Physics Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

The BSc Physics programme consists of 4 years of courses including a final year project in Stage 4.

In Stage 1 students take two mandatory Physics taught courses (B27MW, B27FF) alongside two mandatory service maths courses delivered by MACS (F17XA, F17XB). A new 30-credit all-year experimental lab course (B27LA) replaces a pair of synoptically assessed courses. Students can select from one optional course in each semester, drawn from an established pool offered by Mechanical / Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. This has proven popular at Open Days, as it allows students some flexibility in their initial year of study.

In Stage 2 students take 5 mandatory Physics courses alongside two mandatory service maths courses delivered by MACS (F18XC, F18XD). A new 30-credit all-year lab course (B28LA) incorporating programming, experiments and graduate skills replaces a pair of similar courses from the existing programme. Astrophysics (B28AP) becomes mandatory instead of optional, and a course on Dynamics and Relativity (B28DR) has been redesigned for Level 8 rather than Level 9. A new course on Optics (B28OP) replaces a course on Photonics and Optics. A new course on Mathematical Problem Solving (B28PS) combines key elements from existing courses in these two areas.

In Stage 3 students take 7 mandatory Physics taught courses. A new 30-credit all-year advanced lab course (B29LA) replaces a pair of courses from the previous BSc Physics, with group work formally embedded throughout the year. A pair of existing Physical Mathematics courses (B29CA, B29CB) deliver discipline-specific math content. Following the programme review, four courses cover topics in thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, solid-state physics, and electromagnetism (B29TS (new), B29QM (new), plus existing courses B29SS and B29EM with updated syllabi).

In Stage 4 students take 7 mandatory Physics taught courses, including a 30-credit all-year independent research project (B20PJ). Courses on numerical modelling and advanced problem solving remain from the original programme (B20ND, B20PS) and will be refreshed. Following the programme review, three new courses cover topics in advanced solid-state physics, quantum mechanics and optics & photonics (B20SS, B20QM, B20AO). A new course in Industrial Applications of Physics explores fundamental physics principles applied in industrial settings, and prepares students for transitioning into the workplace (B20IA).

Graduate skills are embedded throughout the programme, including workshops in networking, CV writing, interview practice and completing applications. Communication skills including written, verbal and visual forms are embedded in all stages.