider solutions to our energy needs, including transportation, energy conservation, carbon capture and geoengineering.

10 credits

Classical and Quantum Optics

This module introduces the foundations of classical optics. In the Autumn semester, starting with Fermat's Principle of Least Time, we derive Snell's law and the working of lenses in geometrical optics. We give a quantitative description of telescopes and microscopes. We explore the limits of geometrical optics and show that a wave theory of optics is needed to explain phenomena like diffraction and interference. We will briefly touch the Mach-Zehnder interferometer and the Michelson-Morley interferometer that is used in gravitational wave detection.

In the Spring semester we explore the electromagnetic nature of light, and present the polarisation (linear, circular, and elliptical). We introduce the concept of coherence, and use it to make a distinction between coherent light, such as that from a laser, and incoherent light from a light bulb or the Sun. Then we explore the properties of thermal light, including Wien's law, the Rayleigh-Jeans law, and how Planck reconciled their contradiction. Finally we discuss the implications of the constant speed of light, leading to the Lorentz transformations and the relativity of simultaneity.

10 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

Core modules:

Classical and Quantum Physics

This module provides the core level 2 physics content for non-theoretical degrees. It integrates physics content with supporting mathematics and practical work. Transferable skills are covered via different presentation modes for lab work. A further item is employability. The module also contains one or more items of group work. Physics topics covered are classical physics and oscillations, thermal physics, quantum mechanics, properties of matter and electromagnetism. Mathematics topics are Fourier techniques and partial differential equations. Both mathematical topics are applied to a range of the physics covered and are integrated with aspects of the practical work.

To pass the module the following must all be satisfied:

1. Pass the Portfolio

2. Obtain an average mark over the 4 exams of 40% or greater

3. Submit all lab assignments and obtain an average mark of 40 or greater

70 credits

Optional modules:

A student will take 50 credits from this group.

Aspects of Medical Imaging and Technology

This module provides an introduction to medical technology, with a particular bias towards ionising and non-ionising electromagnetic radiation and its diagnostic role in medicine. The module begins with the generation and behaviour of electromagnetic waves and the breadth of technological application across the electromagnetic spectrum. This extends from magnetic resonance imaging at low energies to high energy photons in X-ray systems. The importance of radiation in diagnosis is acknowledged by discussion of imaging theory and primary imaging modalities, such as planar radiography, CT and MRI.

10 credits

Special Relativity & Subatomic Physics

Special relativity is a key foundation of modern physics, particularly in the contexts of particle physics and astrophysics where E = mc2 and relativistic speeds are crucial concepts. In this module, the fundamental principles of special relativity will be explained, emphasising the energy-momentum four-vector and its applications to particle collisions and decays. Applications to nuclear physics include nuclear mass and binding energy, radioactive decay, nuclear reactions, nuclear fission and fusion. We will also cover the structure of the nucleus (liquid drop model and an introduction to the shell model).

10 credits

Stellar Structure and Evolution

The module aims to provide an understanding of the physical processes occurring in stars and responsible for their internal structure and evolution from the main sequence to white dwarfs, neutron stars stars and black holes. It builds on Introduction to Astrophysics (MPS118) and seeks to explain the evolutionary phenomena described in Our Evolving Universe (MPS119).

10 credits

Programming in Python

Teaching computer programming is a core aspect to our degree courses and is required by our accreditation body, the Institute of Physics. Python is a widely-available programming language that can be used to design powerful computer programmes suitable for scientific applications. In addition, Python is flexible, robust and is relatively easy to learn compared to other contemporary programming language. Python is also used widely in the computing industry and in research. The aim of this module is to teach the key elements of Python programming to enable students to design programs to perform tasks ranging from computational and numerical physics to data analysis and visualisation.

10 credits

Physics of Materials

This module provides an introduction to the physical properties of materials. Subjects covered include properties of liquids (surface tension, viscosity etc), solids (elastic properties, mechanical properties etc) and soft condensed matter.

10 credits

Detection of Fundamental Particles

The Standard Model of particle physics is one of the great success stories of late 20th century physics - but how do we obtain the data needed to construct and test this model? In this module, we will explore how typical experiments in different branches of particle physics are designed to extract the maximum possible amount of data from the interactions that they observe. This will be supplemented by laboratory and computational exercises in which students try out some of these techniques themselves.

10 credits

Computational Physics

Many physical systems are too complex to be solved and studied analytically. Computational physics combines computer science, physics and applied mathematics to solve such complex systems. This relatively new scientific approach has become firmly established in complementing the traditional theoretical and experimental methods.  

The aim of this level 2 module is to introduce computational methods to enable students to model and study complex physical systems. These methods involve building, running and analysing numerical simulations.  

In this course students will build numerical models and simulate complex physical systems using the Python programming language. The theory relating to these numerical methods and the physical systems will be presented in lectures while during computer labs, one-to-one support will be provided for developing the numerical models and in the analysis of the simulation results. 

