Physics is the most fundamental of the sciences. At its most basic it is about explaining and predicting what happens in the physical universe. It covers topics so vast they don’t get much bigger, from how the universe has evolved into its present state, to topics of daily importance such as ‘will the car I’m in stay on the road as it corners?’, or ‘will an artificial hip joint last as long as the patient?’ Physicists want to know how things work. If you have an enquiring mind, enjoy a bit of innovative thought, can think logically, and like to know what’s going on around you in nature, in science and in technology, then a Physics degree could well suit you.
Why Study Physics At Aberdeen?
We have a long tradition of teaching Physics - in fact, it has been taught at Aberdeen since the foundation of the University, in the form of Natural Philosophy. However, we’re not oldfashioned - our degrees are continually adapting to meet the needs of students and employers alike.
We offer a wide range of degree options and there is flexibility to change between these degrees, should you change your mind.We also value the personal contact that comes from small group teaching. You will not be an anonymous student in a large crowd, but an Honours student who knows the others in the class and knows the academics as individuals. This also allows us to spend time on a wide range of general skills applicable to work and life; this is a very important part of our degrees, and a part you get credit for too.
Our teaching includes much more than the traditional ‘talk and chalk’. In fact there’s hardly any chalk these days, mainly computer-based presentations and interactive sessions. Importantly, there is a lot of student participation and feedback, especially in the Honours years. You get a pretty good idea how you’re doing as the degree progresses, and much less rests on final exams than with many other Physics degrees elsewhere.
Degree Structure
Honours degrees require four years of full-time study, although direct entry to second year is possible for suitably qualified candidates. The main difference between BSc and MA programmes lies in the subsidiary subjects taken along with Physics. For the BSc, these will be mainly sciencebased subjects, while MA students will be expected to take subjects from the humanities and social sciences. The final year of study involves a major research project - not just in “traditional” Physics but in areas such as Medical Physics, Orthopaedics, Environmental and Biological Physics, and Chaos and Complexity. This reflects the multidisciplinary research groups in which physicists are found throughout the University.We bring lots of this diversity to our courses - and although our research may be diverse, our teaching is well integrated.
Natural Philosophy
The original “Physics” taught at the University was Natural Philosophy. The origin of Physics was really ‘thinking about natural phenomena’. So, what is Natural Philosophy in the 21st century? It is a degree in Physics in which some 25% of the courses are about Philosophy, History of Science, the logic of arguments, and some Ethics and related matters. It is a chance to get a qualification with both a strong science base and a broad appreciation of the ideas and history behind the science. As with our other Physics degrees, it is accredited by our professional body, the Institute of Physics.
Honours BSc Degrees with Physics
Single Honours
- Physics
- Physical Sciences
Joint Honours
- Geology - Physics
- Mathematics - Physics
- Physics - Education
Combined Honours (Major/Minor)
- Physics with Chemistry
- Physics with Modern Languages
- Physics with Geology
- Physics with Philosophy
Honours MA Degrees with Physics
Single Honours
- Natural Philosophy
Joint Honours
- Mathematics - Physics
- Philosophy - Physics
What Our Students Say…
“Studying Physics at Aberdeen has proved to be an invaluable experience. The department is extremely friendly and all the staff are happy to be approached with ideas on your latest entrepreneurial scheme. Physics here is not just learning formulae and physical laws - it is much more! It provides endless opportunities to work in a team, interact with one another and take part in fun activities, such as building a trebuchet and a “Blue Peter” style radio from wire and a toilet roll tube whilst at the annual weekend away to Braemar. The range of transferable skills gained along with a fantastic degree has certainly given me a helping hand in moving on into the real world.”
Lorna Edelsten, BSc (Hons) Physics
What Our Graduates Say…
“Physics at Aberdeen was a great choice. The course material itself was challenging but very enjoyable, and throughout the study period I was encouraged to investigate things for myself, which was easily done with their phenomenal selection of texts available. From tutorials to lab work you get the opportunity to investigate some of nature’s puzzles and in some instances actually get a sensible answer at the end of it! Whilst the two subjects are distinct, Geology borrows a lot from Physics, and so they complement each other beautifully. I found that the Physics supported the Geology (rather than the other way around) and gave me a degree of numeracy and appreciation that I would not have developed having studied only Geology.”
Jo Duncan, BSc (Hons) Physics with Geology
Careers
With a good numerate and technical degree such as Physics, employment prospects are excellent. Our recent graduates have gone on to careers within health physics, medical physics, the oil industry, finance, accountancy, the actuarial profession, patent agencies, scientific journalism, technical writing and programming to name just a few! Other graduates have gone on to research in universities, government industries and private agencies, as well as teaching at all levels. These occupations, and many more, make direct use of their excellent scientific knowledge.
How Do I Apply?
Applications to this degree programme are made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You apply online at www.ucas.com and may apply to up to five institutions on the full-price UCAS application.
Prospective students (and their parents/guardians/teachers) are welcome to visit the University at any time, or attend our University-wide Open Day in August. Please contact the Student Recruitment and Admissions Service, who will be happy to make arrangements for a visit.
Where Can I Get Further Information?
Student Recruitment and Admissions Service
University of Aberdeen
University Office
King’s College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX
Tel: +44 (0)1224 272090/91
E-mail: sras@abdn.ac.uk
Web: www.abdn.ac.uk/sras
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For further details relating to Physics at Aberdeen, please also visit www.abdn.ac.uk/physics
