Astrophysics (Foundation Year), MPhys

Program Overview

The MPhys Astrophysics Foundation Entry Degree is a five-year program designed for students lacking the qualifications for an Honours degree. It provides essential training in applying physics to astrophysics, fostering scientific reasoning skills. Students develop observational, mathematical, and problem-solving capabilities through a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and observatory experiments. This program prepares graduates for careers in industry, research, and other fields where advanced scientific knowledge and analytical skills are valued.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MPhys Astrophysics Foundation Entry Degree is a five-year program designed for students who lack the necessary qualifications to directly enter an Honours degree program. It provides essential training in applying physics to the stars and galaxies, while developing scientific method skills. The program aims to equip students with observational, mathematical, logical, and problem-solving abilities.

Outline:

• Year 0 (Foundation Year):
• Compulsory Modules:
• Foundations of Applied Physics (APC801):
Introduces practical physics elements, including electrical circuits and magnetic phenomena. Prepares students for Year One of the core Physics program.
• Motion, Forces and Force Fields (APC802): Covers physics concepts related to motion, including kinematics, dynamics, and force fields (gravitational and electrical).
• The Road to Quantum Mechanics (APC803): Introduces the physics of materials and their constituents, including the finite divisibility of matter and energy (atoms, electrons, photons) and the chain of theories leading to wave/particle duality.
• Pure Mathematics and Statistics (MAC811): Develops understanding of pure mathematics foundations, including set theory, algebra, and analysis.
Equips students with tools for applied probability and statistics.
• Mathematical Methods (MAC833): Provides tools required for degree-level study in mathematical sciences, emphasizing differential and integral calculus techniques.
• Year 1-4 (MPhys (Hons) Astrophysics):
• Alston Observatory: Access to one of the largest teaching observatories in the UK.
• State-of-the-Art Learning Environment: Provides facilities for practical analysis, interpretation, and modeling of astronomical data.

Assessment:

The program is assessed through a combination of:

• Written examinations
• Assignments
• Laboratory logbooks and reports
• Project reports
• Presentations

Teaching:

• Teaching Staff: The program is delivered by members of the School's Jeremiah Horrocks Institute, many of whom hold PhDs and are active researchers in physics and astrophysics.
• Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials, seminars, problem-solving classes, laboratory work, observatory experiments, individual project work, and group work.
• Small Class Sizes: Ensure individual attention for students.

Careers:

• Highly Employable Qualification: An MPhys degree is highly sought after by employers.
• Career Paths: Graduates can pursue careers in:
• Industry
• Government research institutes
• Overseas laboratories and observatories
• Financial institutions
• Teaching
• Scientific communication and public outreach

Other:

• Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) and recognized by the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS).
• Summer Internships: Students have the opportunity to complete summer internships, which can lead to publications in scientific journals and presentations at international conferences.
• Student Testimonials: The text includes quotes from former students highlighting the positive impact of the program on their careers.

| Description | Data |

| --------- | --------- |

| Tuition Fees | 2024/25 |

|UK Fees | First year: £9,250.

Full-time: £9,250 per year |

|International Fees | First year: £16,400.

Full-time: £16,500 per year | |