Physics

Physics at Aberdeen offers a thoughtful balance between understanding basic principles of Physics and showing how physics can be applied to other areas of science

Why Aberdeen?

• A modern modular degree structure with a broad syllabus and a wide range of degree choices
• Long tradition of teaching physical sciences combined with modern facilities
• Emphasis on generic skills useful in a wide range of careers
• We also offer a broad-based, less mathematical degree in Physical Science that allows the combination of Physics courses with a wide choice of other subjects

Programmes

You may also be interested in

MA Natural Philosophy

Study Abroad

Study abroad information

The opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. See www.abdn.ac.uk/thedifference for more information.

First Year

The Physical Universe gives an overview of some of the general aims and achievements of physics. You are also introduced to the power of the fundamental subjects of Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism, and have practical work covering Experimental Physics and Physical Computing. The Mathematics component includes Calculus and Algebra. There is an option to do a course covering the fundamentals of Astronomy and Meteorology.  You also have the option of taking one of the sixth century interdisciplinary courses recently developed under curriculum reform. If you’re taking a combined degree such as Physics with Geology, Chemistry, Philosophy or a language, then you will take courses from these disciplines.

Honours Physical Science students do not need to take the Mathematics component.

Second Year

Our main programme concentrates on: Dynamical Phenomena, including oscillations and waves, Light Science, Practical Optics and Digital Electronics and an introduction to Quantum Mechanics and Relativity. You should take one advanced Mathematics course and have three courses on subjects of your own choice. Again, Honours Physical Science students have a wider choice, with no Mathematics.

Third & Fourth Year (Honours)

You will cover a mixture of fundamental topics, applied subjects and general interest areas such as Astrophysics and Particle Physics. We place particular emphasis on learning skills that professional scientists need to apply their knowledge. Students spend 25% of their final year on a supervised research and scholarship project involving physics or an area of application in health science, mathematics, geology, materials science, computation or another appropriate discipline.

Teaching and Assessment

Most topics involve some continuous assessment. The proportion of continuous assessment and project work increases through the four year Honours programme.

Careers

Many graduates become professional scientists in industry, research institutes and universities. Physics graduates also use their quantitative and data analysis skills in a variety of different ways in industry and commerce. Many physics graduates command high salaries in the computing and financial sectors. In addition, there is a shortage of physics teachers in schools throughout the UK. In some specialist areas such as Meteorology, Biomedical Physics, Space Science, Remote Sensing, Geophysics and other physics related subjects, it is usual to study for an MSc degree to obtain further knowledge.

Many physics graduates may wish to obtain a PhD degree, either in physics or a related area, to provide additional skills that are valued by academic, industrial and commercial organisations.

Finding your direction

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success.  The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us – from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen.
• More information on the Careers Service.
• More information on careers prospects and employability with a degree in Physics.

Entrance Requirements

SQA Highers - BBBB*
A Levels -BBB*
IB - 30 points, 5 at HL*
ILC - BBBB*
*Mathematics and Physics are required.

Advanced Entry - Advanced Highers ABB, A Levels ABB or IB 34 points (6 at HL) with AB in Maths and Physics. MPhys Physics with Complex Systems Modelling has higher entry requirements.

For further details of entrance requirements click here

MPhys Entry Requirements

Please click on the links below to find out more information on funding in your area.

• Scotland and EU (Excluding England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Rest of UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• International
• Scholarships

Related Links

• Scholarships
• Entrance Scholarships
• Funding Database
• England Wales and Northern Ireland Finance Guide