School of Physics and Astronomy Study Abroad Modules
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Autumn
Spring
For more information visit the School of Physics and Astronomy website.
Autumn and Spring (Level Two)
Observational Techniques in Astronomy PX2322
Semester: Autumn and Spring
Length: Two Semesters
Level: 2
Credits: 20
The module introduces the theory and practice of making and interpreting astronomical observations. The modules provides a practical introduction to, and in-depth knowledge of, the principles of telescopes, observational astronomy, detector technology and spectroscopy at various wavelengths.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Example Classes
Assessment:
Examination: 40%
Coursework: 60%
Autumn and Spring (Level Three)
Semester: Autumn and Spring
Length: Two Semesters
Level: 3
Credits: 20
The module provides experience of research work in physics and develop skills needed for planning, organising and executing projects. The projects extends over two semesters. At the end of Autumn semester, students submit an interim report of their work and are assessed in an oral examination (viva) by their supervisor and an assessor. the full report is submitted towards the end of the Spring Semester. Students also give a conference-style presentation on their work to a group of assessors and other students. A range of topics are available. Projects can be practically or theoretically biased and might involve computational work. Most students work alone or in pairs, but the reporting and analysis of data is always done individually.
Teaching Methods:
Supervised Individual Project
Assessments
Coursework: 100%
Semester: Autumn and Spring
Length: Two Semesters
Level: 3
Credits: 20
The module provides experience of research work in physics and develop skills needed for planning, organising and executing projects. The projects extends over two semesters. At the end of Autumn semester, students submit an interim report of their work and are assessed in an oral examination (viva) by their supervisor and an assessor. the full report is submitted towards the end of the Spring Semester. Students also give a conference-style presentation on their work to a group of assessors and other students. A range of topics are available. Projects can be practically or theoretically biased and might involve computational work. Most students work alone or in pairs, but the reporting and analysis of data is always done individually.
Teaching Methods:
Supervised individual project
Assessment:
Coursework: 100%
Medical Physics Project PX3317
Semester: Autumn and Spring
Length: Two Semesters
Level: 3
Credits: 20
The module provides experience of research work in physics and develop skills needed for planning, organising and executing projects. The projects extends over two semesters. At the end of Autumn semester, students submit an interim report of their work and are assessed in an oral examination (viva) by their supervisor and an assessor. The full report is submitted towards the end of the Spring Semester. Students also give a conference-style presentation on their work to a group of assessors and other students. A range of topics are available. Projects can be practically or theoretically biased and might involve computational work. Most students work alone or in pairs, but the reporting and analysis of data is always done individually.
Teaching Methods:
Supervised Individual Project
Assessment:
Coursework: 100%
Autumn (Level One)
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 1
Credits: 10
This module provides firm foundations for the concepts of classical mechanics and its extension into quantum theory and special relativity. The module introduces and illustrates the use of conservation laws in dynamical problems and introduces the key concepts underpinning the physical understanding of vibrations and oscillations in mechanical systems.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Example Classes
Assessment:
Examination: 60%
Coursework: 40%
Mathematics for Physical Scientists 1 PX1116
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 1
Credits: 10
This module provides the basic theoretical techniques required during first-year physics courses and introduces students to vectors, series, functions and graphs, and elementary calculus.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Example Classes
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Introductory Practical Physics 1 PX1123
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 1
Credits: 10
This module develops students' practical experimental and analytical skills through weekly structured laboratory sessions and introduces select concepts of optics, scientific instrumentation and electronics.
Teaching Methods:
Laboratories
Assessment:
Coursework: 100%
The Universe from Particles to Galaxies PX1124
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 1
Credits: 10
This module is designed to give students an overview of the observed structure of stars, galaxies and the Universe as well as to introduce the basic properties of matter, including nuclear and elementary particles. Another primary component of this module is the discussion of the physical and mathematical laws in formulating theories for the origin and evolution of astronomical structures.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessments
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Mathematical Practice for Physical Sciences PX1125
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 1
Credits: 10
This module provides practice at important elementary mathematical techniques and strengthens and develops students' manipulative and analytical techniques.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 60%
Coursework: 40%
Introductory Computational Physics PX1224
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 1
Credits: 10
This module provides practice in the use of basic data handling and numerical computing skills required by physical scientists.
