Physics with Theoretical Physics MSci
Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-10-01 | - |
Program Overview
Through a balanced combination of coursework, laboratory experiments, and research projects, students develop strong analytical, problem-solving, and research skills. Graduates can pursue careers in various sectors or further studies in physics-related fields. The program is professionally accredited and offers optional modules in advanced topics, allowing students to specialize according to their interests.
Program Outline
The program aims to:
- Develop a deep appreciation for physics, mathematics, computational, and experimental methods.
- Engage with mathematical methods and their application in relation to theoretical physics.
- Enhance problem-solving skills, particularly suited for those with a strong interest in mathematics and its application in physics.
- Provide a strong foundation in core physics topics like electromagnetism, relativity, and quantum physics.
- Develop mathematical skills through dedicated modules.
- Offer flexibility in the third and fourth years to specialize in various optional modules, aligning with the department's diverse research specialisms.
- Culminate in a substantial final year project exploring a chosen theoretical physics topic in depth.
Outline:
Year 1:
- Core Modules:
- Practical Physics: Laboratory, Computing and Problem Solving: Develop laboratory and computing skills, training in experimental techniques across various physics areas.
- Vector Fields, Electricity and Magnetism: Introduce key concepts of vector calculus and their application to electricity and magnetism.
- Mechanics and Relativity: Explore the mathematics and physics of motion in space and time, advancing knowledge of classical mechanics.
- Oscillations and Waves: Gain in-depth knowledge of oscillations and waves, understanding their importance in various physics areas.
- Statistics of Measurement and the Summer Project: Develop understanding of practical aspects of physics and undertake a project in practical or computational physics.
- Mathematical Analysis: Learn mathematical thinking, focusing on limits, infinity, and the foundations of calculus.
Year 2:
- Differential Equations and Electromagnetism: Analyze various topics in electromagnetism and develop knowledge of linear differential equations.
- Mathematical Methods: Review fundamental mathematical techniques for physics computations and its foundational formulation.
- I-Explore Module: Choose from a range of subjects outside the department, including business, management, and more.
- Environmental Physics: Apply core physical concepts to the Earth system, developing awareness of global environmental change.
Year 3:
- Core Modules:
- Nuclear and Particle Physics: Examine the physics of elementary particles and nuclei, exploring concepts related to symmetries and using relativistic kinematics.
- Comprehensives: Test problem-solving abilities using fundamental physics principles in unfamiliar situations.
- Solid State Physics: Cover the fundamentals of solid-state physics, exploring how microscopic physics determines solid properties.
- Advanced Classical Physics: Explore advanced concepts in classical physics, emphasizing the role of symmetries in fundamental physics.
- Project Modules:
- Year 3 Project: Complete a research project tackling an open problem in physics with an unknown or unsettled answer.
- Essay Project: Conduct a research investigation focusing on discerning, contextualizing, and critically analyzing the research of others.
- Optional Modules:
- Lasers: Gain a mathematically rigorous understanding of laser physics, examining laser action mechanisms and real-world laser operations.
- Physics of Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy: Analyze clinical imaging modalities and radiotherapies, understanding the physical principles behind x-ray radiation interactions with tissue.
- Principles of Instrumentation: Investigate the principles and practice of instrument science, using a prototyping system to build and characterize instrument components.
- Plasma Physics: Discover the physical phenomena governing plasma behavior and the importance of collective effects.
- Cosmology: Learn the basics of modern cosmology and the foundations of the Hot Big Bang theory.
- Space Physics: Uncover the key physical theories controlling the properties of different space plasmas and plasma phenomena.
- Quantum Optics: Examine quantum mechanics using light, atoms, and their interactions, exploring how quantum optics can contribute to quantum technology development.
- Introduction to Plasmonics and Metamaterials: Broaden appreciation for the optics of small metallic nanoparticles and nanoantennas.
- Entrepreneurship for Physicists: Develop entrepreneurial and organizational skills, considering how to establish a technology-based enterprise leveraging physics education.
- Concepts in Device Physics: Explore the workings of electronic, photonic, and magnetic devices, gaining insight into research developments in nanomaterials and device physics.
- Optical Communications Physics: Deepen knowledge of modern optical communications technologies and the operations of optical fiber networks.
