Mathematics and Physics BSc (Hons)

The second year is constructed on knowledge acquired during the previous year and will provide you with the opportunity to dive into more technical and complex concepts of mathematics and physics.

Modules

• Further Algebra and Calculus – 20 credits

  The primary aims of this module is to provide underpinning mathematical methods and an introduction to abstract algebra, providing a first serious exposure to axiomatically defined mathematical structures - showing how they can be applied to combinatorial problems.

  Compulsory

• Quantum Physics – 20 credits

  In this module, the basics of quantum mechanics starting from the notion of the wave function through the Schrödinger equation to its solutions in simple potentials is developed. You will be introduced to the general structure of quantum mechanics, as well as to its applications.

  Compulsory

• Professional and Academic Skills 2 – 10 credits

  This module provides the focus for you to continue developing your professional competencies including personal development planning and reflection, independent learning, report writing, and presentation skills.

  Compulsory

• Thermo and Statistical Physics – 20 credits

  In this module, you will learn how macroscopic thermodynamic phenomena arise from the statistics of systems with very many constituent particles.

  Compulsory

• Electromagnetism – 20 credits

  Starting from electrostatic force and energy, this module introduces concepts of vector calculus used for simple scalar and vector field calculations. Electric fields in dielectric materials, steady electric currents and simple DC circuits are then discussed.

  Compulsory

• Differential Equations – 20 credits

  The module provides concepts and methods of solution of systems ordinary differential equations, including linear and nonlinear systems, qualitative theory, phase space, phase portraits, trajectories, and an introduction to the bifurcation theory for parametrized equations.

  Compulsory

• Add+vantage module – 10 credits

  Compulsory

Following your second year, you will have an option to apply for a one-year professional work placement or study abroad in a partner institution.

Previous sandwich year opportunities have been offered by GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceuticals, Jagex Game Studios, The Warner Bros, National Grid, Morgan Stanley financial services, E.ON, Cummins, TATA and Birmingham Airport.

If you wish to undertake the optional study abroad/placement year, you will take either the Placement Year module or the Study Abroad Year module which both typically run for a full academic year between years 2 and 3 of your course. You are normally able to progress onto the relevant module if you have successfully completed the first two years of the course (i.e. having accumulated 240 credits) and have a confirmed opportunity two weeks prior to the start of the academic year. However, we encourage international students to confirm their placements earlier to ensure they are able to meet any applicable visa requirements.

Students opting for either the work placement or study abroad module will be registered on a non-credit bearing module. Whilst the modules do not bear credits, they do require completion of marked activities reflecting on your placement/study abroad or work placement experience. Following successful completion of the activities, the module selected will appear on your final academic transcript. Students will thus graduate with 360 credits in total, assuming successful completion of their final year.

Modules

• Professional Placement

  Optional

• Study Abroad

  Optional

The final year gives you the opportunity to study further topics such as advanced fluid dynamics and cosmology. You will also engage in a dissertation project carrying out in-depth investigations in a field that interests you. Recent topics have covered areas such as graphs generated from music or text, network analysis and traffic modelling.

Modules

• Advanced Algebra and Analysis – 10 credits

  This module provides an introduction of asymptotic methods and further development of analytical skills in finding approximate solutions to integrals and ordinary and partial differential equations using asymptotic methods.

  Compulsory

• Individual Project – 20 credits

  This module forms a major individual study at the honour’s level. The project will build upon the knowledge and skills developed in previous modules. It aims to develop the skills of enquiry, research and innovation and enhance your critical and communication skills.

  Compulsory

• Atomic and Molecular Physics - 20 credits

  This course is focused on atomic structure and the interaction between atoms and fields. It covers electronic transitions, atomic spectra, excited states, binding of atoms into molecules, molecular degrees of freedom.

  Compulsory

• Professional and Academic Skills 3 – 20 credits

  This module will provide a focus for further development of professional and academic skills to include independent learning and writing skills.

  Compulsory

• Optional modules (2 from the following):

  Choose two from the following:

  • Cosmology - 20 credits
    The purpose of this module is to introduce the physics of the universe at large (solar system and beyond) scales. The mathematical framework of tensor calculus will be used to provide a simple account of the relevant aspects of general relativity.
  • Partial Differential Equation - 20 credits
    Partial differential equations (PDEs) are used to understand real world phenomena. This module looks at advanced ways of analysing nonlinear PDEs.
  • Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics - 20 credits
    In this module, you will learn how macroscopic thermodynamic phenomena arise from the statistics of systems with very many constituent particles.
  • Fluid Dynamics - 20 credits
    This is an introductory module to fluid dynamics. The module aims to build and develop the fundamentals for incompressible flows of fluids. The theory is applied to a range of problems including irrotational flow, viscous flow, and boundary layers.

  Optional