Program Overview

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Physics

Course Overview

The career-enhancing Physics degree at Aberystwyth University is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) and designed to help you fulfill your potential in a supportive learning environment.

Physics is one of the oldest academic disciplines, but one which makes significant contributions to modern society, with theoretical breakthroughs feeding into new sciences and fostering modern technologies.

The concepts of Physics form the basis of most scientific language and the subject finds its way into most modern science and technology, enhancing the scope for your future employment prospects.

Modules

Year 1

• Algebra and Differential Equations * (PH16210, 10 credits)
• Calculus * (MP10610, 10 credits)
• Dynamics, Waves and Heat * (PH10020, 20 credits)
• Electricity, Magnetism and Matter * (PH11120, 20 credits)
• Further Algebra and Calculus * (MP11010, 10 credits)
• Laboratory Techniques for Experimental Physicists and Engineers (20 Credits) * (PH15720, 20 credits)
• Laboratory Techniques for Experimental Physicists and Engineers (30 Credits) * (PH15030, 30 credits)
• Modern Physics (PH14310, 10 credits)
• Physics Career Planning and Skills Development * (PH12910, 10 credits)

Year 2

• Core:
  • Electricity and Magnetism * (PH22510, 10 credits)
  • Mathematical Physics * (PM26020, 20 credits)
  • Numerical Techniques for Physicists (PH26620, 20 credits)
  • Optics (PH22010, 10 credits)
  • Practical Research Skills * (PH25720, 20 credits)
  • Principles of Quantum Mechanics (PH23010, 10 credits)
  • Sensors, Electronics & Instrumentation (PH24520, 20 credits)
  • Thermodynamics (PH21510, 10 credits)
• Options:
  • Astronomy (PH18010, 10 credits)
  • Communication and Technology (PH19510, 10 credits)
  • Energy and the Environment (PH19010, 10 credits)

Year 3

• Core:
  • Concepts in Condensed Matter Physics (PH32410, 10 credits)
  • Lasers and Photonics (PH34510, 10 credits)
  • Materials Physics (PH33810, 10 credits)
  • Particles, Quanta and Fields (PH33020, 20 credits)
  • Project (40 Credits) (PH37540, 40 credits)
  • Semiconductor Technology (PH33610, 10 credits)

Careers

Our graduates have discovered career paths in:

• Medical Physicist
• Radiation Protection Practitioner
• Research Scientist

Other graduates from our department have sought careers in:

• Systems Developer
• Product Development
• Technical Author
• Meteorologist

Employability is embedded across all of our teaching and ethics. We instil these skills in our students:

• research and data analysis skills
• enhanced mathematical and computational skills
• effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills
• ability to work independently
• time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines
• ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form
• self-motivation and self-reliance
• teamworking, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement.

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn?

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the three year degree scheme.

In the first year you will discover:

• classical and modern physics
• computational and experimental physics
• dynamics
• basic principles of gravitational and electrostatic fields
• astronomy
• energy sources and their environmental impacts.

In the second year you will explore:

• thermal physics
• quantum mechanics
• experimental analogue electronics
• data handling and statistics
• instrumentation systems.

In your final year you will investigate:

• semiconductor physics
• electromagnetism
• optronics
• condensed matter
• atoms and molecules
• numerical methods.

How will I be taught?

We teach our students through lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, practicals, individual and group-based project work.

We assess our students through coursework, presentations, lab reports, lab diaries and examinations.

Student Testimonials

Everyday Physics enhances your understanding of the universe and everything we experience. Passionate scientists inform you of their contributions to science at the forefront of physics. Your time is split between gaining hands-on laboratory experience using exciting equipment including lasers, oscilloscopes and spectrometers, and lectures that will inspire and interest you. Each module challenges your intelligence and allows you to gain knowledge that most people benefit from but do not know exists. Students achieve excellence, and stretch their minds. It requires time and effort, but the skills and understanding you gain are second to none. Sarah Chandler

Typical Entry Requirements

• UCAS Tariff: 120 - 112
• A Levels: BBB-BBC to include B in Physics and B in Mathematics
• GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4): English or Welsh and Mathematics
• BTEC National Diploma: DDM-DMM with B in A level Physics and B in Mathematics
• International Baccalaureate: 30-28 with 5 points in Physics and Mathematics at Higher Level
• European Baccalaureate: 75%-65% overall with 7 in Physics and Mathematics

English Language Requirements

See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements

International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.

Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.