Teaching Methods:
Laboratories
Assessment:
Coursework: 100%
Autumn (Level Two)
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This module provides a description of matter and radiation by wave mechanics, in particular through the Schrodinger equation and the interpretation and use of its solutions. The module also introduces formal aspects of wave mechanics, and provides worked examples to increase students' awareness of the meaning of wavefunctions, eigenvalues, eigenfunctions and operators. The students
will be able to apply quantum mechanics to a range of model systems.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Example Classes
Assessment:
Examination: 100%
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This module provides students background to mathematical techniques needed by physicists and helps students to apply these techniques to physical problems.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Example Classes
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Electronics and Instrumentation PX2107
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This module provides an introduction to analogue and digital electronics through the study of electronic instrumentation and its use in measurement. Additionally, the module introduces the methods used to detect signals in the presence of noise.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This module introduces students to topics at the forefront of contemporary physics.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Example Classes
Assessment:
Examination: 50%
Coursework: 50%
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This module is designed to stimulate interest in astronomy and astrophysics at the frontiers. Five different astronomy researchers will give a lecture on their work. the class is split into teams which are then assigned a topic set by one of the lecturers, which forms the basis of an in-depth investigation. Example topics: galaxies, gravitational waves, star formation, gravitational lensing, comets.
Teaching methods
Lectures
Example Classes
Assessment:
Examination: 50%
Coursework: 50%
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This module extends students practical skills by using set experiments illustrating a range of physical phenomena. Examples of experiments: magnetic hysteresis, electron spin resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, vapour pressure of nitrogen, torsion pendulum, vibrations of a classical guitar, precession of a Gyroscope.
Teaching Methods:
Laboratories
Assessments
Coursework: 100%
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This module introduces students to the structure of the computing language C++ and undertakes structured examples and assignments in the computing laboratory to develop skills in computational physics.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Laboratories
Assessment:
Two hour examination: 50%
Coursework: 50%
Electricity in the Human Body PX2124
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This module provides an introduction to the natural electricity of the human body and examines how to monitor it for diagnosis and therapy. The module also provides a working knowledge of electrical techniques in medicine.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Laboratories
Assessment:
Examination: 50%
Coursework: 50%
Autumn (Level Three)
Theoretical Physics Techniques PX3104
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
The module provides students with the understanding of some of the more advanced techniques of theoretical physics.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 100%
Optics and Fourier Transforms PX3105
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
The module introduces the concepts of "imaging" through a study of geometrical and physical optics. Students will study optical system design and evaluation and image processing using Fourier techniques.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
The module provides a detailed understanding of the structural, vibrational, and electronic properties of solids. The module also provides an understanding of diffraction from crystals and the optical properties of solids.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 100%
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
This module explains how the structure of our Galaxy can be determined experimentally and compares the properties of the Galaxy with other galaxies. The module also explains how galaxies are used to derive fundamental cosmological parameters and develops an understanding of how galaxies form and evolve.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 100%
Applications of Quantum Mechanics PX3121
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
The module provides the basis for the physical interpretation of quantum mechanics and develops an understanding of advanced topics and techniques in quantum mechanics. The module helps students to develop skills in applying these techniques to problems in various branches of physics.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 100%
Digital Medical Imaging PX3134
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
The module provides students with a firm understanding of the principles, technologies and applications of digital imaging techniques to medicine, and helps students to appreciate the practical aspects of operating digital imaging systems in the modern health service.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Demonstrations
Assessment:
Examination: 100%
Electromagnetic Radiation Detection PX3136
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
The module introduces students to the concepts involved in the detection of electromagnetic radiation across the entire spectrum from radio waves to y-rays. The module explains the physical processes involved in detection and their application in current technology and explains the fundamental limits to the sensitivity of radiation detection, and how closely they can be approached in practice.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Example Classes
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Autumn (Level Four)
Interstellar Medium and Star Formation PX4106
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 4
Credits: 10
