| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-18 | - |
| 2024-09-16 | - |
Program Overview
Physics studies how our Universe works, from the smallest atomic nucleus to the largest galaxy. It includes areas such as quantum theory, relativity and particle physics, and lies at the heart of most modern technology - for example the computer and the laser. Our BSc degree is aimed at students who wish to continue their exploration of physics beyond school, and apply their knowledge to our physics-based world of the 21st century.
Physics Degree highlights
Physics at Queen's was ranked 3rd in the country for research intensity in United Kingdom's most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise as published by the Times Higher Education.
Global Opportunities
Professional Accreditations
Industry Links
World Class Facilities
Internationally Renowned Experts
Student Experience
To learn to use and appreciate the two in unison (Maths and Physics) begins a truly breathtaking and elucidating journey, which gives one the opportunity to view the world and its phenomena with both new understanding and new confusion, which leads always to delightful fascination.
I suppose what I enjoyed about both the first year and the degree overall was the richness of abundance of new experiences, it seemed as though that one could turn any corner, open any book or talk to anyone and there you'd find something you'd never seen before.
Henry Harper-Gardner (BSc Physics with Astrophysics)
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Course content
Program Outline
Course Structure
| Course Content | The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study. |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | In their first year students study a core of experimental, theoretical and computational physics, alongside applied mathematics. Students take all modules, topics include Classical Mechanics Electromagnetism Light and Optics Quantum Theory Relativity Solid State Physics Thermal Physics |
| Stage 2 | Students take 6 compulsory modules Astrophysics I Atomic and Nuclear Physics Quantum & Statistical Physics Optics, Electricity and Magnetism Physics of the Solid State Mathematical Physics |
| Stage 3 | Astrophysics II Advanced Electromagnetism and Optics Nuclear and Particle Physics Physics in Medicine Quantum Mechanics and Relativity Advanced Solid State Physics Professional Skills Project work entails a major experimental or computational investigation of a particular physics problem. This is undertaken using state-of-the-art equipment installed in the School’s new Teaching Centre. This includes projects on ultrasound, MRI and X-ray imaging, gamma ray spectroscopy, lasers, atomic force and scanning tunnelling microscopy, nanomaterial fabrication and characterisation, and astronomical observations. |
People teaching you
Dr Stuart Sim
Reader, School of Mathematics and Physics
School of Maths and Physics
Dr. Stuart Sim is a Reader in Physics. He is also an internationally recognised astrophysicist with expertise in supernova explosions and their aftermath.Contact Teaching Times
| Medium Group Teaching | 6 (hours maximum) 6 hours of practical classes and computer workshops each week in level 1, increasing to an average of 8 hours of practical work per week in Level 2. |
|---|---|
| Large Group Teaching | 9 (hours maximum) 9 hours of lectures. |
| Personal Study | 16 (hours maximum) 14-16 hours studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using handouts, online activities, homeworks etc. |
| Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial | 2 (hours maximum) 2 hours of tutorials (or later, project supervision) each week |
Learning and Teaching
At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable students to achieve their full academic potential. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this degree programme are:
Computer-Based Modules
These provide students with the opportunity to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts. For example, one of the Level 1 modules, PHY1003 Computational Modelling in Physics, will introduce students to programming and begin developing those skills in the field of theoretical calculations. Students will be given instruction on how to programme in Python and Matlab.Laboratory Physics
As physics is an experimentally based subject, all students will undertake experimental physics as part of their degree. Students normally work in assigned pairs in the laboratory, with submitted reports and findings individually assessed. As part of this work students will become proficient in using Excel for analysing data and Word for laboratory reports. In their final year students will undertake two extended 1-semester projects. All students have the option that at least one of these final-year projects will be computational, to provide training and further experience of scientific coding.Lectures
These introduce and explain the foundation information about topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. The material in the lectures will follow the syllabus issued at the start of the module, and will form the basis of the assessment carried out. As the modules progress and student’s knowledge of physics grows, this information becomes more complex. Lectures, which are normally delivered in large groups to all year-group peers, also provide opportunities to ask questions and seek clarification on key issues as well as gain feedback and advice on assessments. Additional lectures may also be also delivered by invited speakers and scientists from various areas of physics – these lectures generally do not form part of the assessed work, but students are encouraged to attend to widen their knowledge and appreciation of the subject. There may also be lectures from employers of physics graduates. These enable employers to impart their valuable experience to physics students, and allows our physics students to meet and engage with potential future employers.Seminars/tutorials
A significant amount of teaching is carried out in small groups (2–5 students). These sessions are designed to explore, in more depth, the information that has been presented in the lectures, and are normally based on coursework submitted by the students. This provides students with the opportunity to engage closely with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of their peers. During these classes, students will be expected to present their work to academic staff and their peers.
