Physics with a Foundation Year BSc MPhys

Program Overview

The four-year program combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience through lab-based learning, preparing graduates for a wide range of careers in physics and beyond.

Program Outline

Physics with a Foundation Year BSc MPhys - University of Sheffield

Degree Overview:

This four-year Physics with a Foundation Year BSc program is designed for students who lack the typical scientific or mathematical background required for a standard physics degree. Successful completion of the foundation year with an average mark of 60 or above guarantees entry into this or any other physics degree at the University of Sheffield. Students gain practical experience through lab-based learning, bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world applications.

Key Highlights:

• Ranked No.
1 physics department in the UK (REF 2021).
• Research opportunities, including summer research placements, work placements, and field trips to organizations like CERN and observatories on La Palma.
• Graduates are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in fields like data science, software engineering, research and development, and more.

Outline:

Foundation Year:

• Core Modules:
• Advanced Level Chemistry:
Covers major concepts from inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, aligning with the common core A-level curriculum. (20 credits)
• Scientific and Laboratory Skills:
Develops practical skills in laboratory experiments, measurement techniques, error analysis, report writing, and communication. (20 credits) (10 credits)
• Foundations of Physics:
Introduces fundamental physics concepts like dynamics, electricity and magnetism, thermal physics, oscillations, waves, optics, properties of matter, and atomic and nuclear physics. (30 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Core Foundation Mathematics:
Covers the common core A-level curriculum, suitable for students who have been away from mathematics for a period. (40 credits)
• Foundation Core and Enhanced Mathematics:
Builds upon the A-level mathematics curriculum, covering topics like pure mathematics, statistics, probability, and numerical methods. (40 credits)

Main Degree (Years 2-5):

• Year 2:
• Essential Physics Modules:
Explore core physics concepts in greater depth.
• Optional Modules: Choose from modules like advanced programming, preparing students for future careers.
• Year 3:
• Branch Out into Specialized Areas:
Modules on topics like particle physics, nuclear physics, and semiconductor technologies.
• Research Project or Industrial Group Project: Hands-on experience investigating real-world physics problems.
• Year 4 (MPhys):
• Advanced Physics Modules:
Further delve into specialized areas of physics.
• Research Project: In-depth research project, often conducted in a specialist research laboratory.

Assessment:

• Portfolio of Assessments: Problem sets, lab work, essays, lab reports, presentations, and exams.

Teaching:

• Learning Methods: Lectures, small group tutorials, programming classes, practical lab sessions, and research projects.
• Support: 24/7 online access to the library service, study spaces, computers, and study skills training.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Computer programming
• Software engineering
• Data science
• Research and development
• Renewable energy technologies
• Medical treatments
• Quantum telecommunications systems
• Space exploration
• Opportunities:
• PhD programs for those interested in research careers.
• Collaboration with industrial partners through internships, placements, and projects facilitated by the White Rose Industrial Physics Academy (WRIPA).
• Access to the UK's largest physics recruitment fair organized by WRIPA.

Other:

• Student Profiles: The program features testimonials from current and former students, highlighting their experiences and career paths.
• University Rankings: The University of Sheffield consistently ranks highly in national and international rankings, including:
• No.
1 in the Russell Group for physics research (REF 2021).
• Top 50 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023.
• No.
1 Students' Union in the UK (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017).
• No.
1 for teaching quality, Students' Union, and clubs/societies (StudentCrowd 2023 University Awards).
• A top 20 university targeted by employers (The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report).

Please use 2024-25 information as a guide.

• Home students 2024 annual tuition fee £9,250
• Overseas students 2024 annual tuition fee £29,110