Physics, Particle Physics & Cosmology BSc

Year 1

In the first year you are introduced to detection techniques used in particle physics experiments, the latest ideas about the structure and evolution of the Universe, and how the evidence for dark matter and dark energy link back to outstanding questions in particle physics.

• 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 Particle Physics and Cosmology - 10 credits

In the second year you will learn about the neutrino, what it tells us about the weak nuclear force, and how recent measurements of neutrino oscillations imply that neutrinos must have a very small but finite mass.

• Physics Laboratory - 10 credits
• Electromagnetism 2 - 10 credits
• Physics and Communication Skills 2 - 10 credits
• Physics Project - 10 credits
• Quantum Mechanics 2 - 10 credits
• Statistical Physics and Entropy - 10 credits
• Nuclear Physics and Neutrinos - 10 credits
• Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids - 10 credits
• Mathematics for Physicists 2A - 10 credits
• Mathematics for Physicists 2B - 10 credits
• Optics – 10 credits

Choose 10 credits. Example modules:

• Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics - 10 credits
• Structure in the Universe - 10 credits
• Eigenphysics - 10 credits
• Electronics - 10 credits
• Observational Astronomy - 10 credits

In the third year you choose options from a wide range of modules. You also engage in an extended project (Group Studies), working as part of a team of students towards a common objective, for example to design a particle physics experiment to study the Higgs boson. Each student contributes to the work, but also relies on collaboration with the rest of the team to achieve the project goals and deliver the final report.

• Quantum Mechanics 3 - 10 credits
• Statistical Physics - 10 credits
• General Physics - 10 credits
• Group Studies - 20 credits
• Observational Cosmology - 10 credits
• Particle Physics - 10 credits

Students must also take EITHER Laboratory (20 credits) OR Laboratory (10 credits) and Scientific Computing Laboratory 1 (10 credits).

Select 30 credits. Example modules:

• Scientific Computing Laboratory 1 - 10 credits
• Scientific Computing Laboratory 2 - 10 credits
• Fission and Fusion - 10 credits
• Medical Imaging - 10 credits
• Semiconductor Optoelectronics - 10 credits
• The Life and Death of Stars - 10 credits
• Physics Critique - 10 credits
• Atomic Physics - 10 credits
• Nuclear Physics - 10 credits
• Evolution of Cosmic Structure - 10 credits
• Asteroseismology and Exoplanets - 10 credits
• Physics Teaching in Schools - 10 credits
• Complex Variable Theory - 10 credits
• Condensed Matter Physics - 10 credits
• Images and Communication - 10 credits
• Physics of Music and Sound - 10 credits
• Physical Principles of Radar - 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.