- Foundations of Quantum Mechanics: Acquire the mathematical techniques and conceptual background needed to understand the foundations of quantum mechanics.
- Computational Physics: Build understanding of the finite difference methods used to solve differential equations in physics.
- Astrophysics: Apply physical concepts from earlier studies to explain the formation, existence, and appearance of astronomical objects.
- Group Theory: Become fluent in the language of representation theory and confident in its applications to non-relativistic quantum mechanics.
- General Relativity: Develop understanding of general relativity (GR), Einstein's theory of gravity, and the relativistic world view of four-dimensional Lorentzian spacetime.
- Advanced Particle Physics: Study the "Standard Model" (SM) of particle physics, assessing its advantages and limitations.
- Unification - The Standard Model: Deepen knowledge of the properties required for the Lagrangian of a field theory, exploring how symmetries are represented mathematically and reflected in physical observables.
- Quantum Theory of Matter: Understand the concept of topology in condensed matter physics using examples of current interest.
Year 4:
- Core Modules:
- Research Interfaces: Develop communication, teamwork, and leadership skills, learning how to develop a successful research proposal from initial idea to presenting a bid.
- MSci Project: Conduct a substantial research project embedded in a research group, guided by research-active staff. This project is the most significant element of the degree, providing firsthand insight into scientific research operations and developing transferable skills.
- Space Physics: Uncover the key physical theories controlling the properties of different space plasmas and plasma phenomena.
- Quantum Optics: Examine quantum mechanics using light, atoms, and their interactions, exploring how quantum optics can contribute to quantum technology development.
- Introduction to Plasmonics and Metamaterials: Broaden appreciation for the optics of small metallic nanoparticles and nanoantennas.
- Entrepreneurship for Physicists: Develop entrepreneurial and organizational skills, considering how to establish a technology-based enterprise leveraging physics education.
- Concepts in Device Physics: Explore the workings of electronic, photonic, and magnetic devices, gaining insight into research developments in nanomaterials and device physics.
- Optical Communications Physics: Deepen knowledge of modern optical communications technologies and the operations of optical fiber networks.
- Theoretical Optional Modules:
- Advanced Particle Physics: Study the "Standard Model" (SM) of particle physics, assessing its advantages and limitations.
- General Relativity: Develop understanding of general relativity (GR), Einstein's theory of gravity, and the relativistic world view of four-dimensional Lorentzian spacetime.
- Unification - The Standard Model: Deepen knowledge of the properties required for the Lagrangian of a field theory, exploring how symmetries are represented mathematically and reflected in physical observables.
- Quantum Theory of Matter: Understand the concept of topology in condensed matter physics using examples of current interest.
Assessment:
The program utilizes a balanced approach to assessment, incorporating:
- Coursework: 25% in Year 1, 20% in Year 2, 15% in Year 3, and 35% in Year 4.
- Practical: 15% in Year 1, 10% in Year 2, 5% in Year 3, and 15% in Year 4.
- Written Examination: 60% in Year 1, 70% in Year 2, 80% in Year 3, and 50% in Year 4. Assessment methods include:
- Computing reports and laboratory reports
- Mastery tests
- Oral presentations and assessments
- Poster presentations
- Project reports
- Progress tests and quizzes
- Written examinations
- Written problems
Teaching:
The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Laboratory classes
- Computing labs
- Project work
- Virtual learning environment
- Independent learning Teaching is guided by world-leading researchers with expertise in their respective fields, ensuring a high level of instruction.
Careers:
Graduates of this program are highly sought after by employers due to their strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Potential career paths include:
- Traditional technical jobs: Oil and gas, telecommunications, business consultancy, banking, and finance.
- Other sectors: Civil service, cyber risk modeling, energy industry, automotive industry. The program also prepares students for further study, with approximately half pursuing MSc or PhD degrees.
Other:
- Professional Accreditation: The program is professionally accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP), demonstrating industry-recognized competency. It also satisfies the academic requirements for professional registration as a Chartered Physicist (CPhys).
- Associateship: Upon completion, students receive the Associateship of the Royal College of Science (ARCS).
- Year Abroad: The program offers a Year Abroad option, allowing students to study at partner universities in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Singapore, or the USA.
- Transfer between Courses: Transfer to other Physics degrees within the department is usually possible in the first two years, subject to specific module requirements.