In this module you will explore electromagnetism through the beauty of Maxwell’s equations and the mathematical tools of vector calculus. Using these, you will be able to describe electromagnetic fields and waves created by simple configurations of charges and currents, and to model the effects of media on the propagation of electromagnetic waves. You will investigate the basic properties of wave propagation, diffraction and interference, and of simple optical instruments. This will enable you to make connections between the many different phenomena in nature that share the mathematical model of a harmonic oscillator or of a wave.

Develop your experimental and problem-solving skills as you complete more advanced laboratory experiments. During extended laboratory sessions, you will learn to systematically set-up and validate equipment, then use it to study exciting phenomena such as two slit single photon diffraction, the Zeeman effect and momentum conservation in positronium decays. The experiments cover multiple areas of physics including optics, condensed matter and particle physics. Throughout the module you will improve your ability to collect and process data, identify sources of uncertainty and present quantified scientific results. You will prepare a report on your investigations, developing your skills in communicating your findings and discussing their significance.

Learn the basic mathematical techniques required for studying physics at degree level and beyond. In particular, you will develop skills in linear algebra and matrices, Fourier analysis, and solving differential equations. You will be able to determine eigenvalues and eigenvectors of linear operators and be able to manipulate the algebra of Pauli matrices and commutation relations. The module will allow you to express a periodic function as a Fourier series and to find the Fourier transform of a function. As an application of these skills and techniques, you will solve various common types of linear equations, ordinary differential equations and partial differential equations.

In this module you will exploit advanced programming concepts to model a physical system. You will explore advanced Python topics and numerical algorithms for scientific modelling and engage in data visualisation and analysis techniques to interpret physical data effectively. You will also be introduced to essential software development tools such as version control, code repositories, and automated testing, fostering collaboration and professional coding practices. A final project will involve designing and implementing a physics simulation and validating its outputs. Throughout, ethical considerations in programming and scientific integrity will be emphasised to ensure responsible and reproducible research practices.

Learn how physics principles, including quantum mechanics and many-particle statistics, underpin the properties of materials. This will allow you to relate features of atoms, electrons and phonons in solids to their macroscopic properties including electrical, magnetic and thermal. You will be able to connect the microscopic and macroscopic pictures of the thermal properties of solids, and to describe the quantum statistics of degenerate Fermi gases, Bose-Einstein condensation, superfluidity in liquid helium and black body radiation.

Learn the fundamentals of quantum theory and how it applies to concrete physical systems. The module begins by establishing a basic working knowledge of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics based on the Schrödinger equation. You will develop skills necessary to apply quantum mechanics to simple, exactly solvable problems, as well as finding approximate descriptions of more complex quantum systems. This will enable you to make precise predictions for the behaviour of realistic quantum systems, and to understand the significance of the predictions for experimental observations. As a major application, you will use these skills to describe the basic characteristics of atomic structure, the processes of atomic transitions, and to explain the origin of selection rules. The module also covers the concept of spin, its fundamental role in quantum mechanics, and its effects on atomic structure and spectra.

We help you enhance your problem-solving abilities by applying fundamental physics principles across a range of real-world scenarios, including issues around energy, climate and sustainability. You will tackle open-ended challenges, solve problems in unfamiliar contexts, and apply knowledge from various physics topics. You’ll practice formulating logical solutions, using precise technical language, and justifying assumptions and approximations. With a focus on sharpening your mathematical skills and critical thinking, this module equips you to approach complex physics problems with confidence and creativity, preparing you for advanced studies and practical applications in diverse fields.

Explore the topics of relativity, nuclear physics and particle physics and learn about the principles of special relativity, Lorentz transformations and four-vectors. You will use relativity to understand topics such as particle decays and the doppler effect. In nuclear physics, you will study properties of nuclei, radioactive decay, nuclear fission and fusion. In particle physics, you will learn about the Standard Model, particle interactions, the structure of matter and modern particle physics experiments. Gain an understanding of the fundamental building blocks of the universe.

Explore the physics of semiconductors, superconductors and magnetic materials. You will learn how the properties of these materials arise from their microscopic structure and from interactions between atoms, electrons and phonons. You will gain a deeper understanding of the role of statistical concepts in understanding macroscopic systems and be able to solve selected model problems using advanced methods from condensed matter theory.

