PHYSICS

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr N J C Strachan

Pre-requisites

SCE H in Mathematics and Physics, or equivalent.

Notes

Two of the practicals are optical and as such they may be difficult to complete if the student is blind/partially sighted. However the practicals are carried out in groups of two (or occasionally three). Hence, in this instance the work would be carried out in a group of three so that the tasks can be shared appropriately.

Overview

The Physical Universe A is an introduction to some of the most fundamental areas in Physics and provides a foundation for later years of study. There will be lectures on kinematics and dynamics, covering the equations of motion and Newton's Three Laws; there's an introduction to Special Relativity, including the twin paradox; energy and power are covered, as well as considerations for generating electricity in the modern world; gravitation is studied in some depth, including the Law of Universal Gravitation, Kepler's laws governing the orbits of planets, and the behaviour of satellites; the course concludes with discussions of fluids, momentum and centres of mass.

The course objectives are:

• To give an overview of some of the universal laws of physics;


• To show how the concepts embodied in these laws form the basis of our understanding of nature and our application of science in selected fields.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures and up to 2 one-hour tutorials per week. 6 three-hour practicals.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Final two-hour multiple choice exam (50%), completion of practical class notebook and laboratory reports (25%), tutorial sheets (12.5%), multiple choice tests during term (12.5%).

Resit: Final two-hour multiple choice exam (50%), completion of practical class notebook and laboratory reports (25%), tutorial sheets (12.5%), multiple choice tests during term (12.5%).

Formative Assessment

On-line software for solving Physics problems (eg Mastering Physics software or equivalent).

Feedback

Tutorial sheets, term multiple choice exams and lab notebooks will be marked and returned within two weeks of submission. Mastering Physics software gives an immediate on-line feedback.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

TBC

Pre-requisites

Standard Grade Physics or equivalent.

Notes

Two of the practicals are optical and as such they may be difficult to complete if the student is blind/partially sighted. However, the practicals are carried out in groups of two. Hence, in this instance the work would be shared out appropriately.

Overview

This course will introduce the basic principles of physics and demonstrate their importance for applications in the biological, human life and environmental sciences. For example, the course will answer questions such as: "why are there no animals bigger than elephants on land?" (Newton's Laws and strength of materials) "How can renewable sources of energy be used to generate electricity?" (e.g. wind power and tidal barrages) "Why do diamonds sparkle and how does a microscope work?" (optics) "How do settling chambers in factories reduce air pollution?" (properties of matter) "How can physics explain blood flow and how do plants and trees perspire?" (fluids) "How do nerve cells transmit signals to the brain?" (electricity).

Structure

Two lectures and one tutorial per week and 6 three-hour laboratory practicals.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Final two-hour exam (75%), completion of practical class notebook and laboratory reports (25%).

Resit: Two-hour exam (75%), completion of practical class notebook and laboratory reports (25%).

Formative Assessment

Formative informal assessment of tutorial work.

Feedback

Lab notebooks will be marked and returned within two weeks of submission.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Ovidiu Rotariu

Pre-requisites

SCE H in Mathematics and Physics, or equivalent.

Overview

The course will continue from the Physical Universe A and develop ideas of rotational mechanics including moments of inertia, before going on to expore radiation, types of radiation and radioactivity. Some discussion of topical related issues will also be included. The Electricity and Magnetism component of the course will follow conventional lines for this level, exploring the laws of how charges interect through electorstatic and magnetic forces, how emf may be induced, the operation of capacitors and inductors. Practical sessions will mirror the theoretical content.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures per week,  1 one-hour tutorials per week. 3 three-hour practicals.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour exam (70%), Continuous assessment (tutorials) (15%), Continuous assessment (practicals) (15%).

Resit: 1 two-hour exam (70%), Continuous assessment (tutorials) (15%), Continuous assessment (practials) (15%).

Formative Assessment

Tutorials will monitor student development, whilst lab demonstrators will engage with students at a one to one level not possible in the lecture theatre.

