Physics with Astronomy (BSc)

Program Overview

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The Physics with Astronomy (BSc) program offers a comprehensive education in physics and astronomy, equipping students with analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Graduates are prepared for diverse careers in research, industry, education, and government, with a focus on hands-on experience and independent learning. The program is accredited by the Institute of Physics and provides access to excellent facilities and a supportive learning environment.

Program Outline

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Outline:

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Year One:

• Module Title: Mathematical Methods for Physicists 1
• Module Code: PX1120
• Credits: 20
• Description: Introduces fundamental mathematical tools essential for physics.
• Module Title: Mechanics and Matter
• Module Code: PX1121
• Credits: 20
• Description: Covers the principles of Newtonian mechanics and explores the properties of matter.
• Module Title: Planet Earth
• Module Code: PX1127
• Credits: 10
• Description: Investigates the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and interior.
• Module Title: Experimental Physics
• Module Code: PX1150
• Credits: 20
• Description: Introduces laboratory techniques and data analysis skills.
• Module Title: Electricity, Magnetism and Waves
• Module Code: PX1221
• Credits: 20
• Description: Explores electricity, magnetism, and wave phenomena.
• Module Code: PX1224
• Credits: 10
• Description: Introduces programming and computational methods for solving physics problems.
• Module Title: Introduction to Astrophysics
• Module Code: PX1228
• Credits: 10
• Module Title: Mathematical Methods for Physicists 2
• Module Code: PX1230
• Credits: 10
• Description: Furthers mathematical tools for tackling physics problems.

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Year Two:

• Module Title: The Physics of Fields and Flows
• Module Code: PX2131
• Credits: 20
• Description: Explores the behavior of fluids and electromagnetic fields.
• Module Title: Introductory Quantum Mechanics
• Module Code: PX2132
• Credits: 10
• Description: Introduces the fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics.
• Module Title: Structured Programming
• Module Code: PX2134
• Credits: 10
• Description: Develops advanced programming skills for scientific applications.
• Module Title: Observational Techniques in Astronomy
• Module Code: PX2155
• Credits: 20
• Description: Introduces astronomical observation methods and instrumentation.
• Module Title: Thermal and Statistical Physics
• Module Code: PX2231
• Credits: 20
• Description: Explores the principles of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.
• Module Title: Optics
• Module Code: PX2232
• Credits: 10
• Description: Investigates the properties and behavior of light.
• Module Code: PX2236
• Credits: 10
• Description: Explores the structure and properties of condensed matter.

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Optional Modules:

• Stars and their Planets (PX2140): Explores the formation and evolution of stars and planetary systems.
• Pathways to Success in the Physics Workplace (PX2141): Develops professional skills for a career in physics.
• Biophysics (PX2144): Applies physics principles to biological systems.
• Physics in Action: Real-World Problem Solving (PX2241): Solves realistic problems with physics knowledge.
• Astrophysics in Action: Real-World Problem Solving (PX2242): Solves realistic problems with astronomical knowledge.

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Year Three:

• Module Title: Atomic and Nuclear Physics
• Module Code: PX3141
• Credits: 20
• Description: Investigates the structure and behavior of atoms and atomic nuclei.
• Module Code: PX3241
• Credits: 20
• Description: Introduces the fundamental particles and concepts of special relativity.
• Module Title: Physics Project
• Module Code: PX3350
• Credits: 30
• Description: Conducts independent research and writing a project report.

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Optional Modules:

• Condensed Matter Physics (PX3142): Advanced study of condensed matter systems.
• Computational Physics (PX3143): Advanced computational methods for physics problems.
• Formation and Evolution of Stars (PX3145): Advanced study of stellar formation and evolution.
• Environmental Physics (PX3153): Investigates the application of physics to environmental issues.
• Introduction to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PX3155): Introduces the principles and applications of MRI.
• Galaxies and Galaxy Evolution (PX3156): Explores the formation and evolution of galaxies.
• Theoretical Physics (PX3158): Advanced theoretical concepts in physics.
• Science Communication (PX3160): Develops communication skills for explaining science.
• Radiation Protection and Diagnostic Radiology Physics (PX3164): Explores radiation safety and medical imaging techniques.
• Semiconductor Devices and Applications (PX3242): Investigates the properties and applications of semiconductor devices.
• Laser Physics and Non-Linear Optics (PX3243): Explores principles and applications of lasers and non-linear optical phenomena.
• High-Energy Astrophysics (PX3245): Investigates high-energy phenomena in the universe.
• Statistical Mechanics (PX3249): Advanced study of statistical mechanics principles.
• Commercialising Innovation (PX3253): Develops skills for commercializing research and innovations.
• Cosmology (PX3254): Investigates the origin and evolution of the universe.
• Non-Ionising Radiation in Medicine (PX3255): Explores the use of non-ionizing radiation in medical applications.
• Radiotherapy (PX3256): Investigates principles and applications of radiotherapy in cancer treatment.

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Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary depending on the module and include written exams, coursework, laboratory reports, presentations, and the final-year research project.

• Some modules are solely assessed through coursework while others combine continuous assessment and end-of-semester exams.

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Teaching:

• Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions, tutorials, workshops, and independent study.

• Students are expected to participate actively in class and complete assigned readings and exercises.

• Faculty includes research-active scientists with expertise in various areas of physics and astronomy.

• The program emphasizes hands-on experience and independent learning.

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Careers:

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Graduates are equipped for diverse careers in various sectors, including:

• Research and academia
• Industry and technology
• Education and outreach
• Government and policy

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Employability is enhanced by the program's focus on developing essential skills such as:

• Analytical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Numerical and computational skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Teamwork and collaboration

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Other:

• The program is accredited by the Institute of Physics.

• Students have access to excellent facilities, including laboratories, libraries, and computing resources.

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Fees for home status

We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase.

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Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland

We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

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Additional costs

The School covers the cost of essential equipment, including core course textbooks in the first two years. All other suggested textbooks are available through the University libraries.

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Course specific equipment

The University will provide all essential equipment. It currently also provides the core first-year physics and maths textbooks. You may choose to buy other textbooks following advice from staff. You may also wish to consider purchasing a personal computer, laptop or tablet device, although specific computing facilities are available on site.

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Accommodation

We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget.

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Living costs

We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.