The module introduces the physics of interstellar medium and star formation, and how they are observed. The module also provides an understanding of thermal balance in the interstellar medium, radiative transfer, the dynamics of interstellar gas, interstellar clouds and the physics of star formation.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Exercise classes
Assessment:
Examination: 100%
Advanced Quantum Mechanics PX4114
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 4
Credits: 10
The module provides an understanding of the concepts of quantum mechanics, with an emphasis on operator formalism and applies this formalism to basic problems and shows how that leads to a unified approach. The module also develops approximate solutions to real physical problems in atomic and molecular physics.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 100%
General Relativity and Relativistic Astrophysics PX4115
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 4
Credits: 10
The module provides a thorough introduction to the theory of general relativity, with applications to spherical stars, black holes and gravitational waves.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Example Classes
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 4
Credits: 10
The module applies computational techniques to solving problems in different areas of physics and develops and appreciation of the use of numerical simulations in modelling phyical processes.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Coursework: 100%
Large Molecules and Life PX4119
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 4
Credits: 10
The module introduces physical concepts relevant to understanding macromolecules. The module also outlines the role of macromolecules in important processes in life and relates their behaviour to that observed in conventional polymers.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessments
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Nanostructure Optoelectronics PX4120
Semester: Autumn
Length: One Semester
Level: 4
Credits: 10
The module provides an understanding of the physics of semiconductor optoelectronic devices which utilise nanostructures and how their performance is shaped by use of wells or dots. The module also gives an overview of the applications of these devices and outlines current research issues in the field.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 100%
Spring (Level One)
Electricity, Magnetism and Waves PX1221
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 1
Credits: 20
This module introduces the mathematical language of waves to describe wave formation, wave propagation, wave propagation and interference and diffraction. The module examines matter at an atomic level to give insight into crystal bonding and the electrical, thermal and mechanical properties of matter. The module introduces the concepts of electrostatiscs, magnetic fields associated with currents and electromagnetic induction to provide a firm foundation for the study of electromagnetism in Year 2. The module also provides insights into forced vibration and resonance through examples of AC theory and mechanical analogues.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Example Classes
Assessment:
Examination: 60%
Coursework: 40%
Mathematics for Physical Scientists 2 PX1216
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 1
Credits: 10
This module provides students with the basic theoretical techniques required during first-year physics courses. It gives students solid grounding in complex numbers, vector calculus, second-order differential equations, matrices and basic probability theory.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Example Classes
Assessment:
Examination: 60%
Coursework: 40%
Introductory Practical Physics 2 PX1223
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 1
Credits: 10
This module develops students' practical, experimental and analytical skills through weekly structured laboratory sessions. The module introduces the concepts of optics, scientific instrumentation and electronics.
Teaching Methods:
Laboratory Sessions
Assessment:
Coursework: 100%
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 1
Credits: 10
This module introduces the basic constituents of the solar system, their orbits and physical properties. The module describes the physical properties of planetary surfaces and atmospheres and interprets these properties in terms of physical theory. The module also introduces various observational methods of proto-planet and exoplanet detection. The module also introduces the basic ideas behind the current theories of planet formation and how they are related to observed properties of the Solar System and extra-solar planets.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
How the Human Body Works PX1226
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 1
Credits: 10
The module provides students of physics an introduction to human anatomy and physiology and gives an overview to the construction and function of cells, and the structure and operation of the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, digestive and reproductive systems.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Seminars
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Spring (Level Two)
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This module provides students an understanding of the laws and concepts of thermodynamics and their applications. The module also introduces the kinetic theory of gases and the quantum mechanics of radiation; and develops the theory of black-body radiation.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Mechanics and Special Relativity PX2206
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
The module introduces the further concepts in classical mechanics and fluid mechanics, and further concepts of special relativity and space-time.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Exercises
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This module extends students practical skills by using set experiments illustrating a range of physical phenomena. Examples of experiments: magnetic hysteresis, electron spin resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, vapour pressure of nitrogen, torsion pendulum, vibrations of a classical guitar, precession of a Gyroscope.
