Year 1
In the first year you are introduced to detection techniques used in particle physics experiments, the latest ideas about the structure and evolution of the Universe, and how the evidence for dark matter and dark energy link back to outstanding questions in particle physics.
Classical Mechanics and Relativity 1 - 10 credits
Classical Mechanics and Relativity 2 - 10 credits
Electromagnetism and Temperature and Matter - 20 credits
Introduction to Particle Physics and Cosmology - 10 credits
Introduction to Probability and Statistics - 10 credits
Mathematics for Physicists 1A - 10 credits
Mathematics for Physicists 1B - 10 credits
Physics Laboratory 1A - 10 credits
Physics Laboratory 1B - 10 credits
Physics and Communication Skills 1 - 10 credits
Quantum Mechanics and Optics and Waves - 10 credits
Year 2
Core modules
Electromagnetism 2 - 10 credits
Mathematics for Physicists 2A - 10 credits
Mathematics for Physicists 2B - 10 credits
Nuclear Physics and Neutrinos - 10 credits
Optics - 10 credits
Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids - 10 credits
Physics and Communication Skills 2 - 10 credits
Physics Laboratory 2 - 10 credits
Physics Project - 10 credits
Quantum Mechanics 2 - 10 credits
Statistical Physics and Entropy - 10 credits
Optional modules
Choose 10 credits. Example of optional modules:
Eigenphysics - 10 credits
Electronics 10 credits
Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics - 10 credits
Observational Astronomy - 10 credits
Structure in the Universe - 10 credits
Year 3
In the third year you choose options from a wide range of modules. You also engage in an extended project (Group Studies), working as part of a team of students towards a common objective, for example to design a particle physics experiment to study the Higgs boson. Each student contributes to the work, but also relies on collaboration with the rest of the team to achieve the project goals and deliver the final report.
Core modules
General Physics - 10 credits
Group Studies - 20 credits
Observational Cosmology - 10 credits
Particle Physics - 10 credits
Quantum Mechanics 3 - 10 credits
Statistical Physics- 10 credits
You must take EITHER the 20 credit Laboratory OR 10 credit Laboratory AND EITHER Scientific Computing 1 (03 30964) OR Scientific Computing 2.
Laboratory (10cr) - 10 credits
Laboratory (20cr) - 20 credits
Scientific Computing Laboratory 1 - 10 credits
Scientific Computing Laboratory 2 - 10 credits
Optional modules
Choose 30 credits. Example of optional modules:
Atomic Physics - 10 credits
Biophysics - 10 credits
Chaos and Dynamical Systems - 10 credits
Complex Variable Theory - 10 credits
Condensed Matter Physics - 10 credits
Evolution of Cosmic Structure - 10 credits
Exoplanets - 10 credits
Fission and Fusion - 10 credits
Images and Communications - 10 credits
Medical Imaging - 10 credits
Nuclear Physics - 10 credits
Physics Critique - 10 credits
Physics of Music and Sound - 10 credits
Physical Principles of Radar - 10 credits
Physics Teaching in Schools - 10 credits
Radiation and Relativity - 10 credits
Scientific Computing Laboratory 1 - 10 credits
Scientific Computing Laboratory 2 - 10 credits
Semiconductor Optoelectronics - 10 credits
The Life and Death of Stars - 10 credits
Year 4
Much of your fourth year is spent on individual project work, supervised by a member of staff from the particle physics research group. You have the opportunity to develop your own analysis of LHC data or to design and build a particle detector, for example, and then present your results to the rest of the group. Several of our graduates have gone on to PhDs in particle physics, and some continue as postdoctoral research physicists.
Core modules
Current Topics in Particle Physics - 10 credits
Experimental Particle Physics Techniques - 10 credits
Project Dissertation - 20 credits
Project Planning and Preliminary Report - 10 credits
Project Seminar and Viva - 20 credits
Optional modules
Select 50 credits. Example optional modules:
Advanced Condensed Matter Physics - 10 credits
Complex Variable Theory - 10 credits
Condensed Matter Physics - 10 credits
Evolution of Cosmic Structure - 10 credits
Exoplanets - 10 credits
Fission and Fusion - 10 credits
Images and Communications - 10 credits
Inference from Scientific Data - 10 credits
Many Particle and Quantum Field Theory - 10 credits
Nanophotonics - 10 credits
Nuclear Physics - 10 credits
Numerical Weather Forecasting and Climate Modelling - 10 credits
Physics Critique - 10 credits
Phase Transitions - 10 credits
Quantum Mechanics 4 - 10 credits
Quantum Optics - 10 credits
Relativistic Astrophysics - 10 credits
Superconductivity - 10 credits
The General Theory of Relativity - 10 credits
Ultracold Atoms and Quantum Gases - 10 credits
Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2023. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to core modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.
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