Physics and Astrophysics Undergraduate Programmes for 2020 Entry 2020 Entry | Page 16

16 | PHYSICS AND ASTROPHYSICS Combined Honours Astrophysics Second Year In your second year you continue with the study of core Physics and Astrophysics. Each week there are four 1-hour lectures, 1-hour lecture in Mathematics for Physics, plus one 3-hour laboratory class and one 3-hour problem class, all led by members of the academic staff. Labs in the first semester support lectures in Optics; in the second semester you learn the basics of astronomical data reduction and analysis with computer software used by professional astronomers. The Year 2 modules are: Semester 1 Semester Optics and Thermodynamics considers the wave nature of radiation and the laws governing the transfer of heat and entropy in macroscopic systems. You will study polarisation and birefringence, interference and diffraction (including Fourier methods and analysis), basic optical systems (including the Michelson-Morley interferometer), heat capacities, work, internal and free energies, changes of state and entropy. 2 hours lecture Quantum Mechanics gives an introduction to the fundamental methods of quantum physics, the Schrödinger equation and its applications including the structure of the hydrogen atom, emission and absorption spectra, electron spin, angular momentum, magnetic moments, and aspects of multi-electron atoms. 2 hours lecture per week Physics Laboratory 3 hours per week Mathematics for Physics 1 hour lecture per week Problem Classes supporting Physics/Astrophysics modules 3 hours per week Statistical Mechanics and Solid State Physics develops key statistical topics in Physics such as bosons, fermions, phonon and photon gases and blackbody radiation, and explores how these relate to thermodynamics and the structure of solids. 2 hours lecture per week 1 & 2 Semester 2 per week Stellar Astrophysics builds on material from the first year but also looks at nuclear 2 hours lecture per week reactions in stars and the production of the chemical elements; nuclear models and the strong force; and elementary particles, such as quarks, and the use of Feynman diagrams to describe their interactions. Astrophysics Laboratory 3 hours per week ASTROPHYSICS EXTERNAL EXAMINER, 2017 “The quality of the teaching and learning on the Astrophysics course is very high. Feedback to the students was clear and comprehensive, addressing areas of strength and possible areas for improvement”. keele.ac.uk/physics