Teaching Methods:
Laboratories
Assessment:
Coursework: 100%
Acoustics and Studio Techniques PX2218
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
The module introduces students to the production, recording and reproduction of musical sounds. The module provides knowledge and experience in practical studio techniques and introduces basic concepts of physical acoustics and the physiology of hearing.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Tutorials
Example Classes
Assessment:
Examination: 50%
Coursework: 50%
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
The module introduces the basic properties of the solar system and other planetary systems and helps students to interpret these in terms of basic physics. The module also provides a framework of the application of theory to predict and understand the typology of planetary surfaces and other features of planetary systems.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 100%
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
The module provides strategies for solving physics problems.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Physics of Solids and Soft Matter PX2223
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
The module provides students with the basic understanding of the fundamental physics underlying the structural and electronic properties of condensed matter. The module also provides an understanding of crystal structure and the behaviour of waves in periodic lattices; and provides and understanding of the behaviour of electrons in the solid state.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessments
Examination: 90%
Coursework: 10%
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
The module provides an understanding of electric and magnetic forces and foelds and their unification in Maxwell's equations and shows how Maxwell's equations can be used to demonstrate the existence of electromagnetic waves. The module shows how to apply Maxwell's equations with different boundary conditions to deduce the properties of electromagnetic fields in different circumstances.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Exercises
Assessments
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
The module introduces the principal physical concepts of stellar bodies and their lifecycles. The module also introduces the Sun as a star and the fundamental physics of stars. The module develops an understanding of different types of stars, both as single objects and as members of multiple systems. Finally, the module provides students with strategies for solving astrophysical problems related to stars.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This module gives an overview of the properties of ionising radiation and its interaction with matter. The module provides an introduction to the physical basis of the use of ionising radiation in diagnosis and therapy.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 100%
Spring (Level Three)
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
The module provides an introduction to the basic concepts of statistical mechanics and establishes the relation between statistical mechanics and thermodynamics. The module helps the students to develop the ability to use statistical mechanics to solve and give insight into a wide range of physical problems.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Advanced Mathematical Physics PX3211
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
The module develops an understanding of the use of advanced techniques of mathematical physics and helps students to develop proficiency in using these techniques and applying them tp physical problems.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
The module establishes the fundamentals of the constitutive physics, structure and evolution of single stars. The module also develops an understanding of the workings of an equilibrium star, energy generation and transport, hydrostatic balance and the evolutionary stages of a star.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Example Classes
Assessment:
Examination: 100%
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
The module introduces analogue and digital techniques of sound synthesis and provides an understanding and practical working knowledge of techniques and equipment used in sound synthesis. The module also introduces the physical characteristics of musical sounds and those features of importance to the perception of sounds.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Seminars
Workshops
Assessment:
Coursework: 100%
Physics of Semiconductor Devices PX3226
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
The module explains the energy band structure of semiconductors and relates the band structures of real semiconductors to their physical properties. The module also describes the types of charge carrier, their energies and their spatial distributions in semiconductors and semiconductor devices. The module also recalls the key equations governing device physics and apply these to important systems and describes the main processes used in material growth and device fabrication.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
The module introduces the basic mathematics and physics of the Big Bang theory and discusses issues of contemporary cosmology, including cosmic background radiation, the concordance modle, dark matter and dar energy.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Laser Physics and Applications PX3233
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
The module develops an understanding of the fundamental physics of lasers and provides an awareness of some applications of lasers and the associated physics. The module also introduces students to laser devoce design and performance.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
The module provides an understanding of the principles and applications of ultrasound in medicine and gives students the working knowledge of the construction and operation of diagnostic ultrasound equipment and ultrasound safety issues. The module also gives an overview of the particular features of diagnostic ultrasound in the main application areas.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 100%
Chaos and Non-Linear Systems PX3235
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
The module introduces the basic methods for the understanding and characterising the behaviour of linear and non-linear systems and uses examples and computer exercises to illustrate the physics of non-linear and chaotic systems.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Exercises
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Nuclear and Particle Physics PX3237
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
The module develops a basic understanding of nuclear physics, using quantum mechanical concepts and applies this to nuclear stability and nuclear reactions. The module also introduces the basic concepts and methods of particle physics and outlines the Standard Model for particle properties and interactions.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 100%
Spring (Level Four)
High Energy Astrophysics PX4215
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 4
Credits: 10
The module introduces the basic physical processes of production of high energy photons and cosmic rays from astrophysical sources in the Universe. The module also discusses the history and physics of different detection methods. Finally, the module presents concepts of relativistic beaming and unified schemes for Active Galaxies.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 100%
Fundamental Particles and Fields PX4216
Semester: Spring
Length: One Semester
Level: 4
Credits: 10
The module provides an introductory account of fundamental particles and their interaction. The module prepares the way for further study in theoretical quantum field theory and/or experimental particle physics.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%