Feedback

Tutorial sheets, term multiple choice exams and lab notebooks will be marked and returned within two weeks of submission. Mastering Physics software gives an immediate on-line feedback.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M Baptista

Pre-requisites

Overview

A course of general interest providing an introduction to Astronomy and Meteorology. There will be an emphasis on the current knowledge of the solar system but the course will also look at astronomy on a larger scale. The meteorology component will discuss the atmosphere and how its dynamics are driven by the sun; special interest issues such as ozone depletion, climate change and El Nino will be highlighted.

Structure

3 one hour lectures per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour multiple choice exam (75%), in-course assessment (25%).

Resit: 1 two-hour multiple choice exam (75%), in-course assessment (25%).

Formative Assessment

In course assessements will also function to assess student progress.

Feedback

Marked work will be returned to the students within, at most, two weeks of submission.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr C Wang

Pre-requisites

Overview

This course provides a broad introduction to the principles behind rocketry, satellite orbits and probes sent beyond the Earth?s atmosphere, particularly how the law of gravity controls what can be done and what can't?. The course will describe some great achievements in space exploration and discuss the main motivations for engaging in this area. It will look at the environment that satellites and probes operate in, which is largely controlled by the Sun. The course will examine how other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum of longer wavelengths than visible light are used for remote sensing and it will concentrate on some of the science behind communicating effectively with satellites and storing the results. The course aims to illustrate the principles, using real examples throughout. Students will be encouraged through class exercises to find out from the web about actual applications in fields of interest to them.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures per week and up to 10 hours of tutorials and computer sessions.

Assessment

1st Attempt: A final 2 hour multiple-choice worth 75% plus continuous assessment worth 25%.

Resit: A final 2 hour multiple-choice worth 75%. Continuous assessment worth 25%.

Formative Assessment

Tutorial sheets, computer labs.

Feedback

Oral feedback during tutorials.
Marking of essays and posters with associated comments.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

TBC

Pre-requisites

PX 1015/PX 1016 or equivalent.

Overview

The course aims to give a wide introduction to various fundamental topics in the science of Optics. The exploration of these fundamental topics goes beyond merely developing the appropriate theories by including study of the widespread applications of optical techniques and devices to science, industry and modern life.

Particular subjects given extensive treatment include: diffraction, interference and polaristation, the functions of lasers and photonic devices and the phenomena governing the behaviour of lens systems.

Structure

Two 1-hour lectures , 2 concept mapping sessions and ten 1-hour weekly tutorials.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Final two hour written exam (75%), 2 concept mapping exercises (5% total) and 3 in-class written exams distributed appropriately throughout the course (20% total).

Resit: Final two hour written exam (75%), 2 concept mapping exercises (5% total) and 3 in-class written exams distributed appropriately throughout the course (20% total).

Formative Assessment

Tutorial sheets assisted by demonstrator, answers provided later.

Feedback

Concept map marks are returned two weeks after submission, with commentary. Class exams are marked and returned within a week.

The formative assessment is not marked, though the demonstrator checks work as the tutorial progresses and the students are later provided with worked solutions to the problems.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr Alessandro Moura

Pre-requisites

PX 1014, (MA 1005, MA1006, MA1508 or MA1007 and MA1507)

Overview

This course is an introduction to physical phenomena that depend on time, with
emphasis on oscillatory and wavelike behaviour. The concept of a second order linear system will be used to unify the treatment of mechanical and electrical phenomena, and to introduce simple harmonic oscillators, damped oscillators and resonance. Wave motion will be used to introduce the ideas behind Fourier transforms. The Matlab software platform will be introduced as a means learning basic techniques of scientific programming, and of finding numerical solutions for differential equations.

Structure

3 one hour lectures (Mon, Thur, Fri at 12), with tutorial sessions (to be arranged) throughout the course.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%). A pass in this course requires a score of CAS 9 or higher in the in-course assessment.

