Program Overview
The Theoretical Physics BSc program explores the profound concepts of modern physics with a strong mathematical focus. Students gain a deep understanding of theoretical physics principles and develop problem-solving and computational skills. The program offers two pathways, one with an experimental focus and the other emphasizing additional mathematical physics courses. Graduates have a wide range of career options, including scientific research, medical physics, and financial analysis.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This Theoretical Physics BSc degree is designed for students who want to explore the profound concepts of modern physics with a firm mathematical focus. It is particularly suitable for those who enjoy the challenging nature of understanding the mathematical framework upon which modern physics study depends. The program draws on the expertise of Birmingham physicists engaged in cutting-edge research, enabling students to gain strong theoretical and practical skills from experts in the field.
Objectives:
The program aims to provide students with:
- A strong foundation in theoretical physics, including classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and relativity.
- A comprehensive understanding of the mathematical tools used in theoretical physics.
- The ability to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems.
- The skills necessary for further study in theoretical physics or related fields.
Description:
The Theoretical Physics BSc degree course offers a broad range of modules, allowing students to tailor their degree to their own interests. Students can choose to focus on specific areas of physics or keep their choices broad. Additionally, some modules from the Mathematics department are open to students, providing a wealth of choice. The program offers two pathways: a "lab" pathway and a "no lab" pathway. Both pathways cover the essential core of theoretical physics, but the "lab" pathway allows students to carry out experimental work, while the "no lab" pathway focuses on data analysis and additional mathematical physics courses.
Outline:
Year 1:
- Core Modules:
- Classical Mechanics and Relativity 1 (10 credits)
- Classical Mechanics and Relativity 2 (10 credits)
- Electromagnetism and Temperature and Matter (20 credits)
- Introduction to Probability and Statistics (10 credits)
- Mathematics for Physicists 1A (10 credits)
- Mathematics for Physicists 1B (10 credits)
- Physics and Communication Skills (10 credits)
- Quantum Mechanics and Optics and Waves (10 credits)
- Options:
- Laboratory Pathway:
- Chaos and Non-linear Systems A (10 credits)
- Physics Laboratory 1A (10 credits)
- Physics Laboratory 1B (10 credits)
- Non-Laboratory Pathway:
- Chaos in Discrete and Continuous Systems (10 credits)
- Special Relativity and Dynamical Systems (10 credits)
- Choose one of the following:
- Introduction to Astrophysics (10 credits)
- Introduction to Particle Physics and Cosmology (10 credits)
Year 2:
- Core Modules:
- Eigenphysics (10 credits)
- Electromagnetism 2 (10 credits)
- Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics (10 credits)
- Mathematics for Physicists 2A (10 credits)
- Mathematics for Physicists 2B (10 credits)
- Optics (10 credits)
- Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids (10 credits)
- Physics and Communication Skills 2 (10 credits)
- Quantum Mechanics 2 (10 credits)
- Statistical Physics and Entropy (10 credits)
- Options:
- Laboratory Pathway:
- Physics Laboratory 2 (10 credits)
- Choose one option from the Non-Laboratory Pathway list
- Non-Laboratory Pathway:
- Choose two options:
- Electronics (10 credits)
- Nuclear Physics and Neutrinos (10 credits)
- Observational Astronomy (10 credits)
- Structure in the Universe (10 credits)
Year 3:
- Core Modules:
- Complex Variable Theory (10 credits)
- Current Topics in Theoretical Physics (10 credits)
- General Physics (10 credits)
- Quantum Mechanics 3 (10 credits)
- Radiation and Relativity (10 credits)
- Scientific Computing Laboratory 2 (10 credits)
- Statistical Physics (10 credits)
- Optional Modules:
- Choose 50 credits from the following:
- Applied Mathematical Analysis (20 credits)
- Atomic Physics (10 credits)
- Biophysics (10 credits)
- Chaos and Dynamical Systems (10 credits)
- Condensed Matter Physics (10 credits)
- Continuum Mechanics (20 credits)
- Evolution of Cosmic Structure (10 credits)
- Exoplanets (10 credits)
- Fission and Fusion (10 credits)
- Group Studies (20 credits)
- Images and Communications (10 credits)
- Medical Imaging (10 credits)
- Methods in Partial Differential Equations (20 credits)
- Nuclear Physics (10 credits)
- Observational Cosmology (10 credits)
- Partial Differential Equations (10 credits)
- Particle Physics (10 credits)
- Physical Principles of Radar (10 credits)
- Physics Teaching in Schools (10 credits)
- Scientific Computing Laboratory 1 (10 credits)
- The Life and Death of Stars (10 credits)
Assessment:
Modules are assessed in a variety of ways, including:
- Exams
- Class tests
- Problem sheets
- Project reports
Teaching:
- Most modules are delivered through traditional lectures given by active physics researchers.
- Students also learn through tutorials, example classes, guided study, and project work.
- Computing and transferable skills are interwoven into the curriculum.
- Students are assigned a personal tutor for each of the first two years, meeting weekly in groups of no more than four students.
- Personal tutors also provide pastoral support.
- Weekly tutorials are not held in the third year due to the increasing specialism of the work.
Careers:
- Graduates of the Theoretical Physics BSc program have a wide range of career options.
- They can apply their physics knowledge directly in scientific environments or pursue high-profile jobs that require problem-solving and computational skills in fields such as finance and information technology.
- Over 40% of graduates go on to further study, with around two-thirds pursuing research leading to a PhD.
- A PhD opens doors to many careers that require specific advanced scientific knowledge.
- NHS - Medical Physics
- Rolls-Royce
- EDF Energy
- BAE Systems
- Barclays Capital
- PriceWaterhouse Coopers
- Accenture - Technology Services
Example Careers:
- Scientific researcher
- Medical physicist
- Energy consultant
- Defence analyst
- Meteorologist
- Statistician
- Financial services analyst
- Business consultant
Other:
- The program is accredited by the Institute of Physics.
- The University of Birmingham has a dedicated Careers Network to help students identify and achieve their career aspirations.
- The Careers Network offers one-to-one advice appointments, an employer-endorsed Personal Skills Award, and internship opportunities.
- The University of Birmingham has world-class teaching facilities, including state-of-the-art study spaces, computing suites, teaching laboratories, and research facilities.
- The University of Birmingham is home to one of the four UK Quantum Technology hubs.
- Students can expect an average of 20 hours of contact time per week, comprising lectures, example classes, and tutorials.
