Physics and Astrophysics MSci

Year 1

• Quantum Mechanics and Optics and Waves - 10 credits
• Classical Mechanics and Relativity 1 - 10 credits
• Classical Mechanics and Relativity 2 - 10 credits
• Mathematics for Physicists 1A - 10 credits
• Mathematics for Physicists 1B - 10 credits
• Physics Laboratory 1A - 10 credits
• Physics Laboratory 1B - 10 credits
• Physics and Communication Skills 1 - 10 credits
• Electromagnetism and Temperature and Matter - 20 credits
• Introduction to Probability and Statistics - 10 credits
• Introduction to Astrophysics - 10 credits

• Quantum Mechanics 2 - 10 credits
• Particles and Nuclei and A Quantum Approach to Solids - 10 credits
• Mathematics for Physicists 2A - 10 credits
• Mathematics for Physicists 2B - 10 credits
• Physics Laboratory 2 - 10 credits
• Physics and Communication Skill 2 - 10 credits
• Electromagnetism 2 - 10 credits
• Statistical Physics and Entropy - 10 credits
• Structure in the Universe - 10 credits
• Space Research/Astro Project - 10 credits
• Observational Astronomy - 10 credits
• Optics - 10 credits

• Quantum Mechanics 3 - 10 credits
• Statistical Physics - 10 credits
• General Physics - 10 credits
• Group Studies - 20 credits
• Atomic Physics - 10 credits
• Observational Laboratory - 20 credits

Students must also take TWO of the following modules:

• The Life and Death of Stars - 10 credits
• Observational Cosmology - 10 credits
• Evolution of Cosmic Structure - 10 credits

Choose 20 credits. Example modules:

• Chaos and Dynamical Systems - 10 credits
• Radiation and Relativity - 10 credits
• Condensed Matter Physics - 10 credits
• Fission and Fusion - 10 credits
• Medical Imaging - 10 credits
• Complex Variable Theory - 10 credits
• Images and Communication - 10 credits
• Physics Critique - 10 credits
• Laboratory - 20 credits
• Laboratory - 10 credits
• Physics Teaching in Schools - 10 credits
• Particle Physics - 10 credits
• Nuclear Physics - 10 credits
• Semiconductor Optoelectronics - 10 credits
• Asteroseismology and Exoplanets - 10 credits
• Physics of Music and Sound - 10 credits
• Scientific Computing Laboratory 1 - 10 credits
• Scientific Computing Laboratory 2 - 10 credits
• Physical Principles of Radar - 10 credits

One-third of your final MSci year is given over to a major research project in which you will work with a supervisor to tackle a problem of genuine research interest. Recent examples include studies of star formation within cosmic filaments, pulsating stars observed by NASA’s Kepler satellite, and advanced optical techniques that have been used to detect gravitational waves.

• Project Seminar and Viva - 20 credits
• Project Planning and Preliminary Report - 10 credits
• Project Dissertation - 20 credits

Students must also take ONE of the following modules:

• Inference from Scientific Data - 10 credits
• Relativistic Astrophysics - 10 credits

Choose 60 credits. Example modules:

• Numerical Weather Forecasting and Climate Modelling - 10 credits
• Physics Critique - 10 credits
• Observational Cosmology - 10 credits
• Phase Transitions - 10 credits
• Superconductivity - 10 credits
• The General Theory of Relativity - 10 credits
• Nanophotonics - 10 credits
• Ultracold Atoms and Quantum Gases - 10 credits
• Advanced Condensed Matter Physics - 10 credits
• Complex Variable Theory - 10 credits
• Images and Communication - 10 credits
• Many Particle and Quantum Field Theory - 10 credits
• Condensed Matter Physics - 10 credits
• Nuclear Physics - 10 credits
• Quantum Optics - 10 credits
• Evolution of Cosmic Structure - 10 credits
• Asteroseismology and Exoplanets - 10 credits
• Quantum Mechanics 4 - 10 credits
• Fission and Fusion - 10 credits
• Current Topics in Particle Physics - 10 credits
• Experimental Particle Physics Techniques - 10 credits

• Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2020. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to core modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.