Resit: 1 two-hour examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%). A pass in this course requires a score of CAS 9 or higher in the in-course assessment.

Feedback

Discussions of the solutions to problem sheets will happen in the tutorials throughout the course. Worked solutions of all problems will be posted online. Students will also have feedback on their computer tutorial assessments.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

TBC

Pre-requisites

PX 2013 or the approval of the Head of Physics Teaching

Overview

The course is evenly divided between an introduction to the fundamentals of digital electronics and optical experiments illustrating theory discussed in the PX2013 course. The first six weeks of twelve are spent doing electronics, the remaining weeks are for optics.

The electronics begins at the level of specifying the behaviour of the basic logic gates and the construction on a breadboard of simple circuits from circuit diagrams, covers Boolean algebra and ends with using Karnaugh maps to develop fairly complex circuits from a set of desired behaviours.

The optics covers: interference effects, such as using Newton's rings to determine the radius of curvature of a lens and then the refractive index of water; polarisation, including optical activity and Brewster's angle; the function of lens systems, from finding focal to length to determining the six cardinal points of a telephoto lens; and laser diffraction from various different gratings and objects.

The optics experiments include a number of places where digital photographs are taken of an optical effect (the ring system for a lens on an optical flat, the Peacock's eyes from the aser beam) and used, particularly in the former case, to make measurements.

Structure

Two 3-hour labs a week The first hour of the first lab is a lecture introducing digital electronics. One lab, towards the end of the six weeks spend on electronics, is in a computer room and covers MultiSim.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment (60%) and assessment of laboratory reports (40%)

Resit: Same, with resubmission of reports.

Formative Assessment

The demonstrators assess lab performance. Students keep a lab manual, which is submitted at the end of the week and returned at the beginning of the next lab session, with a mark and brief comments from the demonstrators.

Feedback

Lab books are graded and returned weekly, marks for the experiments are made available to the students.

The students submit one lab report on a self-selected electronics experiment and one on an optics experiment, due roughly one week after the completion of the topic. These are then marked and returned within a fortnight.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr E Ullner

Pre-requisites

PX 1015 and either MA 1007 and MA 1507 or MA 1005, MA 1006 and MA 1508

Overview

This is a foundation course on the principles of modern physics. Observations that identified the limitations of classical physics are discussed together with the theories of relativity and quantum mechanics that sought to remedy them. The relativity component of the course deals with the postulates of relativity, inertial frames and the development of the Lorentz tranformation. The quantum mechanics component of the course deals with the postulates of quantum mechanics, wave functions and the Schrodinger equation. The consequences of the Schrodinger equation are investigated through applications to the quantum behaviour of simple one-dimensional systems.

Structure

Three lectures a week with parts of each lecture set aside for examples problems.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In course continuous assesment (25%) by means of three exams with the student having prior sight of the exam, plus one final exam (75%).

Resit: The same as above, though in cases of poor continuous assessment students may resubmit work.

Formative Assessment

Problem solving examples in class will allow formative assessment of students understanding of subject and highlight any systemic problems.

Feedback

In term CAS exams will be marked and returned within two weeks of submission.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J M S Skakle

Pre-requisites

PX 1016 or PX 1514 or PX 2011 or equivalent

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Cannot be taken with PX 2510

Overview

In this course we aim to summarise some of the key developments in Modern (post 1900) physics in a simple and accessible manner. As such, the course is divided into "Modern Physics", comprising special relativity, quantum mechanics, nuclear physics and particle physics, and also "Cosmology and Astronomy". Where appropriate some of this will be presented in a historical context, describing how models are developed and tested, and how new theories come to light.

In the first part of the course, we discuss general "Modern Physics". The twin subjects of relativity and quantum mechanics have had an impact right across the sciences. The course discusses why these topics emerged from classical physics, outlines what they are about and some of their fundamental results. From special relativity we will examine time dilation, mass increase, length contraction and of course E=mc2 and the implications of this equation. The development of quantum mechanics will be followed, leading to such key results as the (implications of the) Schrodinger Wave equation and the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. We will then go on to learn about the basics of nuclear and particle physics, leading to the design and purpose of the LHC.

