Physics BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

This BSc Physics (Hons) program prepares students for a career in science, emphasizing industrial relevance and interdisciplinary collaboration. The curriculum includes a solid foundation in physics fundamentals, hands-on laboratory experience, and opportunities for work-based learning. Graduates have a wide range of career options in industry, research, government, and education.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This BSc Physics (Hons) program prepares students for a challenging but rewarding career in science. The curriculum emphasizes industrial relevance and interdisciplinary collaboration, with strong ties to technology-oriented companies in the area. The program aims to equip students with a solid foundation in the fundamentals of physics, fostering their ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate complex scientific concepts.

Outline:

The program is structured over three years of full-time study.

Year 1:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Professional Skills for Scientists and Engineers
• Mathematics for Scientists and Engineers
• Principles of Electronic and Electrical Engineering
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mechanics of Solids
• Dynamics of Mechanical Systems
• Introduction to Thermodynamics
• Classical and Quantum Physics
• Module Descriptions:
• Professional Skills for Scientists and Engineers:
This module aims to ease the transition from school to university by setting the context and expectations of degree courses and careers in engineering and natural sciences. It covers topics such as working in teams, making and monitoring plans, report writing, information sources, professional ethics, the role of scientists and engineers in society, and the design process.
• Mathematics for Scientists and Engineers: A good mathematical grounding is essential for scientists and engineers.
This module provides a foundation for deeper analysis and understanding of scientific and engineering subjects. It covers topics such as arithmetic, algebra, functions, solving equations, trigonometry, complex numbers, matrices, differentiation, integration, vectors, linear algebra, and differential equations.
• Principles of Electronic and Electrical Engineering: This module provides a foundation in the basic principles and practical applications of electronic and electrical engineering.
It covers topics such as circuit theory, electrical conduction, DC and AC circuits, sensors, actuators, measurement and test equipment, semiconductors, diodes, transistors, and digital electronics.
• Materials Science and Engineering: Students are introduced to the fundamental properties of common engineering materials through an understanding of atomic and molecular interactions.
It covers topics such as metals, ceramics, polymers, atomic structure, inter-atomic bonding, crystal imperfections, diffusion, phase diagrams, phase transformations, mechanical properties, and failure mechanisms.
• Mechanics of Solids: This module develops the capacity to predict the effects of force and deformation in engineering design.
It covers topics such as force systems, equilibrium, structures, distributed forces, friction, stress, strain, axially loaded members, torsion, and stresses in beams.
• Dynamics of Mechanical Systems: This module analyzes and predicts the motion of particles and bodies.
It covers topics such as rectilinear motion, curvilinear motion, kinetics of particles, work and energy, impulse and momentum, kinematics of rigid bodies, mass moment of inertia, and simple harmonic motion.
• Introduction to Thermodynamics: This module introduces the relationship between heat and work.
It covers topics such as energy, systems, surroundings, work, heat, internal energy, enthalpy, polytropic processes, properties of pure substances, and first law analysis of systems.
• Classical and Quantum Physics: This module introduces fundamental concepts of the physical world.
It covers topics such as geometrical optics, waves and oscillations, the wave nature of light, Newtonian gravitation, special relativity, atomic and quantum physics, and essentials of nuclear physics.

Year 2:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Mathematics and Modelling
• Electromagnetic Fields and Waves
• Quantum Mechanics and the Theory of Solids
• Thermodynamics
• Solids, Microscopy and On-line Techniques
• Physical Aspects of Spectroscopy
• Statistical Mechanics
• Science and Engineering Placement Year (optional)
• Module Descriptions:
• Mathematics and Modelling:
This module expands analytical skills by introducing advanced mathematical topics relevant to modern engineering. It covers topics such as statistical methods, matrix eigenvalue problems, Laplace transforms, Fourier series, partial differential equations, and numerical modelling and computation.
• Electromagnetic Fields and Waves: This module deepens knowledge of electromagnetics.
It covers topics such as electrostatics, magnetostatics, interface conditions, time-varying currents and fields, electromagnetic devices, the electromagnetic spectrum, Maxwell’s equations, plane electromagnetic waves, and reflection and transmission of waves.
• Quantum Mechanics and the Theory of Solids: This module builds upon the material introduced in Year 1, extending it to provide a deeper understanding of the role of the electron theory of solids in predicting materials phenomena.
It covers topics such as the Schrödinger Wave Equation, electron theory of solids, thermal properties of matter, semiconductors and doping, and magnetic properties of matter.
• Thermodynamics: This module extends the basic principles of heat, work, and energy, applying this knowledge to real engineering problems.
It also introduces chemical thermodynamics, exploring the interaction of heat and work with changes of state and chemical reactions.
• Solids, Microscopy and On-line Techniques: This module explores the structure and behavior of physical and biological systems through microscopy and other characterization techniques.
It covers topics such as optical microscopy, electron microscopy, X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, and online and at-line techniques.
• Physical Aspects of Spectroscopy: This module introduces the physical aspects of commonly used spectroscopy techniques.
It covers topics such as IR and Raman spectroscopy, UV/vis and luminescence spectroscopy, time-resolved spectroscopy techniques, and NMR and ESR spectroscopy.
• Statistical Mechanics: This module explores the statistical mechanics approach to thermodynamics, creating a link between classical thermodynamics and the nanoscopic properties of matter.
It covers topics such as statistical distributions, distinguishable vs indistinguishable particles, Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics, the partition function, and statistical ensembles.
• Science and Engineering Placement Year (optional): This module provides a structured experiential learning opportunity in an industrial setting, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Students gain first-hand experience in a variety of tasks and responsibilities, developing their skills and building connections for future careers.

