Program Overview
The University of Sheffield's BSc in Physics and Astrophysics provides a comprehensive education, equipping students with a deep understanding of physics and astrophysics. Combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience, the program emphasizes research opportunities and prepares graduates for careers in diverse fields, including data science, research, and technology. Students benefit from world-class facilities, including telescopes and a Quantum Information Laboratory, and the program is accredited by the Institute of Physics.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The University of Sheffield BSc in Physics and Astrophysics is a three-year, full-time program that offers a comprehensive education in both physics and astrophysics. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of physics, while also allowing them to specialize in astrophysics.
Objectives:
The program aims to equip students with:
- The skills necessary to conduct independent research.
- The knowledge and skills required for a successful career in physics or astrophysics.
Program Description:
The program offers a unique blend of physics and astrophysics, with 50% of the curriculum dedicated to astrophysics. Students will have the opportunity to use telescopes on the roof of the faculty building and at the observatory in the Canary Islands. The program emphasizes practical work, including hands-on experience with telescopes and programming skills development.
- No.
- 1 physics department in the UK: The University of Sheffield's physics department is ranked first in the UK, with 100% of its research and impact rated as world-leading or internationally excellent by REF 2021.
- More astro content than most degrees: The program offers a higher proportion of astrophysics content compared to other physics degrees.
- Research opportunities: Students have access to research projects, including summer research placements, work placements, and field trips to organizations like CERN and the observatories on La Palma.
- Graduate to a career: Graduates are well-prepared for careers in various fields, including data science, research, and technology.
Outline:
- Introductory Mathematics for Physicists and Astronomers: Introduces essential mathematics for physics and astronomy students.
- Introduction to Astrophysics: Covers fundamental physical concepts and techniques in astronomy.
- The Solar System: Explores the elements of the solar system, including the Sun, planets, moons, and minor bodies.
- Fundamentals of Physics: Introduces fundamental concepts in physics, including electromagnetism, classical mechanics, thermal physics, waves, and oscillations.
- Observing the Night Sky: Equips students with observational and computational data analysis skills.
- Stellar Structure and Evolution: Explores the physical processes occurring in stars and their evolution.
- Observational Astronomy: Builds upon astronomy material from Year 1 and focuses on planning, obtaining, and analyzing optical imaging data.
- Galaxies: Provides a comprehensive introduction to galaxies, covering their properties, classification, and evolution.
- Astronomical Spectroscopy: Covers astronomical spectroscopy, including how spectrographs work, the nature of spectra, and spectral diagnostics.
- Classical and Quantum Physics: Integrates physics content with supporting mathematics and practical work.
Year 3:
Core Modules:
- Particle Physics: Introduces students to modern particle physics, covering relativistic kinematics, particle classification, and fundamental interactions.
- Atomic and Laser Physics: Covers the physics of atoms and lasers, including atomic selection rules, spectral fine structure, and laser operation.
- Solid State Physics: Covers the electronic properties of solids, including conductors, semiconductors, and insulators.
- Introduction to Cosmology: Explores the science of the universe, including its history, structure, and evolution.
- Problem Solving and Professional Skills in Physics and Astronomy: Develops techniques for solving unfamiliar problems in physics and astronomy.
Optional Modules:
- History of Astronomy: Provides an introduction to the historical development of modern astronomy.
- Dark Matter and the Universe: Explores the astrophysical evidence for dark matter and the search for candidate dark matter particles.
- Astrobiology: Examines the search for alien life, the frequency of life in the universe, and the potential characteristics of extraterrestrial life.
- Origin of the Chemical Elements: Looks at the origin, distribution, and evolution of chemical elements.
Optional Project Modules:
- Research project in Physics or Astronomy: Provides an opportunity for students to undertake independent research in physics or astronomy.
- Industrial Group Project in Physics: Offers students an industrial project where they work in teams to solve a problem posed by an industrial client.
- Quantum Information Laboratory: Provides a foundation in quantum optics experiments and associated theory.
- Physics Education and Outreach: Introduces topics related to teaching, science communication, and outreach activities.
Optional Modules (Year 3):
- Introduction to Soft Matter and Biological Physics: Explores the properties of soft matter, including plastics, gels, and biological cells.
- Nuclear Physics: Studies the properties of nuclei, nuclear forces, radioactivity, and nuclear reactions.
- Physical Computing: Covers the fundamental building blocks of digital processing circuits and computers.
- Mathematical Physics: Covers topics in linear algebra, complex analysis, and their applications in physics.
- Advanced Programming in Python: Builds upon basic Python programming skills and introduces advanced concepts.
- Statistical Physics: Introduces the techniques of statistical mechanics and their applications in various fields.
- Physics in an Enterprise Culture: Covers topics related to innovation, intellectual property, costing, and business planning.
- Semiconductor Physics and Technology: Provides an introduction to semiconductor electronic and opto-electronic devices.
Assessment:
Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Problem sets
- Lab work
- Exams
- Essays
- Lab reports
- Presentations
Teaching:
Students learn through a combination of:
- Lectures
- Small group tutorials
- Programming classes
- Practical sessions in the lab
- Research projects
Careers:
Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in:
- Computer programming
- Software engineering
- Data science
- Research and development
- Teaching
- Science communication
Other:
- The program is based in the Hicks Building, which houses undergraduate teaching laboratories, classrooms, lecture theaters, computer rooms, and social spaces.
Please use 2024-25 information as a guide.
Home students 2024 annual tuition fee
£9,250
Overseas students 2024 annual tuition fee
£29,110
