Physics and Astrophysics with an Industrial Placement Year BSc
Program Overview
The Physics and Astrophysics with an Industrial Placement Year BSc program at the University of Sheffield equips students with a comprehensive understanding of physics and astrophysics through a blend of theoretical learning, practical experience, and an industrial placement year. The program emphasizes astrophysics, covering topics such as the formation of the solar system, stars and galaxies, and extrasolar planets. Graduates are highly sought after for careers in research, industry, and education.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Physics and Astrophysics with an Industrial Placement Year BSc is a four-year, full-time program offered by the University of Sheffield's School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. This program provides a comprehensive education in physics and astrophysics, with a strong emphasis on practical experience.
Objectives:
The program aims to equip students with:
- The skills necessary for a career in research, industry, or teaching.
- Practical experience through laboratory work, research projects, and an industrial placement year.
- The ability to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems.
Program Description:
The program offers a unique blend of theoretical and practical learning, with a focus on astrophysics. Students will spend 50% of their time studying astrophysics, covering topics such as:
- The formation of the solar system
- Stars and galaxies
- The evolution of the universe
- Extrasolar planets
- Astrobiology The program also includes essential physics modules, providing a strong foundation in:
- Classical mechanics
- Electromagnetism
- Thermal physics
- Quantum mechanics
Outline:
Year 1:
- Core Modules:
- Our Evolving Universe (10 credits)
- Introductory Mathematics for Physicists and Astronomers (20 credits)
- Introduction to Astrophysics (10 credits)
- The Solar System (10 credits)
- Further Mathematics for Physicists and Astronomers (10 credits)
- Fundamentals of Physics (50 credits)
- Observing the Night Sky (10 credits)
Year 2:
- Core Modules:
- Special Relativity & Subatomic Physics (10 credits)
- Stellar Structure and Evolution (10 credits)
- Observational Astronomy (10 credits)
- Galaxies (10 credits)
- Astronomical Spectroscopy (10 credits)
- Classical and Quantum Physics (70 credits)
Year 3:
- Industrial Placement: Students spend their third year on an industrial placement, gaining practical experience in their chosen field.
Year 4:
- Core Modules:
- Particle Physics (10 credits)
- Stellar Atmospheres (10 credits)
- Atomic and Laser Physics (10 credits)
- Solid State Physics (10 credits)
- Introduction to Cosmology (10 credits)
- Problem Solving and Professional Skills in Physics and Astronomy (10 credits)
- Optional Modules:
- History of Astronomy (10 credits)
- Dark Matter and the Universe (10 credits)
- Astrobiology (10 credits)
- Origin of the Chemical Elements (10 credits)
- Optional Project Modules:
- Research project in Physics or Astronomy (20 credits)
- Industrial Group Project in Physics (20 credits)
- Quantum Information Laboratory (20 credits)
- Physics Education and Outreach (20 credits)
- Optional Modules:
- Introduction to Soft Matter and Biological Physics (10 credits)
- Nuclear Physics (10 credits)
- Physical Computing (10 credits)
- Mathematical Physics (10 credits)
- Advanced Programming in Python (10 credits)
- Statistical Physics (10 credits)
- Physics in an Enterprise Culture (10 credits)
- Semiconductor Physics and Technology (10 credits)
Assessment:
Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams
- Essays
- Lab reports
- Presentations
- Problem sets
- Lab work
Teaching:
- Methods:
- Lectures
- Small group tutorials
- Programming classes
- Practical sessions in the lab
- Research projects
- Faculty:
- The program is taught by experienced and renowned faculty members who are actively involved in research.
- Unique Approaches:
- The program includes a unique field trip to the observatory on La Palma in the Canary Islands, where students can experience life at a working observatory.
- The program also offers a range of optional modules, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests.
Careers:
- Potential Career Paths:
- Physicist
- Astrophysicist
- Research scientist
- Data scientist
- Software engineer
- Teacher
- Opportunities:
- The program provides students with the skills and knowledge to pursue a wide range of careers in research, industry, and education.
- The industrial placement year provides valuable work experience, enhancing students' employability.
- Outcomes:
- Graduates of the program are highly sought after by employers in a variety of sectors.
- The University of Sheffield is part of the White Rose Industrial Physics Academy, which provides opportunities for students to collaborate with industrial partners.
- The program is based in the Hicks Building, which has state-of-the-art facilities, including teaching laboratories, classrooms, lecture theatres, computer rooms, and social spaces.
- The University of Sheffield has a strong reputation for research, with 92% of its research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.
- The University of Sheffield is ranked among the top 50 universities in the world.
£9,250 Home students 2024-25 annual tuition fee £29,110 Overseas students 2024-25 annual tuition fee
