26th October 2021

On the ‘Modules’ tab we updated the Core modules text.

Previous content:

The structure of the course reflects the structure of the subject. You will take core lecture modules (concentrated mainly in the first two years), which introduce and develop the fundamental concepts, such as those of quantum theory and electromagnetism, and cover the mathematics used in physics.

You will also choose modules from lists of options. These are largely concerned with seeing how the basic concepts can explain the phenomena we observe. Examples include the light emitted and absorbed by stellar matter, and the response of the liquids, solids and gases, which we meet on a daily basis, to the mechanical, electrical and thermal forces acting on them.

In the first year, you take essential (core) modules and choose at least one more module from a list of options. In the second and third years there is considerable freedom to choose modules. By then you will have a good idea of your main interests and be well placed to decide which areas to study in greater depth. In effect you design your own degree.

The fourth year includes modules on all the main areas of physics. It will encourage you to reflect more on some of the unsolved problems in physics than is possible in the first three years.

Revised content:

The structure of the course reflects the structure of the subject. You will take core lecture modules (concentrated mainly in the first two years), which introduce and develop the fundamental concepts, such as those of quantum theory and electromagnetism, and cover the mathematics used in physics.

You will also choose modules from lists of options. These are largely concerned with seeing how the basic concepts can explain the phenomena we observe. Examples include the light emitted and absorbed by stellar matter, and the response of the liquids, solids and gases, which we meet on a daily basis, to the mechanical, electrical and thermal forces acting on them.

In the first year, you take essential (core) modules. In the second and third years there is considerable freedom to choose modules. By then you will have a good idea of your main interests and be well placed to decide which areas to study in greater depth. In effect you design your own degree.

The fourth year includes modules on all the main areas of physics. It will encourage you to reflect more on some of the unsolved problems in physics than is possible in the first three years.

We also removed the 'Important information' box on the page following University approval:

Important information
We are making some exciting changes to our Physics (MPhys) degree for 2022 entry. Our core and optional modules are currently undergoing approval through the University's rigorous academic processes. As changes are confirmed, we will update the course information on this webpage. It is therefore very important that you check this webpage for the latest information before you apply and prior to accepting an offer.

On the 'Modules' tab we revised the modules listed for Year One:

Previous content:

Year One

Mathematics for Physicists

Classical Mechanics and Relativity

Physics Foundations

Electricity and Magnetism

Physics Programming Workshop

Quantum Phenomena
This module begins by showing you how classical physics is unable to explain some of the properties of light, electrons and atoms. (Theories in physics, which make no reference to quantum theory, are usually called classical theories.) You will then deal with some of the key contributions to the development of quantum physics including those of: Planck, who first suggested that the energy in a light wave comes in discrete units or 'quanta'; Einstein, whose theory of the photoelectric effect implied a 'duality' between particles and waves; Bohr, who suggested a theory of the atom that assumed that not only energy, but also angular momentum, was quantised; and Schrödinger who wrote down the first wave-equations to describe matter.

Physics Laboratory
The Physics Laboratory introduces experimental science. There are experiments in six areas: i) The measurement of fundamental constants including h, c and e/m for an electron; ii) Wave phenomena; iii) Electricity and Magnetism, iv) Matter, v) Geometrical Optics and vi) Astronomy. The experiments can help give a different and more 'tangible' perspective on material treated theoretically in lectures. They illustrate the importance of correct handling of data and the estimation of errors, and provide experience in using a range of equipment. The module also teaches the 'art' of writing scientific reports.

Key Skills for Physics
This module develops problem solving skills and promotes the skill of self-learning. Problem solving forms a vital part of the learning process, particularly in Physics. This module addresses problems from the core lecture modules and gives support in developing the important habits of continuous self-assessment required for self-study.

Electronics Workshop
Electronic instrumentation is widely used in virtually all areas of experimental physics. Whilst it is not essential for all experimental physicists to know, for example, how to make a low noise amplifier, it is extremely useful for them to have some knowledge of electronics. This workshop introduce some of the basic electronics which are used regularly by physicists.

Revised content:

Year One

• Mathematics for Physicists
• Classical Mechanics and Special Relativity
• Physics Foundations
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Physics Programming Workshop
• Quantum Phenomena
• Physics Laboratory
• Astronomy

We revised the modules listed for Year Two:

Previous content:

Year Two

Electromagnetic Theory and Optics
You will develop the ideas of first year electricity and magnetism into Maxwell's theory of electromagnetism. Maxwell's equations pulled the various laws of electricity and magnetism (Faraday's law, Ampere's law, Lenz's law, Gauss's law) into one unified and elegant theory. The module shows you that Maxwell's equations in free space have time-dependent solutions, which turn out to be the familiar electromagnetic waves (light, radio waves, X-rays, etc.), and studies their behaviour at material boundaries (Fresnel Equations). You will also cover the basics of optical instruments and light sources.

Mathematical Methods for Physicists

Quantum Mechanics and its Applications

Thermal Physics II
Any macroscopic object we meet contains a large number of particles, each of which moves according to the laws of mechanics (which can be classical or quantum). Yet, we can often ignore the details of this microscopic motion and use a few average quantities such as temperature and pressure to describe and predict the behaviour of the object. Why we can do this, when we can do this and how to do it are the subject of this module. The most important idea in the field is due to Boltzmann, who identified the connection between entropy and disorder. The module shows you how the structure of equilibrium thermodynamics follows from Boltzmann's definition of the entropy and shows you how, in principle, any observable equilibrium quantity can be computed.

Physics Skills

Revised content:

Year Two

• Statistical Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory and Optics
• Mathematical Methods for Physicists
• Quantum Mechanics and its Applications
• Physics Skills

We also revised the modules listed for Year Three:

Previous content:

Year Three

Quantum Physics of Atoms

Electrodynamics

Physics Group Project

Physics Laboratory

Mathematical Methods for Physicists
You will review the techniques of ordinary and partial differentiation and ordinary and multiple integration. You will develop your understanding of vector calculus and discuss the partial differential equations of physics. (Term 1) The theory of Fourier transforms and the Dirac delta function are also covered. Fourier transforms are used to represent functions on the whole real line using linear combinations of sines and cosines. Fourier transforms are a powerful tool in physics and applied mathematics. The examples used to illustrate the module are drawn mainly from interference and diffraction phenomena in optics. (Term 2)

Revised content:

Year Three

• Quantum Physics of Atoms
• Electrodynamics
• Physics Group Project
• Physics Laboratory
• Mathematical Methods for Physicists III

As well as revising the optional modules listed:

Previous content:

• The Solar System
• Computational Physics
• Environmental Physics
• Hamiltonian Mechanics
• Physics in Medicine
• Physics of Fluids
• Stars
• Statistical Physics
• Electrodynamics
• Nuclear Physics
• Cosmology

Revised content:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Scientific Computing
• The Earth and its Atmosphere
• Plasma Physics and Fusion
• The Standard Model
• Galaxies and Cosmology
• Statistical Physics
• Physics of Life and Medicine
• Black Holes, White Dwarfs and Neutron Stars
• Fluid Dynamics

4th March 2021

We have added an important information notice to the ‘modules’ tab:

Important information

We are making some exciting changes to our Physics (MPhys) degree for 2022 entry. Our core and optional modules are currently undergoing approval through the University's rigorous academic processes. As changes are confirmed, we will update the course information on this webpage. It is therefore very important that you check this webpage for the latest information before you apply and prior to accepting an offer.

Initial launch

This page was launched on 2nd March 2020.