Assessment
The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the learning objectives of each module. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which may be accessed online via the School website. Physics modules are typically assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and a final written unseen examination. Continuous assessment consists of:
Feedback
As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module coordinators, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers (other students). University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:
Facilities
Undergraduate Teaching Centre
Throughout their time with us, students will use the new Mathematics and Physics Teaching Centre. Opened in 2016 with almost £2 million of new equipment, students can use the well-equipped twin computer rooms for both self-study and project work. This includes a small astronomical observatory on the roof of the main building. In the physics laboratories, students will be able to investigate everything from the nature of lasers, to the quantum mechanical properties of the electron, to the dynamic hydrogen chromosphere of the Sun.
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ModulesModules
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2022/23). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
Core Modules
Scientific Skills
(20 credits)Computational Modelling in Physics
(20 credits)Mathematics for Scientists and Engineers
(40 credits)Foundation Physics
(40 credits)Core Modules
Atomic and Nuclear Physics
(20 credits)Mathematical Physics
(20 credits)Quantum & Statistical Physics
(20 credits)Electricity, Magnetism and Optics
(20 credits)Astrophysics I
(20 credits)Physics of the Solid State
(20 credits)Optional Modules
Employability for Physics
(0 credits)Core Modules
Professional Skills
(20 credits)Optional Modules
Physics Single Project
(20 credits)Computational Projects
(20 credits)Physics Projects
(40 credits)Physics in Medicine
(20 credits)Nuclear and Particle Physics
(20 credits)Advanced Solid State Physics
(20 credits)Astrophysics II
(20 credits)Advanced Electromagnetism and Optics
(20 credits)Quantum Mechanics and Relativity
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Entry Requirements
Career Prospects
Introduction
Students are encouraged to apply for summer or extended placements with local companies. Students can take a year's placement as part of the course or take shorter placements in the summer. A specific training module at Stage 2 is compulsory for students taking a placement year. Employers who specifically seek our Physics students for placements include Seagate and General Electric. According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, 5 years after graduation, Physics graduates earn 15 per cent more on average than other graduates (IFS 2018) with female graduates the 4th highest earners compared to all other subjects (5th for males). Physics-related jobs are available in research, development, and general production in many high technology and related industries. These include medicine, biotechnology, electronics, optics, aerospace, computation and nuclear technology. Physics graduates are also sought after for many other jobs, such as business consultancy, finance, business, insurance, taxation and accountancy, where their problem-solving skills and numeracy are highly valued. In Northern Ireland alone in 2015, there were almost 59,000 jobs in physics based industries (Institute of Physics Report 2017). About half of our students go on to further study after graduation. Some physics graduates take up careers in education, while a number are accepted for a PhD programme in Physics, which can enhance employment prospects or provide a path to a research physicist position. Most of the rest of our graduates move rapidly into full-time employment, most in careers that require a degree.
Employment after the Course
As part of the assessment within our modules, students will have to prepare reports, give presentations and work together within small groups. Students will become experienced in using spreadsheet and word processing software to analyse and communicate their findings. Additionally, basic computer programming is taught to allow computational modelling of physical phenomena, which can then be applied to many non-scientific areas of commerce and industry. The problem-solving and communication skills that are essential to scientific study are also recognised as important attributes for many other careers. Typical career destinations of graduates include: • Industrial Physics • Telecommunications • Medical Physics • Research scientist • Computer technology • Forensic accountant • Nuclear Physics • Biophysics • Education • Financial analysisWhat employers say
The Regional Medical Physics Service benefits hugely from the high quality graduates produced by the School of Maths and Physics at Queen’s University Belfast. Since the turn of the century, two thirds of all our Clinical Scientists obtained a Physics degree at Queen’s prior to joining the Service.
Prof. Alan Hounsell, Head of the Regional Medical Physics Service, Belfast Health and Social Care TrustAdditional Awards Gained
Prizes and Awards
Top performing students are eligible for a number of prizes within the School.
Degree plus award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
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Fees and Funding