These course handbooks describe the programmes of the 3 year BSc and the 4 year MPhys undergraduate courses in Physics with Astrophysics. If you have queries please contact your personal tutor or the Senior Tutor.
Introduction
The department offers the modules that a practising astrophysicist would normally be expected to have studied, so that those who already have in mind a career in research are well catered for. At the same time the flexibility of the course allows students, who want a broader education, to combine the physics modules which interest them most with modules from other disciplines
AIMS (click to expand)
- To provide a stimulating education in physics and astrophysics
- To provide a learning environment which helps students to achieve their academic potential
- To help students develop intellectual and transferable skills
- To leave students well-prepared for the next step in their professional lives
LEARNING OUTCOMES
When you graduate, you should
- Have developed your appreciation and understanding of the fundamental principles of physics and of how these can be applied to explain and predict phenomena particularly those in astrophysics;
- Have obtained a working knowledge of the mathematical techniques used in physics;
- Have developed your ability to carry out experimental investigations and to report the results appropriately;
- Have developed your analytical, problem-solving, self-study, communication and independent working skills. You will also have had opportunities provided by the University and Students' Union to develop organisational, modern language and other skills;
- Be able, with appropriate supervision, to undertake project work and to communicate the results clearly in writing;
- Have acquired skills in IT and have had the opportunity through your choice of options and other activities to develop these further.
If you graduate with an MPhys, you should also
- Be aware of some current research interests in physics and astrophysics;
- Have a good understanding of a broad range of topics in astrophysics;
- Be prepared for postgraduate study in physics or astrophysics.
BSc or MPhys
There is a choice between a three year (BSc) and four year (MPhys) variant of the degree. The three year degree should be seen as part of a general rounded education, which should leave students numerate, articulate and employable. The four year degree should appeal most to those who wish to work as scientists and those who are thinking of a career in research.
The four year degree course covers the main areas of physics and astrophysics. As in the three year degree course, students can study a broad spectrum of modules. Opting for the four year degree allows students more time to explore the implications of what they have already learnt. This is the idea behind the project and group work in the third and fourth years.
INTERCALATED YEAR
Students who would like to study abroad can transfer to the Physics course and and apply to take an Intercalated Year. You spend your third year attending modules at an overseas university and take a total of four years to complete your degree programme. If you are interested in this scheme, please see read the Study Abroad pages and discuss the idea with your tutor. You would need to submit an outline proposal to the Physics Department, usually during term 1 of your second year, which would be then be sent to the University's Study Abroad team, who allocate the University's available places.
