Physics MPhys/BSc (Hons)

 

Course Code

UCAS Code: F300 (BSc)
F301 (MPhys)
International Code: EECU036 (BSc)
EECU037 (MPhys)

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

 

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years full-time
4 years sandwich
5 years sandwich

Start date

September 2022

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Course overview

Study level: Undergraduate

This course aims to provide you with a solid grounding in understanding fundamental concepts in physics.

This physics degree explores phenomena at all length scales, from the sub-atomic level (quantum mechanics) to the macroscopic scale (cosmology), and everything in between.

It aims to train you to identify key aspects of physical phenomenon, as well as in the essential approximations required to carry out practical calculations.

An essential part of the course relies on understanding numerical and experimental processes and the uncertainties inherent to measurements. As such, there will be ample opportunity for you to engage with real-world data analysis and experimental techniques using activity-led learning, lab-before-lecture and flipped learning techniques, which have formed a long-standing part of Coventry University’s teaching and learning strategy.

You will have the opportunity to translate concepts in physics into mathematical and computational models, allowing you to solve various physical and real-world problems upon successful completion of the course.

Over the course of your studies, you will have the chance to learn a variety of analytical and numerical tools used by physicists to tackle problems in the field of statistical mechanics, cosmology, or quantum mechanics.

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Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

Studying a physics degree at Coventry University will provide you with the opportunity to delve into the laws governing the universe, from a microscopic (particles and atoms) to an astronomical scale (planets and galaxies), and much more. A degree in physics may also open the door to a huge range of rewarding careers.

Technological advances such as the current digital revolution, quantum computing, and holographic screens were driven by the curiosity of generations of scientists investigating the fundamental principles of physics. Future advances, will likewise, depend on our evolving understanding of physics. Since ancient times, critical thinking has been at the heart of all physical theory. It is a tradition in physics to question everything, to take nothing for granted, to test theory against experiments until one reaches a coherent and satisfying model of the world around us.

Studying this exciting subject will provide you with the opportunity to develop practical, experimental, and strong problem-solving skills. This may open the door, not only to careers in all areas of science, engineering, and teaching, but thanks to the transferable nature of the skills developed, physics graduates are also much appreciated in areas as diverse as data science, actuarial science, finance, and banking.

Coventry University has long-standing research in many areas of theoretical and experimental physics: Fluid Mechanics, Magneto Hydrodynamics, Materials Science, Condensed Matter Physics, Statistical Physics and Complex Systems, Nanophysics, Cosmology and Lasers, to mention a few.

What you'll study

The first year lays the foundation for the study of physics, including topics such as programming for physics, electrical science, and mathematical methods.

Modules

  • This module aims to further develop your competence in mathematical methods relevant to Physics and Engineering, at the same time emphasising the fundamental concepts needed to understand and produce a mathematical formulation of a problem. You will have the opportunity to learn to analyse problems using appropriate mathematical techniques, carrying out the manipulation yourself using modern mathematical software.

    Compulsory

  • This module is focused on developing logic and programming skills which are useful in physics and science in general. Computer labs aim to introduce you to computer programming, basic algorithms and data structure. This module introduces tools for the physicist, allowing you to explore physical concepts with numerical tools. In addition, in this module real data will be discussed and analysed to help contextualise data mining and its applications.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide you with a broad basic introduction to electrical science for non-specialists. It places an emphasis on d.c. circuit theory, electrical supply and rotating machinery.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide a foundational study of waves, optics, and probability. The module develops the necessary theory, methods and concepts of probability distributions and different types of waves. You should develop an understanding of real-world applications of physical and geometrical optics and propagation of sound waves.

    Compulsory

  • The goal of this module is to develop an understanding of core concepts of Classical Mechanics and basic concepts of Special Theory of Relativity. This module aims to develop your ability to apply mathematical models to describe and predict the motion of bodies, as well as introduce you to experimental verification of the theoretical framework of Newtonian mechanics.

    Compulsory

  • This module presents new theories describing physical processes beyond the normal sizes experienced in everyday life. It is divided in two main parts: Quantum Mechanics and Astrophysics. It introduces modern physics via the presentation of key historical problems which lead to the development of Quantum Mechanics. The module gives a general overview of astronomy and astrophysics suitable for those with no previous experience of the subject.

