MPhys Physics with Advanced Research Degree

Program Overview

This five-year physics degree provides a comprehensive foundation in physics and mathematics, with a focus on developing research skills and employability. Students engage in hands-on laboratory work, computational physics, and specialized topics such as solid-state physics and nanoscience. The program prepares graduates for careers in research and development, industry, and education, and is accredited by the Institute of Physics for Chartered Physicist status.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Year 1:
• All classes are compulsory and cover the foundations of physics, including mathematics, mechanics and waves, electromagnetism, and quantum physics.
• Practical work in the teaching laboratory.
• Introduction to the programming language Python and computational physics.
• Development of study and communication skills, and interaction with the careers service to develop employability skills.
• Year 2:
• All classes are compulsory and build on the physics and mathematics topics developed in the first year.
• Extension of scientific computing knowledge and laboratory work becomes more sophisticated.
• Further development of study and communication skills, and interaction with the careers service to extend employability skills.
• Year 3:
• Extension of quantum physics and electromagnetism.
• Introduction to new topics centered on solid state physics, gases and liquids, and the fundamentals of thermodynamics.
• Advanced mathematical physics module.
• Laboratory work aimed at further developing laboratory skills in readiness for the fourth-year project.
• Optional modules designed to enhance communication or computational skills.
• Year 4:
• Project in research labs supervised by a member of staff in the department.
• Classes from topics as diverse as nanoscience, photonics, and quantum physics.
• Year 5:
• Further project that runs over summer and in the first semester and follows on from the project work undertaken in the fourth year.
• Classes from a range of optional classes that link to those taken in the fourth year.

Assessment:

• Exams
• Continuous assessment
• Written reports
• Moderated peer assessment in tutorials and workshops
• Talks and poster sessions

Teaching:

• Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, interactive learning using both personal response systems and web-based teaching resources, directed laboratory work, group-based learning, and self-paced project work.

Careers:

• Research and development
• Production and management in every field of science and industry
• Medical physicists
• Environmental physicists
• Petroleum engineers
• Patent officers
• Research scientists

Other:

• The course is identical for all students in years 1 & 2.
• In year 3 students must take an advanced Mathematical Physics module.
• In year 4 students take a Level 5 Research Skills module.
• In the final year 5, students will undertake a 100 credit project which starts during the summer holiday between years 4 and 5.