Program Overview
Co-taught with Computer Science, the program equips students with a deep understanding of both fields. It emphasizes problem-solving, project work, and computing and statistical skills, preparing graduates for diverse careers in academia, industry, and finance. Accredited by the Institute of Physics, the program boasts access to state-of-the-art teaching facilities and research opportunities.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Physics with Data Science BSc program at the University of Birmingham provides a strong foundation in both the fundamentals of Physics and the exciting field of Data Science. It is co-taught with the School of Computer Science, reflecting the growing importance of Data Science in modern physics research and various industries. The program aims to equip students with the skills, expertise, and experience in Data Science, preparing them for diverse career paths in academia, industry, and finance.
Outline:
The Physics with Data Science BSc is a three-year program structured as follows:
Year 1:
- Core Modules:
- Classical Mechanics and Relativity 1 (10 credits)
- Classical Mechanics and Relativity 2 (10 credits)
- Electromagnetism and Temperature and Matter (20 credits)
- Introduction to Data Science (10 credits)
- Introduction to Probability and Statistics (10 credits)
- Mathematics for Physicists 1A (10 credits)
- Mathematics for Physicists 1B (10 credits)
- Physics Laboratory 1A (10 credits)
- Physics Laboratory 1B (10 credits)
- Physics and Communication Skills 1 (10 credits)
- Quantum Mechanics and Optics and Waves (10 credits)
Year 2:
- Core Modules:
- Data Science Projects (10 credits)
- Electromagnetism 2 (10 credits)
- Foundations and Applications of Data Science (10 credits)
- Mathematics for Physicists 2A (10 credits)
- Mathematics for Physicists 2B (10 credits)
- Optics (10 credits)
- Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids (10 credits)
- Physics and Communication Skills 2 (10 credits)
- Physics Laboratory 2 (10 credits)
- Quantum Mechanics 2 (10 credits)
- Statistical Physics and Entropy (10 credits)
- Optional Modules: (Choose 10 credits)
- Eigenphysics (10 credits)
- Electronics (10 credits)
- Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics (10 credits)
- Observational Astronomy (10 credits)
- Structure in the Universe (10 credits)
Year 3:
- Core Modules:
- General Physics (10 credits)
- Group Studies (20 credits)
- Quantum Mechanics 3 (10 credits)
- Scientific Computing Laboratory 1 (10 credits)
- Scientific Computing Laboratory 2 (10 credits)
- Statistical Physics (10 credits)
- Optional Modules: (Choose 50 credits)
- Semester 1:
- Biophysics (10 credits)
- Complex Variable Theory (10 credits)
- Fission and Fusion (10 credits)
- Intelligent Data Analysis (20 credits)
- Machine Learning (20 credits)
- Medical Imaging (10 credits)
- Neural Computation (20 credits)
- Observational Cosmology (10 credits)
- Physical Principles of Radar (10 credits)
- The Life and Death of Stars (10 credits)
- Semester 2:
- Atomic Physics (10 credits)
- Chaos and Dynamical Systems (10 credits)
- Condensed Matter Physics (10 credits)
- Evolution of Cosmic Structure (10 credits)
- Exoplanets (10 credits)
- Images and Communications (10 credits)
- Natural Language Processing (20 credits)
- Nuclear Physics (10 credits)
- Particle Physics (10 credits)
- Physics Critique (10 credits)
- Physics Teaching in Schools (10 credits)
- Radiation and Relativity (10 credits)
Assessment:
Modules are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams
- Class tests
- Problem sheets
- Lab assignments
- Project reports There is a strong emphasis on project work in the final year of the degree course. Lab work is assessed continuously throughout the term.
Teaching:
- Most modules are delivered through traditional lectures given by active physics researchers.
- Students also learn through tutorials, examples classes, guided study, laboratory practicals, and project work.
- Lab work is an integral part of the degree courses.
- Computing and transferable skills are interwoven into the studies.
Careers:
Graduates of the Physics with Data Science BSc program have a wide range of career options, including:
- Scientific researcher
- Medical physicist
- Energy consultant
- Defence analyst
- Meteorologist
- Statistician
- Financial services analyst
- Business consultant The program emphasizes problem-solving skills and data analysis, making graduates highly sought after in various industries. Over 40% of students go on to further study, with many pursuing research-leading PhDs.
Other:
- The program is accredited by the Institute of Physics.
- Students have access to world-class teaching facilities, including state-of-the-art study spaces, computing suites, and teaching laboratories.
- The University is home to one of the four UK Quantum Technology hubs, developing state-of-the-art quantum sensors.
- Students are assigned a personal tutor for the first two years, meeting weekly in groups of no more than four students.
- The program offers a strong emphasis on project work in the final year.
- The University provides a wealth of career development opportunities through its Careers Network, including one-to-one advice appointments, internships, and mentoring schemes.
Tuition Fees for Placement Years (where applicable) UK/EU fees for placement years (where applicable) will be charged as the same fee as the Programme fee for the relevant academic year of study. The fee for a year abroad will remain the same, regardless of the length of time spent abroad. Fees for students studying abroad 2023 Non-EU (International) fee: £27,180 UK/EU fees: £9,250 2024 Non-EU (International) fee: £27,180 UK/EU fees: £9,250 Fees for Study Abroad or Year in Industry Fees for Study Abroad or Year in Industry are in addition to your tuition fees and cover the University’s non-chargeable costs in managing the exchange year, including academic support and monitoring. Students on a study abroad/year in industry will also continue to pay standard tuition fees to the University and the costs of tuition at the host institution or of work experience abroad. In addition, there are no reductions to tuition fees for study abroad/year in industry, as you must still register with the University of Birmingham for that year of your studies. Cost for Study Abroad or Year in Industry: £1,630 (in addition to tuition)