    Compulsory

  • This module is focused on personal tutorial and the development of problem-solving skills using an Activity Led Learning (ALL) approach. It should help you to build necessary skills and to develop logical and mathematical thinking. The module also encourages you to think about possible career routes.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework and exam

Year two builds on the acquisition of knowledge from the previous year. Analytical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics are four modules in which you will have the opportunity to learn to better describe various natural phenomena and quantities such as Gravitational, Electric and Magnetic forces, particle and atomic interactions, Hamiltonian and Lagrangian, Temperature, Pressure, Energy and Entropy.

In addition, year two includes Laboratory sessions to support you in further developing experimental skills, working on understanding physical phenomena while testing the validity of their assumptions and estimating errors due to measurements.

Modules

  • This module builds upon knowledge and expertise gained in studying Math for Physics and Engineering 1. As in year one, the module emphasises the fundamental concepts that an engineer needs to understand to formulate and analyse practical problems.

    Compulsory

  • The purpose of this module is to provide you with a grounding in quantum mechanics. You will be introduced to the general structure of quantum mechanics, as well as to its applications.

    Compulsory

  • This module provides opportunities to develop experimental skills including data collection and data analysis . The work includes performing number of experiments using variety of equipment. The aim of the module is to provide transferable and critical thinking skills required by a Physicist.

    Compulsory

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

    Compulsory

  • The purpose of this module is to provide you with a grounding in thermodynamics and statistical physics. You will learn how macroscopic thermodynamic phenomena arise from the statistics of systems with very many constituent particles.

    Compulsory

  • This is an introductory module for electricity and magnetism. Starting from electrostatic force and energy the 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

  • This module is designed for students with some previous acquaintance with the elementary concepts of mechanics. The module acts as an introduction to the vast field of Analytical Mechanics, provides keys elements relating to variational calculus, and focuses on Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms for Analytical Mechanics.

    Compulsory

  • This module emphasises on complex analysis and vector calculus.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework and exam


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.

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 levels 5 and 6 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 will be take an academic module in which they reflect on their experiences. The module appears on a student’s transcript as a zero credit module. They will be supported by the university’s Talent Team throughout the process and will be allocated a tutor who will keep in touch. 

Modules

  • Optional

  • Optional

In the final year of the course, you will have the chance to delve into modern physics with modules such as Atomic and Molecular Physics, Solid State Physics, Cosmology and Fluid Mechanics.

Modules

  • This module 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 (electronic, vibrational, and rotational).

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to present you with the physics of condensed matter. This topic is concerned with the behaviour of large aggregates of atoms or molecules in liquid or solid form.

    Compulsory

  • In this module, you should develop new skills in computer programming and more advanced computational methods in physics, with application drawn mostly from condensed matter physics.

    Compulsory

  • 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.

    Compulsory

  • This module forms a major individual study in areas related to mathematics, applied mathematics, physics or statistics. You will take the responsibility of managing such a study through all its stages.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework and exam

  • The purpose of this module is to introduce the physics of the universe at large (solar system and beyond) scales.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to develop the knowledge and understanding of power semiconductor devices and converters in the context of general industrial applications.

    Compulsory

  • Choose one 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.

    Power Semiconductor Devices and Converters – 20 credits

    This module aims to develop the knowledge and understanding of power semiconductor devices and converters in the context of general industrial applications.

    Optional

The MPhys route is designed for high achieving BSc (Hons) students looking to progress to MPhys, subject to a satisfactory level 5 grade point average, above 60% with no individual module mark below 50%. BSc (Hons) students must apply to transfer to the MPhys at the end of year two if they entered on the BSc (Hons).

Students who enter on the MPhys but who do not successfully pass this course may be awarded the BSc (Hons) degree subject to successfully meeting the criteria required to be awarded a BSc (Hons).

The MPhys provides an opportunity to continue your studies and develop a more specialised grounding in physics, which is particularly important for those considering a PhD in Physics. Please note the MPhys route may be subject to VISA requirements (where applicable) and this route will incur additional tuition fees. For more information, please Ask a question.

Modules

  • This module presents approaches to the study of stability and turbulence in fluid dynamics. The module will combine theoretical and practical aspects to give a treatment of these concepts and prepare you for either research in this area or working in areas of engineering in which they are relevant.

    Compulsory

  • The goal of this module is to establish the framework in which to describe critical properties associated with classical and quantum phase transitions. We will emphasise the importance and role played by symmetry and topology.