The course also addresses some philosophical issues raised by the question "What is science?" and what distinguishes it from other fields of knowledge. It discusses the Big Bang theory of the origin of the Universe and how this theory makes predictions that can be tested by observation, such as the cosmic microwave background and the relative abundance of light elements in the Universe. The course looks at several cosmological issues, such as the role of General Relativity, Olbers paradox, dark matter and dark energy. Large-scale astronomy is discussed including the evolution of galaxies, different kinds of stars and their evolution and the presence of "exotic" objects such as quasars and black holes.

Structure

Normally 2 one hour lectures and 1 one hour tutorial per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: One two-hour multiple choice examination (60%); in-course assessment (40%) comprising two group presentations and a short summary essay.

Resit:One two-hour multiple choice examination (60%). The in-course assessment will be carried forward, although there is the opportunity to resubmit the short summary essay (worth 10%).

Formative Assessment

Problem solving will be tackled during tutorials and help and feedback will be given individually.

Feedback

Tutorial feedback will be given orally, though written feedback can also be given if tutorial work is handed in for marking. For summative (group) assessments, written feedback (by e-mail) will be given to each group on their work within a week of the assessment. For the summary essay, individual written feedback will be given.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M C Ramano and Dr M Baptista

Pre-requisites

PX 1513 and a second year maths course.

Overview

This is a course on fundamental electromagnetic phenomena; it aims to develop a physical appreciation of Maxwell's equations and their consequences. Practical applications and electromagnetic properties of materials are emphasised. The course is also a vehicle for the introduction of theorems in vector calculus that have wide application in physics. This course aims to develop an understanding of the electromagnetic properties of materials and of the dominant role of electromagnetism in technology based on the concepts embodied in Maxwell's equations.

Structure

12 week course - 2 one-hour lectures per week, 1 one-hour tutorial.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination paper (75%) and in-course assessment (25%).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination paper (75%) and in-course assessment (25%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J M S Skakle

Pre-requisites

PX 2505

Overview

This course will introduce research skills used in the physical sciences. These include computing, data analysis, and library and information skills. The course also covers research ethics and intellectual property rights. Students will also enhance their presentation and communication skills through reporting on their work. This will be taught through the means of interactive practical/seminar classes.

Structure

12 week course - 1 one-hour instruction session within 2 two - three-hour laboratories per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment: 100% (6 reports & oral).

No resit.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J M S Skakle

Pre-requisites

30 credit points of level 2 PX courses.

Overview

The lecture will cover: crystals; structure of metallic and ionic solids; diffraction methods; determination of crystal structure by x-ray crystallography; disorder and defects in crystals; the reciprocal lattice and reciprocal space; relation to mechanical properties.

Lectures will be supported by demonstrations, tutorials and workshops which will introduce them to symmetry properties of the solid state, applications of diffraction and visualisation software.

Structure

12 week course – 2 one-hour lectures per week, 4 laboratory classes at 2 hours each and 1 one-hour tutorial per week in weeks 16-23.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 one and a half hour written examination (60%), in-course assessment (40%).

Resit: 1 one and a half hour written examination (60%), in-course assessment (40%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr C Wang

Pre-requisites

Available to students at level 3 or above with mathematical skills at level 1 or equivalent.

Notes

Not available to students who are taking or have passed PX 2011.

Overview

The principles behind rockets and satellite orbits; introduction to space exploration; the energy requirements of space probes; space weather and its effects; the behaviour of the ionosphere; the reasons for exploiting different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum; synthetic aperture radar; a description of the Global Positionsing System and an introduction to space-based communications systems and digital signal transmission.

Structure

Two lectures per week and one tutorial/computing practical.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (75%) and continuous assessment (25%).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (75%) and continuous assessment (25%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr N Strachan

Pre-requisites

PX 2505 recommended.

