Astrophysics

This module will introduce you to the practical elements of physics, giving you a grounding in electrical circuits, and introduces magnetic phenomena. You'll gain the knowledge and experience necessary to enter Year One of the core Physics programme.

This module introduces you to the elements of physics relating to motion, including kinematics, dynamics, and force fields (gravitational and electrical). 

In this module you'll be introduced to the physics of materials and their constituents. This includes the finite divisibility of matter and energy (atoms, electrons, photons) and the chain of theories leading to wave/particle duality. 

This module aims to develop your understanding of the foundations of pure mathematics, including set theory, algebra and analysis, and to equip you with a range of tools for studying applied probability and statistics.

This module aims to equip you with the tools required for degree-level study in the mathematical sciences, with an emphasis on the techniques of differential and integral calculus. 

This module is an introduction to observational and theoretical astronomy. It will introduce you to the essential concepts, observational techniques, and physical foundations of modern astrophysics.

This double module begins the journey into modern physics and lays the theoretical foundation for the degree programme. The module starts with mechanics, electromagnetism and optics, which set the scene for the discovery of quantum physics and then use it to build the atom. The mathematical techniques required to support the physics will be developed alongside the theory. The module also covers an introduction to crystals, semiconductors, nuclear physics, fusion energy and particle physics.

This double module is an introduction to the essential skills of an experimental physicist or observational astrophysicist. This practical lab-based module will utilise theoretical knowledge from the length scale of atoms to that of the universe giving you a hands-on opportunity to put a wide range of theories to the test. This module will also develop transferable skills such as data analysis, computer programming, and team work. Observational astronomy practicals take place at our Alston Observatory as part of this module.

This module aims to extend your knowledge of calculus, introducing new ideas such as complex numbers and partial differentiation. This forms the “toolkit” for many of your second-year modules. 

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of astrophysical observations across the electromagnetic spectrum. It will also provide a broad self-contained overview of the origin and evolution of the elements from the Big Bang to the present day with emphasis on the physical processes involved and the astronomical sites where the synthesis occurs.

Develop your knowledge of the core theoretical and mathematical concepts of modern physics. Gain an understanding of waves and vibrations, electromagnetism and build towards a full description of Maxwell’s Equations. Study the fundamentals of special relativity and quantum mechanics.

Advance your appreciation for how the statistical modelling of particles and their energies on the microscopic scale can give results to practical macroscopic scale problems. The module aims to develop your understanding of statistical thermal mechanics and introduce you to the essentials of solid-state physics.

The aim of this module is to instil in you a systematic approach to experimental work. You'll maintain a laboratory logbook and develop the skills required to interpret and analyse experimental results. This module also aims to introduce you to the tools to do this including important data analysis and numerical/modelling computational techniques. 

This module presents you with a coherent development of the theory of ordinary differential equations, gives you a range of techniques for solving these equations, and explains the significance of particular equations in solving real-world problems. 

On this module you'll discuss the current observational and theoretical understandings of the complete life cycle of stars. This will be from stellar birth, through protostars, evolution in the main sequence and post-main sequence, to white dwarfs, supernovae and stellar death.

Introducing the subject of cosmology and galaxies, this module outlines our current understanding of the structure and evolution of galaxies from observations, through their multi-wavelength emissions. You'll also gain an understanding of modern cosmology, covering topics such as the geometry of the universe, components of the standard cosmological model, and the timeline of structure formation.

This module aims to develop your ability to conduct extended experimental investigations, solve problems, and undertake in-depth critical analysis of experimental results. You'll appreciate how knowledge and ideas have to be synthesized from multiple sources in order to support the proposed experiments.

In this module, you will be given an opportunity to work independently on an original project related to physics and/or astrophysics as appropriate to your degree title. You will be expected to use your initiative to plan and complete a work programme.

This module aims to offer you a positive experience of working with pupils and teachers and will help you gain confidence in communicating subject content. It will enable you to understand how to address pupils' needs and to develop educational projects that engage with relevant age groups.

This module aims to provide an overview of nuclear physics and an introduction to nuclear reactors. To present our current understanding of particle physics as represented by the ‘standard’ models

The aim of this module is to develop your understanding on quantum mechanics given at Level 5 with additional theory at Level 6 and cover applications in atomic physics.

You will be introduced to the essentials of electrodynamics, plasma physics and solar physics. This material will also support your final year laboratory work and any projects you work on.

In this module you will explore a range of techniques for solving partial differential equations analytically, and we see how these equations are applied to real-world problems. You will also learn the theory of integral transforms, and use these to solve more advanced equations.