School of Chemical and Physical Sciences brochures Physics Astrophysics brochure 2019 | Page 15

PHYSICS AND ASTROPHYSICS | 15
Single Honours Physics with Astrophysics 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; the second semester is dominated by
astrophysics - students work on astrophysical measurements of stars
in the laboratory, make their own observations at our on-campus
observatory and learn about the formation, structure and evolution of
stars and galaxies.
Indicative Year 2 modules are:
Semester 1
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
per week
Mathematical Physics looks at more advanced topics that are used in theoretical and
2 hours lecture plus
applied physics. You will study motion in symmetric potentials, Lagrangian mechanics and a 1 hour tutorial
the use of special functions.
per week
Semester
1 & 2
Semester 2
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
Physics Laboratory 3 hours 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
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
Stellar Astrophysics builds on material from the first year but also looks at nuclear
2 hours lecture
reactions in stars and the production of the chemical elements; nuclear models and the
per week
strong force; and elementary particles, such as quarks, and the use of Feynman diagrams
to describe their interactions.
Applied Physics and Emerging Technologies examines the physics behind several
examples of developments and breakthroughs of topical interest (e.g. graphene,
gravitational waves). You will then have the opportunity to do your own research into a
new topic of your choice and present your findings. 3 hours lectures
plus tutorials
per week
Galaxies introduces the key observations of normal and active galaxies and the physics
that explains them. It builds upon the first-year study of mechanics, Newtonian gravity
and stellar structure, plus aspects of electromagnetism and thermodynamics from years
1 and 2, to develop understanding of the structures, dynamics and long-term evolution of
self-gravitating stellar systems. An associated laboratory component is designed to give
broader experience with the acquisition and analysis of astronomical data in general. 2 hours of lectures
plus 2 hours of
lab and tutorials
per week
Astrophysics Laboratory 3 hours per week
keele.ac.uk/physics