Overview

This course consists of a series of practical classes linked to third year lecture courses and expanding on the material taught in the previous years. Experiments will cover optics, properties of matter and computer modelling and will introduce applications as well as reinforcing the principles of Physics. The course will also introduce topics that will be covered more formally later in the Honours programme.

Structure

12 week course, 2 two-three-hour laboratories per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment: Laboratories, Report, Oral examination.

Resit: Lab & Oral carried forward, resubmission of reports.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr G M Dunn

Pre-requisites

PX 2012, PX 2014

Overview

The course covers the physical properties of matter – gases, liquids and solids and also explores the thermodynamic behaviour of these phases. Kinetic theory of gases, hydrostatics, properties of surfaces, elasticity, viscosity and fluid mechanics are examined in terms of physical models based on classical physics. Then in the second part of the course, the concept of entropy and its statistical interpretation is introduced and Boltzmann’s equation derived. Building on this foundation, the laws of thermodynamics are explained and the topics of heat capacity, heat engines, thermodynamic potentials, Maxwell relations, Gibbs-Helmholtz equation, properties of ideal gases, chemical potential, phase transitions, chemical reactions – particularly those in batteries and fuel cells are all explored. This course includes a project, in which students will work together in groups, that will form part of the assessment.

Structure

12 week course - 2 one-hour lectures and 1 hour tutorial per week (to be arranged).

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr E Ullner

Pre-requisites

PX 2510

Overview

This course builds on the students’ existing knowledge of quantum mechanics to evaluate the eigenstates of atomic and molecular systems. These are used as a platform both to elucidate the quantum mechanical ideas of transition probabilities and selection rules and to introduce the associated practical spectroscopic techniques. Examples will be chosen to cover a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum from radio frequency nuclear magnetic resonance to X ray fluorescence and the instrumental implications of the various frequency domains will be discussed.

Structure

12 week course - 3 one-hour classes (28 lectures and 8 tutorial classes).

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr N J C Strachan and Dr J M S Skakle

Pre-requisites

None.

Notes

(i) This course runs across both half-sessions.
(ii) Available only to students in programme year 4.

Overview

This course consists of a supervised project taken as part of an Honours Degree in Physics which provides experience of investigating a real problem in physics, or its application, or in a related discipline, or in applied mathematics. Projects may be carried out within the University or in an external organisation. Presentation of the results obtained is an integral part of the investigation.

Structure

24 week course - regular project guidance sessions. For example, 24 weekly meetings at 1 hour per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment (80%) and oral examination (20%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J M S Skakle

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

Available only to Honours, Joint Honours or Combined Honours Physics students.

Overview

This course involves a study of applications of Physics and developments in Physics. The study may extend to the influence of other disciplines on the selected topic, such as the importance of economic and social factors. Students will submit a report on each case and make a presentation (e.g. poster, oral).

Structure

12 week course – Introductory seminar, then 2 one-hour meetings per week plus other meetings as required.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J M S Skakle

Pre-requisites

PX 3012, PX 3508 and PX 3509.

Overview

This course builds on previous knowledge of quantum mechanics and statistical physics to apply these areas to the thermal and electrical properties of solids. This starts from the foundations of statistical mechanics with the Boltzmann and Gibbs distributions and associated partition functions.

The applications of statistical mechanics to solids is explored in the areas of defects, magnetism (magnetisation, phase transitions, magnetic cooling and thermometry), fermion systems (conduction electrons and semiconductor junctions), boson systems (phonons, Bose-Einstein condensation, superconductivity, superfluidity).

In addition, the course will develop the basic ideas of band theory, followed by the development of semiconductor physics which builds on both Boltzmann and Fermi-Dirac statistics as developed in statistical physics. The underlying concepts in semiconductor physics will develop from the movement of charge in solids, number densities of charge carriers, equilibrium then non-equilibrium semiconductors and will conclude with consolidation of these ideas through their application in the pn junction diode.