    Compulsory

  • Computational Physics aims to introduce you to more advanced computational methods in physics, with application drawn mostly from condensed matter physics. Successful completion of this module will allow you to develop the skills and tools needed to tackle advanced problems in physics and applied mathematics requiring numerical treatment.

    Compulsory

  • This module focuses on materials, such as fluids, liquid crystals, polymers, and emulsions. A defining characteristic of soft matter is the mesoscopic scale of physical structures. The structures are larger than the microscopic scale (the arrangement of atoms and molecules), but smaller than the macroscopic scale of the material.

    Compulsory

  • You will have the opportunity to dedicate an entire semester to research, while working on a project, under the supervision of one of our researchers.

    Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Actual teaching contact hours will vary depending on the level of study and the requirements of a particular semester. You will learn through a suitable combination of lectures, examples classes, tutorial sessions and laboratory sessions.

As well as having the opportunity to learn the theoretical foundations for studying physics, there is an emphasis on developing practical skills, which includes the use of physics laboratory sessions and PC sessions using software to solve problems in physics.

In addition, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study each week depending on the demands of individual modules. The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 18 contact hours per week in the first year, reducing by approximately 3 hours per week in subsequent years as you become a more independent learner.

Students completing the MPhys have a final year project in Year four instead of Year three, leaving time and space for an additional module in Year three. Hence, during the second semester of Year three, students completing the MPhys should expect an additional 3-4 contact hours per week compared to BSc students, who will be completing their final year project. In the fourth year, the first semester consists of around 13 contact hours per week, whilst the second semester is entirely dedicated to the final year project.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include in-class tests, exams, coursework, labs, presentations, and reports.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Job ready

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Apply physical principles to diverse areas of Physics
  • Solve problems in Physics by choosing appropriate mathematical and physical techniques
  • Make appropriate approximations when solving problems
  • Critically analyse experimental results and place them in their context
  • Use mathematical or computational techniques to model physical phenomena
  • Communicate scientific information in a clear and accurate way
  • Work cooperatively on a project
  • Create working solutions to a variety of computational and real-world problems using an appropriate programming language (or languages) for the task.

Additionally, upon successful completion of the MPhys course, you will be able to:

  • Apply physical and mathematical principles to solve research informed problems in Physics at the forefront of discipline
  • Demonstrate an understanding and communicate complex scientific ideas concisely and accurately
  • Demonstrate an understanding of scientific research and be able to propose realistic methods to advance the research further
  • Apply a range of postgraduate level transferable skills in data analysis, science communication, critical thinking and problem solving
  • Plan and execute an open-ended research project.

International experience opportunities

If you have a desire to gain international experience, there are opportunities to spend a year studying abroad*. The opportunity for a placement year means that we will aim to support you in applying for a placement.

Entry requirements

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Additional requirements may apply

Haven't met the entry requirements or don’t have the right qualifications? You may still be able to progress onto a degree you’d love by studying a foundation or access course.

View our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page. You can also explore our International foundation year courses.

Explore our foundation courses

Fees and funding

2022/23 Tuition fees

Student Full time Part time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £18,050 per year Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Facilities

Informal study areas

Informal study areas

You will have plenty of computer access to all the specialist software required for your studies. There are also bookable spaces where students can meet with academics or work in small groups.
 

sigma centre

sigma Centre

The sigma Centre is an award-winning mathematics support centre, which provides a wide range of learning resources in mathematics and statistics. Students can make use of drop-in sessions or one-to-one appointments.

maths laboratory

Mathematics laboratory

Set out like a traditional classroom with a large whiteboard, it is the only teaching room in the Engineering and Computing Building laid out in this way, designed to suit the teaching style required for this subject.

Careers and opportunities

Studying physics aims to give you the opportunity to help you to develop skills in logical thinking and demonstrates to employers your advanced numerical and analytical ability.

It may also give you an advantage in the job market upon successful completion, opening a wide range of career opportunities in industry, banking, data science, computer analysis and scientific research. You may be employed in a wide variety of roles, for example, as a research scientist, actuary, computer programmer, data analyst or teacher.

Where our graduates work

Previous students on our Mathematics and Physics BSc (Hons) degree have worked at a wide range of employers including, for example IBM, GSK, Pfizer, Cummins, Scottish Power and Warner Bros.

Further study

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the Data Science MSc. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

How to apply

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Student life
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Fees and funding

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  • Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2021/22 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

    Tuition fees

    The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.

    For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.

    Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. 

    Facilities

    Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Placements and study abroad opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

    Additional costs

    This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas).