Physics with Particle Physics and Cosmology MSci

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

• 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

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

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

Choose 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
• Radiation and Relativity - 10 credits
• Chaos and Dynamical Systems - 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

Much of your fourth year is spent on individual project work, supervised by a member of staff from the particle physics research group. You have the opportunity to develop your own analysis of LHC data or to design and build a particle detector, for example, and then present your results to the rest of the group. Several of our graduates have gone on to PhDs in particle physics, and some continue as postdoctoral research physicists.

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

Select 50 credits. Example optional modules:

• Quantum Mechanics 4 - 10 credits
• Current Topics in Particle Physics - 10 credits
• Experimental Particle Physics Techniques - 10 credits
• Fission and Fusion - 10 credits
• Numerical Weather Forecasting and Climate Modelling - 10 credits
• Physics Critique - 10 credits
• Phase Transitions - 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
• Nuclear Physics - 10 credits
• Many Particle and Quantum Field Theory - 10 credits
• Superconductivity - 10 credits
• Images and Communication - 10 credits
• Complex Variable Theory - 10 credits
• Condensed Matter Physics - 10 credits
• Inference from Scientific Data - 10 credits
• Quantum Optics - 10 credits
• Evolution of Cosmic Structure - 10 credits
• Asteroseismology and Exoplanets - 10 credits
• Relativistic Astrophysics - 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.