You will see from the course regulations that your course consists of both core and optional components. You should take sufficient modules to bring your total possible credit up to the normal load for your course. More modules can be taken than the minimum required, in which case your marks are adjusted to make an allowance for the fact that you have taken a higher load than normal [your marks are divided by the average of the normal load and the actual load, up to a maximum of 150 CATS], but any decision to commit yourself to a significant extra load should be discussed with your Tutor.

There are a large number of options available during the third and fourth years. All the modules (including core modules) are loosely grouped according to subject matter in the list below. Although any combination of the optional modules is allowed, you should bear in mind that modules on similar topics tend to reinforce each other. It is advisable to take most of the third year modules in each of the categories in which you intend to take fourth year modules.

The subject areas, with fourth year modules in italics, are:

Astrophysics

Astrophysics
Cosmology
Galaxies
Exo-Planets
The Distant Universe

Classical Physics I

Fluid Dynamics (taught by the Maths Department)
Electrodynamics
Non-linearity, Chaos and Complexity
Statistical Physics
General Relativity

Classical Physics II - Plasmas

Plasma Electrodynamics
Solar Magnetohydrodynamics
High Energy Astrophysics
Physics of Fusion Power

Quantum Theory

Quantum Physics of Atoms
Quantum Theory of Interacting Particles (Not running 2015/16)
Relativistic Quantum Mechanics
Gauge Theories for Particle Physics

Quantum Phenomena I - Particles and Nuclei

The Standard Model
Nuclear Physics
Advanced Particle Physics
Neutrino Physics

Quantum Phenomena II - Condensed Matter

Condensed Matter Physics
Structure and Dynamics of Solids
Functional Properties of Solids

Interdisciplinary

(These are modules designed in part to show how the ideas and methodologies of physics are used and valued in other disciplines such as meteorology, materials science and medicine.)

Weather and Environment
Physics in Medicine
Optoelectronics and Laser Physics
Magnetic Resonance

Skills Training

Physics Group Project
Scientific Programming
Physics Project
High Performance Computing in Physics

We recommend that you 'sample' more options than you are required to take before committing yourself. You may, if you wish, attend a complete module and not register for the examination.

In addition to the options listed, it is possible to take certain other modules, offered by other departments, as so-called `Unusual Options'; If you wish to avail yourself of this possibility you must consult your Personal Tutor, in advance, in order to obtain the necessary permission (you will also need to obtain approval from the department offering the module).

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