Year 3:

• Compulsory Modules:
• BSc Individual Project
• Business Skills and Professional Ethics
• Project Management
• Optional Modules:
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Climate Change: The Recent Record and Future Prospects
• Nuclear Technology
• Surfaces, Coatings and Nanotechnology
• Renewable Energy, Sustainability and Low Carbon Technologies
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Composite Science and Technology
• Laser Materials Processing
• Astrophysics
• Electronic Structure Modelling for Nanoscience
• Enhancing your Employability through Work Based Learning (optional)
• Employability Skills Analysis Development and Planning (optional)
• Module Descriptions:
• BSc Individual Project:
Students choose a project related to their degree program, conduct independent research, and produce a final report.
• Business Skills and Professional Ethics: This module equips students with an awareness of the commercial and economic context of engineering operations.
It covers topics such as company organization, financial environment, financial accounting, management accounting, project analysis, strategic initiatives, industrial legislation, and professional ethics.
• Project Management: This module provides students with the systematic methodologies for managing projects effectively.
It covers topics such as project evaluation and selection, the project manager, project organization, project planning, budgeting and scheduling, resource allocation, project control, and project evaluation and auditing.
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: This module introduces the concept of artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in advanced software systems.
It covers topics such as principles of automated intelligence, approaches to developing intelligent software, application domains for AI, and designing and deploying intelligent technologies.
• Climate Change: The Recent Record and Future Prospects: This module explores the mechanisms and potential impacts of climate change over long and short time scales.
It covers topics such as past climate change, sea level change, drivers of climate change, glacial and periglacial processes, and field and laboratory techniques used to investigate the recent record of climate change.
• Nuclear Technology: This module provides knowledge and critical understanding of the science behind nuclear technology.
It covers topics such as nuclear essentials, radiation safety, sources of radionuclides, particle beams, radiation applications, nuclear energy sources, and nuclear technology regulation.
• Surfaces, Coatings and Nanotechnology: This module explores how materials properties vary as a function of size and dimensionality.
It covers topics such as surface treatments, surface coating techniques, two-dimensional materials, nanostructured materials, nanotechnology, and characterization of materials at the nanoscale.
• Renewable Energy, Sustainability and Low Carbon Technologies: This module emphasizes the regulatory requirements and technical considerations for designing, operating, and decommissioning sustainable industrial chemical processes, particularly sustainable energy generation systems.
It covers topics such as energy from biomass, other renewables, and associated low carbon technologies.
• Materials Science and Engineering: This module reinforces and builds upon knowledge gained in the first year.
It deepens understanding of key engineering materials, including ceramics, polymers, and composites, covering topics such as microstructure, material properties, synthesis, production, applications, corrosion, electrical properties, thermal properties, magnetic properties, and optical properties.
• Composite Science and Technology: This module provides a comprehensive understanding of composite engineering materials.
It covers topics such as fibers and matrices, mechanical behavior of lamina and laminates, interfaces, manufacturing and fabrication of composites, and applications of composite materials.
• Laser Materials Processing: This module examines the theory, principles, and techniques used in laser-materials processing.
It covers topics such as background to laser design and operation, fundamentals of laser material processing, processes and novel laser applications, modelling, simulation, and laser safety.
• Astrophysics: This module introduces the main principles and methods of observational and theoretical astronomy.
It covers topics such as methods and quantities involved in the study of stars, the formation and evolution of stars, and the discovery and study of exoplanets.
• Electronic Structure Modelling for Nanoscience: This module provides a broad understanding of electronic structure modelling in nanoscience.
It covers topics such as electronic structure methods, density functional theory, electron transport, and applications.
• Enhancing your Employability through Work Based Learning (optional): This module aims to enhance students' employability prospects by providing them with work placement opportunities.
• Employability Skills Analysis Development and Planning (optional): This module supports students in identifying relevant transferable skills, articulating their career plans, and developing action plans to address skills gaps.

Assessment:

The program is assessed through a combination of examinations and coursework, including laboratory reports and an extended project report in Year 3. Tutorial sessions provide problem-solving experience and are informally assessed.

Teaching:

Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, and problem-based learning. Laboratory classes are a key part of the program, providing hands-on experience and practical skills development. The program also offers various opportunities for work-based learning, including placements and internships.

Careers:

Graduates of this BSc Physics program have a wide range of career options, including roles in:

• Industrial and commercial companies
• Research associations
• Central and local government
• Education
• Consulting
• Finance and the stock market

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Home Students

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2024/25 are £9,250 a year, or £1,540 per 20-credit module for part-time study. The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals. Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

International/EU Students

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £13,950. This fee is set for each year of study. All undergraduate students are eligible for international and merit-based scholarships which are applicable to each year of study. For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section. Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.