Structure

12 week course - Three-hours per week including a total of 8 hours devoted to tutorials.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr G M Dunn

Pre-requisites

PX 2013

Overview

Applied Optics will consist of the lectures and tutorial classes delivered as ‘Engineering Optics’ (EG 40GC), along with project work on a topic of relevance to the lecture course. The lectures cover introductory concepts of optical engineering; nature and origins of light; amplification of light and laser action; solid state, gas and semiconductor lasers; laser design; light detection; imaging detectors; radiometry and light coupling; industrial applications such as optical communications, optical fibre sensing, holography and materials processing. The project work may take the form of investigative work of scholarship, participation in practical work, design work and other activity related to the lecture content.

Structure

12 week course - 2 one-hour lectures per week, 6 one-hour tutorials, project meetings as required.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour written paper (66.7%) and in-course assessment (33.3%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J M S Skakle

Pre-requisites

None.

Notes

Available only to students in programme year 4 enrolled in Physics Education programme.

Overview

This course involves the consideration of important concepts in a well-defined area of physics and how these concepts can be presented as part of secondary school Physics teaching. The project will involve the preparation of appropriate teaching material and the presentation of this material at a school. The presentation will normally articulate with the School Experience course ED 4702.

Structure

Regular project guidance sessions. For example, 12 weekly meetings at 1 hour per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment (100%).

Resit: No resit available.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr N J C Strachan

Pre-requisites

None.

Notes

Available only to students in programme year 4.

Overview

This course is normally available only to students registered for the MPhys but also, in special circumstances, to BSc students by permission of the Head of Physics. It consists of a supervised project which provides experience of investigating a real problem in physics, or its application, or in a related discipline, or in applied mathematics. Presenting the results obtained is an integral part of the investigation.

Structure

12 week course - regular project guidance sessions. For example, 12 weekly meetings at 1 hour per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment (80%) and oral examination (20%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr G M Dunn

Pre-requisites

PX 3509

Co-requisites

PX 3509

Notes

This course alternates annually with PX 4512. This course will run in 2011-2012.

Overview

This course is given by the course coordinator and a visiting physicist. The first part of the course covers the foundations of theoretical physics: Lagrangians, perturbation theory and group theory. Lagrangians are then used to understand classical field theory and solve the Klein Gordon and Dirac equations. The gravitational field is then explained in terms of curved spacetime. Quantum field theories (such as Quantum electrodynamics) are then examined in terms of exchange particles using perturbation theory. Gauge theories, the idea of an internal space and isospin are then introduced together with the classification of particles and exchange particles according to their symmetries. Yangs Mills SU(2) theory and the concept of quarks and Gell-Mann SU(3) theory is used to explain the families of baryons and mesons. Finally, string field theories are introduced. The second half of the course covers astrophysics, addressing the topic of the observed properties of the stars; star formation and evolution; astroseismology; post main-sequence evolution and an overview of current ideas.

Structure

12 week course - 3 one-hour sessions per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written paper (70%) and in-course assessment (30%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A de Moura

Pre-requisites

30 credit points of level 2 PX courses.

Notes

This course will not run in 2011-12.

Overview

Nuclear models, nuclear shells and magic numbers; radioactive decay; fission, fusion, nuclear reactions and reactors; production of radionuclides; reactors, linear accelerators and cyclotrons; radiation protection; the interaction of radiation with human tissue, the measurement of radiation dose, legislation and relative hazards; radioactivity and x-rays for clinical imaging; the x-ray set; nuclear medicine; the gamma camera, radiopharmaceuticals, simple clinical applications; radiation for therapy; x-and gamma-ray therapy, implants, equipment, measuring dose, planning dose delivery - basic concepts.