Cosmology treats the entire universe as a physical system. Investigate the evolution of the universe from the big bang, the cataclysmic explosion which started it all, through to its final fate in the distant future. Further areas of study include the dynamics of the universe as a whole, the initial singularity from which it originated, and the violent history of the early universe. You’ll also investigate the cosmic microwave background, the formation of structure (such as galaxies and galaxy clusters), cosmological horizons, dark matter and dark energy. You’ll consider the origin of matter, the age of the universe and the reason why is the sky is dark at night as you explore the limits of human knowledge and understanding.

Investigate the importance of conservation laws and discrete symmetries in particle interactions and experiments used to determine them. You will explore topics such as quark mixing, heavy-flavour physics, neutrino oscillations and particle interactions with matter. You will then use your knowledge of particle interactions with matter to understand the design of particle detectors and accelerators. Results and measurements from particle physics experiments will be used throughout the module to highlight the topics presented.

Develop industrially relevant project skills as you apply your physics knowledge to a real-world contemporary problem. Projects vary from year to year, depending on the particular challenges set by industrial partners. For example, you could be undertaking an initial investigation of a proposed new idea or concept, or testing and improving devices or materials already under development.

At the beginning of the module, you will be taught about the fundamentals of project management and teamwork, then putting them into practice as you work in a group. The module will also develop your skills in communicating scientific concepts and solutions through a written report, a summary for general audiences, and a presentation at the annual Physics student conference.

Dive into our Department’s top research fields, semiconductor device physics and ultra-low temperature physics, with significance placed on condensed matter science and emerging quantum technologies.

You will explore spontaneous and stimulated photon emissions in LEDs and lasers, and the characteristics of superconductivity and superfluidity at low temperatures. Building on earlier laboratory experience, you will plan and undertake more complex experiments, improving your ability to collect and process challenging data and to relate your findings to important research and technologies. Research lab tours and expert supervision will introduce you to the links between the experiments and ongoing research. The skills you will develop are valuable in research, engineering and technical careers.

Work in a group to tackle an open-ended physics question. With the support of the module leader, you will learn to research the field, plan and execute group work and communicate your conclusions. Dividing tasks amongst your group, you will apply your laboratory skills, physics knowledge and computer modelling techniques to undertake in-depth investigations.

Projects will be offered from the broad areas of quantum physics and particle physics, with specific titles updated from year to year. You will communicate your findings by writing a scientific report, producing a summary for a general audience, and giving a presentation at the annual Physics student conference.

Study advanced concepts and formalisms in quantum mechanics as used in quantum information, quantum communication and quantum computing. Learn about cutting-edge ideas in quantum mechanics including qubits and the Bloch sphere, entanglement, and pure and mixed states. As you progress through this module, you will develop skills in linear algebra techniques including matrix algebra, Dirac notation and density matrices.

From the birth of our solar system to the exploration of planetary environments, delve into the fundamental physics governing our local cosmic neighbourhood. You’ll study the formation of planetary bodies, their surfaces, atmospheres, and their interactions with space. Core physics principles - mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism - are applied to real-world observations, helping you analyse solar system dynamics and solve key problems in planetary science. A major focus is the interaction between the solar wind and planetary magnetospheres, leading to fascinating space weather phenomena like auroras. By the end of this module, you’ll have a strong foundation in space physics, an appreciation for the complexities of planetary evolution, and the ability to apply physics-based techniques to both our solar system and the study of exoplanetary systems and beyond.

Do you want to entertain and inspire children and the public in STEM? With an introduction to teaching as well as wider engagement opportunities, learn how to understand your audience and how to engage and enliven them. You will also learn how to balance this with educating them and presenting science in a way that’s appropriate to your audience. We include an introduction to pedagogy, how to inspire school pupils and how to use traditional and new media for science communication.

You will deliver an activity of your choosing to an audience. This could be a lesson at school, engaging with children at a large outreach event or delivering a public lecture. In addition, you will also reflect on your activity to discuss what you’ve learnt and what changes you would make. You can deliver this by either video, podcast or article.