10 credits

Galaxies

This Level 2 Astronomy half-module aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to galaxies. It consists of six parts: (i) astronomical distance determination and galaxy classification; (ii) the properties of the main stellar and a gas components of our Milky Way galaxy, and its local environment; (iii) the properties of spiral galaxies; (iv) the properties of elliptical galaxies; (v) active galaxies; (vi) galaxy evolution. Students' presentation and research skills are developed through a 2500 word essay assignment.

10 credits

Astronomical Spectroscopy

This level 2 module provides an overview of astronomical spectroscopy for astrophysics dual students, covering how spectrographs work, the nature of spectra, atomic physics relevant to astronomical spectroscopy, line broadening mechanisms (natural, pressure, thermal) and the Curve of Growth for the determination of ionic abundances in stellar atmospheres, plus spectral diagnostics of ionized nebulae. Content from lectures are reinforced through an exercise involving specialist astronomical software relating to nebular diagnostics, plus the manipulation of stellar spectroscopic datasets using the programming language Python for the calculation of ionic abundances.

10 credits

Physics with Labview

The module will teach Labview software, and allow students to experiment with instrumentation and basic electronics. These skills will be useful in further years of study, particularly with regard to the Level 3 and 4 projects. These skills are also useful in future employment in both academic and industrial science and engineering where being able to develop laboratory instrumentation to solve experimental problems will be highly desirable.

10 credits

Core modules:

Particle Physics

This Level 3 Physics half 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.

10 credits

Solid State Physics

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.

10 credits

Professional Skills in Physics

This year-long course comprises two key areas to enhance students' professional skills.The Employability Labs are weekly, interactive workshop sessions designed to equip students with the skills and confidence to navigate the entire job application process effectively. Through practical exercises and guided support, students will reflect on their skills, research the job market, and explore career opportunities, including postgraduate options. They will develop their professional toolkit by attending careers fairs, selecting advertised roles or programs, and planning tailored applications. By the end of the module, students also have gained valuable insights through mock interviews, both as interviewees and interviewers. This hands-on, practice approach will ensure students are well-prepared to succeed in their next steps after graduation.Physics Problem Solving uses weekly problems classes to examine how physics knowledge can be applied to unfamiliar (often 'real world') problems to obtain quick, rough, but sound and useful conclusions/answers (often known as the 'back of the envelope' approach to problem solving). Problems cover the full range of core physics, requiring identification of which aspect of physics is relevant to a particular problem.

10 credits

Optional modules:

A student will take 20 credits (two modules) from this group.

Atomic and Laser Physics

This module covers the physics of atoms and lasers at an intermediate level. The course begins with the solution of the Schrodinger equation for the hydrogen atom and the atomic wave functions that emerge from it. It then covers atomic selection rules, spectral fine structure and the effects of external fields. The spectra of selected multi-electron atoms are described. The basic operation of the laser is then covered by introducing the concepts of stimulated emission and population inversion. The course concludes with a description of common lasers and their applications.

10 credits

Semiconductor Physics and Technology

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 and dots). Band structure engineering, the main physical properties and a number of applications of low dimensional semiconductor structures are covered.

10 credits

Optional project modules:

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

Research project in Physics or Astronomy

The aim of this 20 credit module is to provide an opportunity for students to exercise and develop their skills and ability to undertake independent, albeit closely supervised, research in physics or astronomy. A very wide selection of projects is provided, often arising from current research in the Department. Many are practical, others are essentially theoretical or interpretative or require the development of and running of computer programmes designed to simulate a variety of physical phenomena. Most projects are collaborative and encourage students to work in pairs. Assessment is based on individual written reports and oral examinations. These provide exercise in presentational skills.

20 credits

Industrial Group Project in Physics

MPS372 provides students with an industrial project where team working, planning, time management; presentation and report writing are integrated with science problem solving. The industrial client poses a problem that a group work on over two semesters to resolve. Interim and final presentations are made to the client and academic supervisors. Project work may use laboratory measurement and computational approaches as well as referencing leading research literature.

20 credits

Quantum Information Laboratory

This predominantly laboratory-based module provides a foundation in quantum optics experiments and associated theory. The quantum nature of light will be studied in core experiments involving single photon generation and detection, measurements of photon statistics and photon interference. Experimental activities will be supported by a series of lectures and problems classes. The link with quantum information research is made through research seminars from university research groups and companies, plus a 'journal club' where key scientific papers are presented and discussed. Transferable skills acquired will prepare students for higher study and employment in industries involving quantum technologies.

20 credits

Physics Education and Outreach

This 20-credit Extended Project unit is intended primarily for students considering a career in teaching, but may also be of interest to those wishing to pursue careers in science communication in general. The first half of the unit will introduce a range of topics including theory of learning and teaching, skills such as video editing, physics in the National Curriculum, and a range of hands-on exercises in science teaching and communication. Students will undertake a range of assignments related to the taught material, which may include lesson observations in schools, making videos or podcasts, radio broadcasts, writing popular articles or creating resources for schools. The second half consists of a 10-credit project: a wide range of schools and outreach-related topics are available.

