History and Philosophy of Science and Physics

A Joint Honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each Single Honours course, but you’ll take fewer options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects. You’ll also undertake a major research project in either subject in your final year.

History and Philosophy of Science

In your first year core modules will introduce you to themes and approaches in history and philosophy of science, such as philosophy of science and the development of scientific thought. You’ll develop your knowledge in the following year by choosing optional modules in areas like epistemology and the history of ideas. You’ll continue to select optional modules in your final year, from realism and representation to philosophical questions in technology.

Physics

Core modules in your first year will introduce you to topics such as vibrations and quantum mechanics, as well as lab work. You’ll also have the choice to take optional modules from across the University. You’ll take further core modules in the following year to develop your knowledge and improve your mathematical skills, continuing with lab work and studying areas such as electromagnetism. In your final year, you’ll choose from further optional modules on a variety of topics to suit your own interests and career plans.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Magic, Science and Religion 10 credits
• Introduction to the History of Science 10 credits
• Darwin, Germs and the Bomb 10 credits
• How Science Works 10 credits
• Physics 1 25 credits
• Vibrations and Waves (Geophysics) 10 credits
• Laboratory 1a (Joint Honours and Geophysics) 5 credits
• Maths 1 10 credits
• Maths 2 10 credits
• Introduction to Academic Skills 5 credits

Optional modules

• History of Psychology 10 credits
• Living with Technology 10 credits
• History of Modern Medicine 10 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Quantum Mechanics (Joint Honours) 15 credits
• Maths 3 10 credits

Optional modules

Examples of the optional modules available are shown below. Please contact us for more details of the requirements and choices available.

• Reading Texts in the History of Ideas 20 credits
• Western Medicine from Antiquity to the Renaissance 20 credits
• History of Psychiatry and Mental Illness 20 credits
• Topics in Epistemology: Theory and Evidence 20 credits
• Physics 3 25 credits
• Maths 4 10 credits

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Final Year Project