Physics and Astrophysics Undergraduate Programmes for 2020 Entry 2020 Entry | Page 7

PHYSICS AND ASTROPHYSICS | 7
Single Honours Physics Second Year
In your second year you continue with the study of core physics
and mathematics, but attention is also given to more advanced and
applied topics. Each week there are approximately 8 1-hour lectures,
and a further 10-11 hours of taught classes in the form of laboratory
work, problem classes and tutorials, all led by academic members
of staff. Semester 1 contains laboratory work associated with optics
and computational physics; in the second semester students work in
small groups on short investigations into electronic sensors, carry out
a mini-project in instrumentation and measurement and participate in
laboratory work on nuclear and radiation physics.
PHYSICS EXTERNAL EXAMINER, 2017
“I remain very impressed with the very
high level of care the team takes to work
with students to improve their learning.
This is evidenced from the very high
standards and excellent feedback”.
Indicative Year 2 modules are:
Semester 1
Semester
1 & 2
Semester 2
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
Mathematical Physics looks at more advanced topics that are used in theoretical and
applied physics. You will study motion in symmetric potentials, Lagrangian mechanics and
the use of special functions. 2 hours lecture plus
a 1 hour tutorial
per week
Numerical Methods covers the application of computational techniques to solve problems
in physics, including interpolation, optimisation, the solution of differential equations,
numerical integration and Monte Carlo simulations. 1 hour lecture and
2 hour lab class
per week
Mathematics for Physics includes the core analysis methods and techniques such as
vector calculus, matrices and Fourier analysis that are used throughout physics. 1 hour lecture
per week
Laboratory 3 hours per week
Problem Classes support the Physics 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
Nuclear and Particle Physics is divided into four main topics: nuclear models and the
strong force; radioactive decay and the weak force; nuclear reactions; and a brief study
of elementary particles, including quarks and gauge bosons, and the use of Feynman
diagrams to describe and analyse their interactions. 2 hours lecture
per week
per week
Applied Physics and Emerging Technologies examines the physics behind several
3 hours lectures
examples of developments and breakthroughs of topical interest (e.g. renewable energy,
plus tutorials
gravitational waves). You will then have the opportunity to do your own research into a new per week
topic of your choice and present your findings.
Radiation Physics explores three main topics: the properties of ionising radiation and the
interaction of photons with matter; detecting radiation, dosimetry and radiation safety; and
the applications of radiation physics in medicine and diagnostic imaging. Laboratory work
focuses on nuclear physics and radiation safety.
4 hours per week
including lectures,
tutorials and lab
classes
keele.ac.uk/physics