Physics and Mathematics BSc (Hons) with foundation year

This module provides core calculus for those undertaking degrees in the mathematics area. The primary aims of the module are to consolidate the material covered in the different A levels and equivalent qualifications and explore some of the advanced concepts needed for an extensive study of mathematics required for the study at level 5 modules.

Compulsory

The aim of the module is two-fold. First, to introduce you to modern algebra by taking what you have learned at high school and placing it in the context of university mathematics. Emphasis will be given to the importance of assumption and proof in mathematics. Second, you will encounter one of the fundamental pillars of modern mathematics - linear algebra. You will see the key result of the basis theorem, as well as explore the one-to-one correspondence between linear maps and matrices over a field. This will be key for other areas of mathematics you will see in your undergraduate degree.

Compulsory

In order to explore mathematics in a practical way, we often have to rely on computational simulations. This module will guide you through the fundamentals of coding - from structure and syntax to algorithms and functional decomposition - to prepare you to construct your own mathematical software solutions.

Compulsory

This module builds a foundation for the study of statistics in future years. It will introduce you to the concepts of probability, random variables and probability distributions. It will also introduce the concepts of estimation and hypothesis testing, and will develop the necessary theory, methods and concepts for statistical analysis of data.

Compulsory

The aim of this module is to introduce Newtonian mechanics and its use, as well as various mathematical modelling tools, with the accent on computational tools, to describe real-world situations. This module will make use of computer software, or/and programming language to help in the visualization and resolution of typical problems. Along with Newtonian mechanics, the module will introduce foundational numerical methods, useful in a variety of practical situations, such as Numerical integration, Matrix Methods for solving systems of linear equations, iterative methods for solving equations, finite differences, Euler-based methods for integration of Newton's 2nd Law problems.

Compulsory

The module consists of a series of problem-solving challenges on mathematics; statistics and physics in order to build up your course identity among fellow students. Students from a course will be encouraged to take projects from the corresponding area. Projects are about coming up with creative mathematical models to solve mathematical or physics challenges, developing problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, as well as presentation skills.

Compulsory

This module will build on the earlier module, Calculus. We will extend the ideas from year one to dealing with both scalar fields and vector fields, the concepts with wide applications spanning from theory of fluids through meteorology to traffic control, as well as to functions of complex variables that allow for a very elegant and succinct solution of many classical problems of calculus.

Compulsory

This module continues linear algebra and differential equations from the first year with the overlap between the areas emphasised – in both cases, the general goal will be to explore ways in which one can find a ‘suitable basis’ for a given problem. This is akin a suitable choice of the coordinate system that can hugely simplify the description of physical phenomena. The module will also cover second order ODEs (linear, but with non-constant coefficients), systems of first order ODEs, series solutions and self-adjoint operators. 

Compulsory

The module provides you with opportunities to develop experimental and computational skills including setting up and designing experiments, data collection and data analysis. The module includes performing number of experiments using variety of equipment as well as coding physical and mathematical problem to reach technical solution of complex problems. The aim of the module is to provide you with transferable and critical thinking skills required by a physicist.

Compulsory

The module acts as an introduction to the vast fields of Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) and Analytical Mechanics. You will be introduced to standard techniques to solve a range of PDEs. The module also provides key elements relating to variational calculus and focuses on Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms for Analytical Mechanics, which are naturally formulated via PDEs and which find themselves at the very foundation of physics.

Compulsory

Starting from electrostatic electric and magnetic force and energy, this module relies on the concepts of vector calculus to explore the mathematics and physics of Maxwell’s equations. Electric fields in dielectric materials, steady electric currents and simple DC circuits are also discussed.

Compulsory

This module builds foundations and develops further understanding of physical concepts in waves, optics, atomic structure and electromagnetic radiations. You will also develop an understanding of real-world applications of physical and geometrical optics and the propagation of sound waves. At the end of the module, you should fully understand these fundamentals and how they are applied to an understanding of interference and diffraction, dispersion and wave propagation phenomena. The module also provides an introduction to modern physics via the presentation of key historical problems which lead to the development of Quantum Mechanics.

Compulsory

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

The module provides you with knowledge of advanced methods and algorithms to study and model complex systems. After completion, you will be able to discuss the most appropriate methods to apply, in order to minimize numerical errors, biases and instabilities when studying such systems.

Compulsory

The purpose of this module is to provide you with a grounding in thermodynamics and statistical physics. In this module you will learn how macroscopic thermodynamic phenomena arise from the statistics of systems with very many constituent particles. You will obtain a basic understanding of how this proceeds, giving an introduction to thermodynamics then covering Maxwell-Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics and their applications to gases, liquids and solids. This module builds on the probability and calculus studied at level 4.

Compulsory

You will be Introduced to foundations of QM; functional analysis on finite and infinite dimensional Hilbert spaces; study fundamental physical systems such as spin systems, the harmonic oscillator, and the hydrogen atom. More generally, this module introduces you to Quantum Mechanics as a fundamental theory that describes physical properties of nature at atomic length scales. The mathematical framework for QM is introduced and applied first to finite dimensional systems such as quantum spin systems and the two-level system and second to infinite dimensional systems such as a particle in a potential well, the harmonic oscillator and the hydrogen atom. You will acquire knowledge in the fundamental theory and its applications to modern real-world problems.

Compulsory

This module offers you a comprehensive introduction to the main ideas and techniques of the field of quantum computation and quantum information. The required physical, mathematical, and computational frameworks are briefly introduced and effects such as fast quantum algorithms, quantum teleportation, quantum cryptography, quantum error-correction, quantum Fourier transform, and quantum searches are discussed. You will acquire a working understanding of the fundamental tools and results in the field and will be able to engage with contemporary software and applications.

Compulsory

This module aims to provide you with an introduction to a selection of advanced ideas in Physics, such as phase transitions and critical phenomena, and emergence and complexity. The module is based on the world-renowned research expertise of the team and will therefore provide you with a cutting-edge research-led learning experience. Where appropriate, relevant programming tools will be used.

Compulsory

This module forms a major individual study at the honours level in areas related to physics or applied mathematics. You will take the responsibility of managing such a study through all its stages. The project will build upon your knowledge and skills developed in previous years. It will further develop your skills of enquiry, research and innovation and will enhance your critical and communication skills.

Compulsory