Note that admission to this unit is subject to an interview and a DBS check. This is because parts of the unit require students to visit schools and interact with pupils.

20 credits

Optional modules:

A student will take 50 credits (five modules) from this group.

History of Astronomy

The module aims to provide an introduction to the historical development of modern astronomy. After a brief chronological overview and a discussion of the scientific status of astronomy and the philosophy of science in general, the course is divided into a series of thematic topics addressed in roughly chronological order. We will focus on the nature of discovery in astronomy, in particular the interplay between theory and observation, the role of technological advances, and the relationship between astronomy and physics.

10 credits

Dark Matter and the Universe

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. The main teaching method is the standard 50-minute lecture, which is well suited to the delivery of the factual information in this course. This is backed up by a blackboard site containing copies of the lecture notes, lecture recordings, and non-assessed exercises.



The syllabus will include the astrophysical evidence for dark matter in the Universe, the search for dark matter candidates, including direct and indirect searches for Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs), the search for supersymmetry at the Large Hadron Collider, and axion searches.

10 credits

Introduction to Soft Matter and Biological Physics

Soft matter includes materials with properties between those of solids and liquids, for example plastics, gels, soaps, foods, biological cells and tissues. The behaviour of these complex materials depends on elegant physical principles determining the interactions within and between molecules. Using these physical principles we will explore molecules essential to life, such as proteins and DNA, and materials key to technology, such as polymers.We will start by defining what is soft matter by considering states of matter and the relevant length, time and energy scales. Next we will describe the important intramolecular and intermolecular interactions. Statistical mechanics models will enable us to predict bulk properties from molecular parameters. We will introduce experimental measurements and imaging techniques that are used to investigate soft matter and biological systems. We will introduce polymers and key properties of polymers such as viscoelasticity. We will introduce essential biopolymers including DNA and proteins. 

We will provide an introduction to systems of interest, for example polymer materials, colloids, liquid crystals or membranes and discuss their properties and assembly.

10 credits

Nuclear Physics

This half-module Level 3 Physics course aims to study the general properties of nuclei, to examine the characteristics of the nuclear force, to introduce the principal models of the nucleus, to discuss radioactivity, to study nuclear reactions, in particular fission and fusion, and to develop problem solving skills in all these areas. The motivation is that nuclear processes play a fundamental role in the physical world, in the origin of the universe, in the creation of the chemical elements, as the energy source of the stars and in the basic constituents of matter - plus the best of all motives - curiosity.

10 credits

Introduction to Cosmology

Cosmology is the science of the whole Universe: its past history, present structure and future evolution. In this module we discuss how our understanding of cosmology has developed over time, and study the observed properties of the universe, particularly the rate of expansion, the chemical composition, and the nature of the cosmic microwave background, can be used to constrain theoretical models and obtain value for the parameters of the now-standard Hot Big Bang cosmological model.

10 credits

Physical Computing

Digital circuits underpin our modern lives, including the acquisition and processing of data for science. In this course we will study the fundamental building blocks of digital processing circuits and computers. We will learn to describe circuits using the language VHDL, and how to program computers using the hardware-oriented high level language C. We will build interesting and useful digital architectures, and apply the skills we have acquired in laboratory exercises.

10 credits

Astrobiology

Is anybody out there? In this module we explore how we hope to find alien life in the near future and discuss what this might be like and where we should be looking. We critically examine ideas about the frequency of life, advanced life, and technological civilisations in the universe.

10 credits

Mathematical Physics

Linear algebra: matrices and vectors; eigenvalue problems; matrix diagonalisation; vector spaces; transformation of basis; rotation matrices; tensors; Lie groups; Noether's theorem. Complex analysis: analytic functions; contour integration; Cauchy theorem; Taylor and Laurent series; residue theorem; application to evaluating integrals; Kronig-Kramers relations; conformal mapping; application to solving Laplace's equation.

10 credits

Advanced Programming in Python

Python is a widely-available programming language that can be used to design powerful computer programmes suitable for scientific applications. Python is also used widely in the computing industry and in research. This module builds on the basic introduction provided in MPS212/MPS227 by introducing advanced concepts such as defensive programming, classes, program design and optimisation. This teaching will be underpinned with a series of projects which will furnish the students with the ability to design complex Python scripts to address a wide variety of problems including those involving analysis of 'big data' with emphasis on presentation of results using advanced visualisation methods.

10 credits

Statistical Physics

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.

10 credits

Physics in an Enterprise Culture

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. This module gives 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.

10 credits

Origin of the Chemical Elements

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. This is backed up by a blackboard site containing copies of the lecture notes, lecture recordings, and non-assessed exercises. 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.

10 credits