Program Overview

Computing Science and Physics, BSc

Introduction

This degree brings together two very closely linked subjects and offers a tremendous degree programme to those with a strong interest in both.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: BSc
• Duration: 48 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• UCAS Code: IF13
• Pathway Programme Available: Undergraduate Foundation Programme

What You'll Study

Year 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
  • Programming 1 (CS1032)
  • The Physical Universe A (PX1015)
  • Calculus 1 (MA1005)
  • Algebra (MA1006)
  • Web Development (CS1534)
  • Object - Oriented Programming (CS1527)
  • The Physical Universe B (PX1513)
  • Calculus II (MA1508)

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Software Programming (CS2020)
  • Databases and Data Management (CS2019)
  • Dynamical Phenomena (PX2015)
  • Algorithms and Data Structures (CS2522)
  • Practical Optics and Electronics (PX2505)
  • Relativity and Quantum Mechanics (PX2510)
  • Light Science (PX2013)
  • Human - Computer Interaction (CS2506)

Year 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Mathematical Methods in Physics (PX3020)
  • Principles of Software Engineering (CS3028)
  • Energy and Matter (PX3014)
  • Software Engineering and Professional Practice (CS3528)
  • Distributed Systems and Security (CS3524)
  • Advanced Practical Physics (PX3510)
  • Introduction to the Solid State (PX3016)
• Optional Courses:
  • Operating Systems (CS3026)
  • Artificial Intelligence (CS3033)
  • Structure of Matter and the Universe (PX4510)
  • Nuclear and Semiconductor Physics (PX4516)

Year 4

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Research Methods (CS4040)
  • Case Studies in Physical Sciences (PX4007)
  • Statistical Physics and Stochastic Systems (PX4012)
  • Joint Honours Computing - Physics Project (CS4594)
  • Modelling Theory (PX4514)
• Optional Courses:
  • Security (CS4028)
  • Robotics (CS4048)
  • Natural Language Processing (CS4051)

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Lectures
• Research
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

• Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course
• Practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course
• Written examinations at the end of each course

Why Study Computing Science and Physics?

Why Computing Science

• The Aberdeen University Artificial Intelligence Society and the Aberdeen University Computing Society provide a forum for students to share their interest and expertise in computing through workshops, guest talks, coding challenges and social events
• Students can also undertake placements during their studies, which is an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand professional experience of working in industry
• The Aberdeen Software Factory is a student-run software house that enables computing science students gain experience working on larger software projects for external clients
• Some of the organisations that our graduates have gone to work for in recent years include Google, Citi Bank, Coca-Cola, Danske Bank, Disney Pixar, Morgan Stanley, Huawei, JPMorgan Chase, GE Digital and Allianz Insurance
• Our online summer school provides additional support to familiarise students with programming, mathematics and other related topics before commencing their studies

Why Physics

• We are ranked 6th in the UK for Physics - The Guardian University Guide 2024
• 2nd in Scotland for Overall Satisfaction - NSS 2023
• Our BSc Physics degree is accredited by the Institute of Physics
• We also offer a broad-based, less mathematical degree in Physical Science that allows the combination of Physics courses with a wide choice of other subjects
• The Physics and Astronomy Society is open to any students with an interest in physics or astronomy and organises a series of talks, experimental sessions, astronomy nights, trips, game nights, and numerous social outings
• We are engaged in a wide range of research areas ranging from the fundamental nature of the universe through to understanding the atomic structure of complex materials and semiconductor device physics
• Our graduates go in to a huge range of jobs including; Meteorology, Medical physics, Environmental monitoring, Astronomy, Particle physics, Geophysics, Materials science, Invention Design, Teaching
• Notable former staff include James Clerk Maxwell, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest scientists who have ever lived due to his revolutionary work on electricity, magnetism, and optics and the Nobel Prize winner GP Thomson

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• SQA Highers: AABB (or better) or BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5)
• A LEVELS: BBB (or better) or BBC (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5)
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL, including HL in Mathematics and Physics
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3, Including H3 in Mathematics and Physics

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Fees and Funding

• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
• EU / International students: £24,800
• Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme
• Home Students: £1,820

Careers

• The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond
• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen
• More information on the Careers and Employability Service

Our Experts

• Information About Staff Changes: You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors
• Learn from world-class experts: Example - Congratulations to Professor Norval Strachan, Head of Physics at the University of Aberdeen, who has been appointed as Food Standards Scotland's first Chief Scientific Adviser

Features

• Aberdeen Software Factory: The Aberdeen Software Factory is a student-run software house
• Computing Placements: Placements are encouraged and available within a range of computing firms - summer months, between second and third year, or between third and fourth year

Discover Uni

• Discover Uni draws together comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study
• You can compare these and other data for different degree programmes in which you are interested

Get in Touch

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