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.

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.

We teach an overview of theoretical methods used in classical mechanics, giving the background for later quantum mechanics modules. You will learn variational approaches to derive equations of motion within the frameworks of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics. This will allow you to exploit the power of these techniques by using appropriate generalised coordinates. You will also apply these methods to dynamical problems in classical mechanics, introducing the concepts of phase space, stability of motion and chaos. The module also covers the concepts of transformation, invariance and symmetry in physics and their mathematical description including group theory. You will learn to apply group theoretic methods to a range of advanced theoretical physics problems.

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.

Study at one of our approved international partner universities in your year abroad. This will help you to develop your global outlook, expand your professional network, and gain cultural and personal skills. It is also an opportunity to gain a different perspective on your major subject through studying the subject in another country.

You will choose specialist modules relating to your degree and also have the opportunity to study modules from other subjects offered by the host university.

Places at overseas partners vary each year and have previously included universities in Australia, USA, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and Asia.

Through a series of lectures, workshops, hands-on coursework and numerical simulations, gain command of advanced theoretical tools and mathematical methods for modelling and simulating many-body quantum systems. Specifically, you will learn the second quantisation and path integral methods of theoretical physics, supported by the mathematics of complex analysis. This enables you to apply basic concepts and techniques of field theory and its approximation methods. The workshops will provide a playground for hands-on use of these field theory techniques, culminating in an independent investigative simulation of a quantum system.

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.

As part of a group, and supported by a supervisor, apply your mathematical or computer modelling techniques to an open-ended investigation of either real-world applications or models in theoretical physics or mathematics.

Projects vary from year to year; examples of recent projects include:

• using cellular automata in cryptography, music composition or to model dynamical systems (traffic or fluid flow, fire or disease spreading, etc)
• machine learning applied to stock market data, predicting game outcomes or clustering of exoplanets data
• modelling quantum computers with applications to quantum game theory or quantum simulation
• simulation of chaotic dynamics in classical and quantum pendulums, chaotic maps and strange attractors

You will communicate your findings by writing a scientific report, producing a summary for a general audience, and giving a presentation at the annual Department of Physics’ student conference.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This module is based on the most current research activity within the Department of Physics and is updated each year in line with current developments in the field. You will develop your expertise in applying the latest underlying physical ideas and concepts to formulate and tackle problems and improve your qualitative understanding of research frontiers. Possible topics include methods of advanced statistical mechanics, quantum field theory, geometric phases and topology, and differential geometry.

This individual project forms the exciting core of Year 4. Working across both semesters, you will experience cutting-edge research and complete a major open-ended investigation. The projects we offer are diverse and updated every year in line with current research activities, making use of available facilities and datasets. They are taught through individual supervision and training seminars to further develop your research and communication skills. To start the project, you will research the area and prepare a literature review. From this foundation you will plan, manage and execute your own investigative work. Throughout the project, you will use and develop your abilities to synthesise technical information, keep a contemporary record of your activity, and conduct research in a safe and ethical manner. The project is excellent preparation for research at postgraduate level or in an industrial setting, whilst also developing transferable skills in communication and project work, highly desired by employers.

Learn how complex phenomena in condensed matter physics are applied to create useful solid-state devices and nanoscale structures. You will explore physical concepts related to quantum transport and states of matter in low-dimensional systems and employ appropriate theoretical tools to describe their electronic behaviour. By the end of this module, you will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the physical effects underpinning the characteristics of common nanoscale devices, including quantum dots and nanomechanical structures, and discuss methods used in their fabrication and characterisation.

Learn about quantum technology applications in quantum optics and in solid state systems. Develop an understanding of the physics governing the characteristics of laser light, the foundations of atom-light interactions and their quantum-optical applications and technologies. You will describe how solid-state phenomena, including superconductivity, are employed for quantum technologies. You will also learn about practical techniques needed to produce the low temperatures required by such technologies. Throughout this module, you will develop your skills in linear algebra techniques, perform calculations and solve problems related to quantum technologies.

Dive into transformations and corresponding symmetries, group theory and its applications in particle physics, and the basics of the gauge-invariant field theories. You will use these topics to understand the properties of the quarks and leptons and their strong, electromagnetic and weak interactions. You will explore topics such as spontaneous symmetry breaking and the Higgs mechanism. This module will describe the foundations of the Standard Model of particle physics and its possible extensions.

We introduce you to Einstein's theory of General Relativity, which is our current understanding of gravity, exploring the relationship between Newtonian mechanics and relativity. In general relativity there is no long-range gravitational force, only a local response to the curvature of spacetime. You will study black holes, gravitational waves, and cosmological phenomena such as cosmic inflation and the big bang. Key topics include the Einstein field equations, gravitational redshift and lensing, orbital precession, and relativistic electromagnetism. In this module you will also explore advanced concepts such as Hawking radiation, black hole thermodynamics and traversable wormholes. By the end, you will have developed strong problem-solving skills and a solid grasp of relativistic principles, enabling you to perform calculations and understand the geometry of spacetime and intense gravity.