Theoretical Physics MPhys (Hons)

Students are required to take the following compulsory modules in their first year:

• Physics 1A: covers the core subjects of mechanics, waves and optics, and the physical properties of matter, including laboratory skills.
• Physics 1B: covers an introduction to quantum physics, the mechanics of rotation and gravity, and lasers, including laboratory skills.
• Mathematics: covers the ideas, methods and techniques needed to apply mathematics in the physical sciences or for taking the study of mathematics further.

Students are required to take the following compulsory modules in their second year:

• Physics 2A: covers mechanics, special relativity, oscillations and thermal physics, including laboratory skills.
• Physics 2B: covers quantum physics, electricity, magnetism and classical waves, including laboratory skills.
• Linear Mathematics: introduces the basic theory of vector spaces, linear independence, linear transformation and diagonalization.
• Multivariate Calculus: introduces partial derivatives, double and triple integrals, surface sketching, and cylindrical and spherical coordinates.

In third and fourth year, you will cover advanced theory and applications in some or all of the following subjects:

• atomic, nuclear, and particle physics
• condensed matter physics
• electromagnetism
• Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics
• quantum mechanics
• special relativity and fields
• thermal and statistical physics.

You will also take ‘Transferable Skills for Physicists’ which provides training and practice in advanced written and oral communication skills, problem solving and teamwork.

During fifth year, you will take advanced research-led modules in your chosen speciality. Advanced modules offered in the past include:

• Advanced Data Analysis
• General Relativity
• Group Theory
• Magnetofluids and Space Plasmas
• Quantum Field Theory
• Quantum Optics.

In fifth year, you will also undertake an advanced Theoretical Physics project on a topic selected from an offered list and with supervision by a member of academic staff. The project allows you to explore an aspect of theoretical physics in some considerable depth, ideally at the frontiers of published knowledge. The project aims to develop students' skills in searching physics literature and in the design of the investigation, the evaluation and interpretation of data, and in the presentation of results.