Interdisciplinarity in Physics
What is interdisciplinarity?
Physics is a distinctive and unique discipline. In general, physicists like to simplify problems as much as possible (“spherical cows”!) to focus on the underlying concepts. We often work with quite abstract ideas, such as symmetry, fields and energy, and use these to explain as much as possible with as simple a theory as possible. Many of the core ideas of physics are best expressed mathematically: the strong link between physics and mathematics is widely appreciated. But when we tackle real-world problems using the tools and concepts of physics, we often need to bring to bear other expertise, and here interdisciplinary study and research become very valuable. For example, a geophysicist must appreciate the real geology of our Earth, and a materials physicist can’t avoid chemistry. Engineering skills come into play when we design challenging experiments or try to enable a new technology. Physics can help to explain phenomena in the social sciences and economics, underpins many medical interventions and diagnostic capabilities. As a physics student at Warwick you can enhance your academic experience with interdisciplinary modules and research.
Degree programmes
- All our degree programmes in Physics offer the opportunity for interdisciplinary study and research, with choice of optional modules beginning right from the first year.
- Our joint honours Mathematics and Physics degree provides a multi-disciplinary approach: students study both subjects and synthesise their own understanding of each discipline in the context of the other. Students tailor their own degree programme through module choice with increasing flexibility through the years, allowing more focus on mathematics or physics if desired.
- Astronomy and astrophysics have a distinctive disciplinary flavour, with a strong “observational” component alongside theory, experiment and computation. The degree programme in Physics with Astrophysics reflects this, allowing students to specialise more and become part of Warwick’s thriving astrophysical community.
- As a postgraduate student undertaking a research degree (MSc and PhD), you will also study some taught modules. While many of these will be specialised courses to underpin your research, we encourage you to take some modules for general interest alone. PhD students can study for the APP:PGR which develops your professional skills in teaching in higher education, granting Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.
In the curriculum
- From the second year onwards, optional physics modules are available with an interdisciplinary flavour such as Geophysics and Physics of Electrical Power Generation. In year 3 of the BSc, Communicating Science develops skills in presenting technical material to different audiences. Other year 3 and 4 modules include Physics in Medicine, The Weather and the Environment, and Planets, Exo-Planets and Life. Our computing modules also include an interdisciplinary aspect and run from year 1 through to the final year.
- Warwick’s modular degree structure allows students to take some courses from other departments, subject to approval. Popular options include modules from Philosophy, Warwick Business School, Computer Science, the Centre for Teacher Education and Global Sustainable Development. Several Mathematics modules also have an interdisciplinary aspect, such as Historical Challenges in Mathematics and Topics in Mathematical Biology.
- As a PhD or MSc student you can take taught modules from a wide range of sources, building your interdisciplinary as needed. For PhD students this is mainly done through the Midlands Physics Alliance Graduate School, in which we share advanced teaching principally with Nottingham and Birmingham Universities.
- From the second year onwards, undergraduate physicists may take modules from the Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning, which are open to students from all faculties and designed to be highly interdisciplinary in nature. Modules with strong Physics staff involvement include The Science of Music (undergraduate) and Science in Context and Habitability in the Universe (postgraduate).
Skills
Career Consultant: Ray Ryan
Academic Support Librarian: Chris Vernon
Case study: medical physics
Dr. Jon Duffy (Physics) works with Dr Spyros Manolopoulos (University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire) and Dr. Jenny Spiga (Physics and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility). Both URSS and final-year undergraduate projects are available in this interdisciplinary field.
Research
All Physics undergraduates have the opportunity to perform a Final Year Project. This is a substantial research project embedded in an active research group in the department, and gives you a flavour of real research. Many projects are interdisciplinary in nature, reflecting our research cross-cutting themes.
Warwick’s unique Undergraduate Research Scholarship Scheme (URSS) supports many Physics students each year in performing a full-time research project during the summer vacation.
Warwick Enterprise
Enterprise and entrepreneurship are not just about starting or running a business. It embodies a set of transferable skills that are integral to the experience of every student, and that are sought after by a broad range of employers. Whatever your background, interests and post Warwick ambitions, there are plenty of ways you can have an interdisciplinary experience with Warwick Enterprise.
World @ Physics
Students in Physics benefit from our highly internationalised research environment. Warwick Physics research is truly global in nature, using synchrotron radiation facilities, sharing telescope time and collaborating in particle physics experiments across the world (and above it, with space-based experiments!). From events, to study abroad opportunities and intercultural training programme, explore the World at Warwick!