Physics with Nuclear Science with a Year Abroad BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

---

The Physics with Nuclear Science with a Year Abroad BSc (Hons) program at the University of Liverpool provides a comprehensive understanding of physics, with a focus on nuclear science and practical skills. Students gain industry experience through a year-long placement or study abroad, preparing them for various careers in physics, engineering, and nuclear-related industries. The program is accredited by the Institute of Physics and offers a wide range of elective modules, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests.

Program Outline

---

Physics with Nuclear Science with a Year Abroad BSc (Hons) - University of Liverpool

---

Degree Overview:

This program provides a comprehensive understanding of physics, with a particular focus on nuclear science. It equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in nuclear-related industries. The program emphasizes both theoretical and practical aspects of physics, including:

• Core physics principles: Students explore fundamental concepts like electrodynamics, semiconductors, relativity, and quantum mechanics.
• Nuclear science: The program delves into selected topics within nuclear science, providing a strong foundation in this growing field.
• Practical skills: Students develop essential skills for a career in nuclear science, including problem-solving, research, practical work, and clear communication.
• Industry connections: The program fosters connections with various parts of the nuclear industry, including decommissioning and homeland security.
• Global experience: Students can enhance their experience through a paid year-long industry placement or a year abroad at a partner university or the University's China campus.

---

Outline:

---

Year One:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Dynamics and Relativity (PHYS101):
Covers Newtonian mechanics, including Newton's laws of motion, gravitation, and Kepler's laws. Introduces the theory of relativity, exploring Einstein's postulates and Lorentz transformations.
• Thermal Physics and Properties of Matter (PHYS102): Explores classical thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, and statistical mechanics.
Introduces and applies the laws of thermodynamics.
• Electricity, Magnetism and Waves (PHYS103): Covers fundamental concepts of electricity and magnetism, developing the integral form of Maxwell's equations.
Studies oscillations and waves, focusing on solutions of the wave equation, superposition principles, and wave phenomena.
• Foundations of Quantum Physics (PHYS104): Explains how experiments led to the development of quantum mechanics, replacing Newtonian mechanics.
Covers topics like the photoelectric effect and the Cosmic Microwave Background. Covers plotting data, Monte Carlo techniques, algorithm development, and basic symbolic manipulations.
• Practical Physics I (PHYS106): Provides laboratory experience in physics, complementing lecture material and introducing key concepts of experimental physics.
• Mathematics for Physics II (PHYS108): Introduces mathematical techniques used in physics, including differential equations, PDEs, integral vector calculus, and series.
• Introduction to Nuclear Science (PHYS135): Introduces the structure of nuclei, their stability, decay modes, properties of radiation, nuclear reactions, and practical applications of nuclear science, including nuclear power station design.

---

Year Two:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Condensed Matter Physics (PHYS202): Explores the structure and behavior of matter in condensed phases, using quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and statistical mechanics.
• Quantum and Atomic Physics I (PHYS203): Introduces concepts and formalism of quantum mechanics, using the Schrödinger equation to describe quantum systems in bound states and scattering.
Covers atomic spectroscopy.
• Nuclear and Particle Physics (PHYS204): Introduces the basic properties of particles and nuclei, their stability, decay modes, reactions, and conservation laws.
Highlights recent research in particle physics and applications of nuclear physics.
• Computational Physics (PHYS205): Further develops computing skills acquired in Year One, applying Python programming techniques to solve physics-based problems.
Includes data analysis, Monte Carlo simulations, graphing, and data presentation.
• PRACTICAL PHYSICS II (PHYS206): Covers experimental techniques in various physics phenomena, including measurements of fundamental constants, optics, nuclear physics, and electronics.
• Mathematics for Physicists III (PHYS207): Introduces differential vector calculus and extends linear algebra.
• Accelerators and Radioisotopes in Medicine (PHYS246): Provides an introduction to applications of accelerators and radioisotopes in medical imaging and tumor therapy.

---

Year Abroad (Year Three):

• Students are required to spend a year abroad at an approved placement at a European or overseas partner institution.

---

Year Four:

• Compulsory Modules:
• RADIATION PHYSICS ADVANCED PRACTICAL (PHYS380):
Provides further training in laboratory techniques, computer modeling and analysis, and the use of modern instruments. Encourages independent judgment in performing radiation physics experiments and writing professional scientific reports.
• NUCLEAR SCIENCE PROJECT (PHYS398): Individual projects in Nuclear Physics.
• Quantum and Atomic Physics II (PHYS361): Studies quantum mechanics and its application to atomic systems, covering perturbation theory and its effects on atomic systems.
• Electromagnetism II (PHYS370): Builds on previous electromagnetism modules, exploring how electromagnetic radiation explains various physical phenomena.
• Nuclear Physics (PHYS375): Introduces nuclear physics, covering bulk properties of nuclei, radioactivity, the nucleon-nucleon interaction, the shell model, collective models, and electromagnetic decays.
• Nuclear Power (PHYS376): Focuses on nuclear reactors as an energy source, reviewing underlying physics principles, design, operation, and fission reactors.
Discusses nuclear fusion energy.
• Optional Modules:
• PHYSICS INTERNSHIP (PHYS309):
Provides experience working in a STEM-related environment outside of the Department of Physics.
• Computational Modelling (PHYS305): Introduces object-oriented concepts in Python and employs them to model experiments using Monte Carlo and deterministic methods.
• Solid State Physics (PHYS363): Advances concepts on solids introduced in previous years, focusing on atomic structure and electron behavior in crystalline materials.
• Materials Physics and Characterisation (PHYS387): Covers preparation and characterization of materials of scientific and technological importance.
• Magnetic Properties of Solids (PHYS399): Explores how electron interactions in solids result in magnetic moments and their relation to spin.
• SEMICONDUCTOR APPLICATIONS (PHYS389): Develops physics concepts describing semiconductors to understand the construction and operation of semiconductor devices.
• Physics Data Analysis with Statistics (PHYS392): Covers statistical methods in physics analysis.
• Planetary Physics (PHYS355): Considers the application of physics to the study of planets, focusing on fundamental physical principles.
• PHYSICS OF GALAXIES (PHYS373): Covers the physics and observational techniques of Galactic Astrophysics.
• Relativity and Cosmology (PHYS374): Connects special relativity, Newtonian gravity, general relativity, cosmological metrics, and dynamical equations.
Focuses on cosmology, covering the content of the universe, structure on large scales, and its dynamical evolution.

---

Assessment:

• The program uses a combination of coursework and examinations for assessment.
• Depending on the modules, students may encounter project work, presentations (individual or group), and specific tests or tasks.

---

Teaching:

• The program utilizes research-led teaching, ensuring students are exposed to the latest advances in physics research.
• Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, problem-solving workshops, and practical work.
• Practical work is conducted in the University's Central Teaching Laboratories, progressing from basic skills to research projects.
• Students undertake extended projects on research topics with faculty mentorship.

---

Careers:

• A physics degree provides a strong foundation for a variety of careers, including:
• Physics-related careers
• Engineering
• Computing
• Telecommunications
• Microelectronics
• Nuclear power and instrumentation
• Cryogenics
• Astronomy
• Geophysics
• Medical physics
• Materials science
• Computing
• Teaching
• The University of Liverpool has been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023.
• The program offers opportunities for students to study a language alongside their degree.

---

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

---

Full-time place, per year

£9,250

---

Year in industry fee

£1,850

---

Year abroad fee

£1,385

---

International fees

---

Full-time place, per year

£27,200

---

Year in industry fee

£1,850

---

Year abroad fee

£13,600