Physics with Astrophysics and Cosmology

Course detail Description

We have designed our Physics with Astrophysics and Cosmology BSc to give you a broad knowledge of the fundamental aspects of physics, astrophysics and cosmology. You will study subjects such as relativity, quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, nuclear and particle physics, stellar and galactic evolution and structure (touching on unsolved problems such as the nature of dark matter and dark energy). At first you will follow a set programme, but later in the course there is scope for you to pursue your own interests in greater depth. Problem solving and project work is an important part of this course and you will learn about team work, group organisation and the skills of oral and poster presentations. You will be assigned a personal tutor to support your development and our Department encourages an atmosphere in which students feel able to easily approach academic staff. Our Student-Staff Liaison Committee provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and feedback on teaching. Staff and students are members of the Maxwell Society, which is the Department of Physics’ social and lecture society.

We will teach you through a combination of lectures, laboratory classes, tutorials and project work. All of our academic staff are involved with the undergraduate teaching course. You are expected to spend approximately 10 hours work per credit for each module you attend in your degree, e.g. 150 hours work for a 15 credit module. These hours cover every aspect of the module.

We will assess you primarily through written exams, and occasionally through practical laboratory examinations, laboratory reports, class tests, coursework and oral presentations.

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Structure

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

Year 1

Courses are divided into modules. Each year you will normally take modules totalling 120 credits.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules on offer may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

You are required to take:

• Physics Skills & Techniques (30 credits)

• Mathematics & Computation for Physics (30 credits)

• Classical Physics (30 credits)

• Introduction to Modern Physics (15 credits)

• Introduction to Astrophysics (15 credits)

Year 2 Required Modules

You are required to take:

• Experimental Physics (15 credits)

• Mathematical Methods for Physics (15 credits)

• Thermal Physics & Properties of Matter (15 credits)

• Quantum Mechanics I (15 credits)

• Electromagnetism (15 credits)

• Relativity & Sub-atomic Physics (15 credits)

• Stellar Structure and Evolution (15 credits)

In addition, you are required to take 15 credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:

• Mathematical Methods for Theoretical Physics (15 credits)

• Galactic Dynamics and Interstellar Medium (15 credits)

Year 3 Required Modules

You are required to take:

• Statistical Mechanics (15 credits)

• Optics (15 credits)

• Condensed Matter I (15 credits)

• Quantum Mechanics II (15 credits)

• Particle Physics (15 credits)

• 3rd year Project in Physics (Astrophysics/ Cosmology related) (15 credits)

• Relativistic High Energy Astrophysics (15 credits)

In addition, you are required to take 15 credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:

• General Relativity and Cosmology (15 credits)

• Advanced Mathematical Methods for Theoretical Physics (15 credits)