Structure

12 week course - 2 one-hour lectures per week, 1 one-hour seminar/tutorial per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination paper (75%) and in-course assessment (25%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr C Wang

Pre-requisites

PX 2510 or PX 2512 or by permission of Head of Teaching

Overview

Special relativity: Constancy of the speed of light, mass-energy-momentum relation, time dilation and length contraction.
Particle physics: Standard model, fermions, bosons, elementary particles and fundamental forces
General relativity: Universality of free fall, equivalence principle, curved geometry, geodesics, gravitational red shift, cosmological models, gravitational waves.
(Relevant mathematical tools will be taught during the course).

Structure

3 one-hour classes per week, including 8 tutorials overall.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (70%) and in-course assessment (30%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M Thiel

Pre-requisites

Level 3 in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics.

Overview

Physical Sciences intend to describe natural phenomena in mathematical terms. This course bridges the gap between standard courses in physical sciences, where successful mathematical models are described, and scientific research, where new mathematical models have to be developed. Students will learn the art of mathematical modelling, which will enable them to develop new mathematical models for the description of natural systems. Examples from a wide range of phenomena will be discussed, eg from biology, ecology, engineering, physics, physiology and psychology.

A focus will be the critical interpretation of the mathematical models and their predictions. The applicability of the models will be assessed and their use for the respective branch of the natural sciences will be discussed.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures, 1 one-hour computer lab/lecture, and 1 one-hour tutorial per week.

Assessment

1st attempt: Continuous assessment (assignments & projects (80%); oral exam (20%))

Resit: Mini modelling project (80%) + oral exam (20%).

Credit Points

45

Course Coordinator

To be advised

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course runs across both half-sessions. Available only to students in Programme Year 5.

Overview

This course consists of a supervised 24 week project taken as part of an MPhys degree in Physics which provides experience of investigating a real problem in systems modelling in physics, or its application in another discipline.

Projects may be carried out within Physics or in another discipline. Presentation of the results obtained is an integral part of the investigation.

Structure

24 week course - regular project guidance sessions. For example, 24 weekly meetings at 1 hour per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

TBC

Pre-requisites

PX 4009 and PX 4505 and PX 4514 and MX 4536 and permission of Head of School.

Notes

Available to candidates accepted for the MPhys programme.

Overview

This introduction to nonlinear dynamics will allow students to go beyond the standard of a linear description of the natural world, and explore the rich dynamical behaviour of nonlinear models. The course will provide analytical and numerical tools to study nonlinear dynamical systems. These include: graphical analysis, linearisation, stability and bifurcation analysis.

The issue of deterministic chaos will also be addressed in detail in this course as well as methods for its characterisation. A wide range of applications will be discussed thoroughly.

The tutorials will consist of analytical and numerical exercises. The numerical exercises will be performed using C and/or Matlab.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour tutorial per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (50%); continuous assessment (50%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M Thiel

Pre-requisites

PX 4009, PX 4505, PX 4514, MX 4536 and permission of Head of School.

Notes

Available to candidates accepted for the MPhys programme.

Overview

Physical Scientists tend to describe natural phenomena in mathematical terms. This course bridges the gap between standard courses in physical sciences, where successful mathematical models are described, and scientific research, where new mathematical models have to be developed. Students will learn the art of the mathematical modelling, which will enable them to develop new mathematical models for the description of natural systems. Examples from a wide range of phenomena will be discussed, eg. from biology, ecology, engineering, physics, physiology and psychology.

A focus will be critical interpretation of the mathematical models and their predictions. The applicability of the models will be assessed and their use for the respective branch of the natural sciences will be discussed.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures, 1 one-hour computer lab/lecture, and 1 one-hour tutorial per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (40%); continuous assessment (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr I Stansfield

Pre-requisites

PX 4009, PX 4505, PX 4514, MX 4536 and permission of Head of School.

Co-requisites

Non-linear Dynamics I

Notes

Available to candidates accepted for the MPhys programme.

Overview

This module will build use a series of tutorials and workshops to first engender understanding of a particular biological systems, and then study models of that system. Tutorials will use a mix of discussion and study of the literature to facilitate understanding of a biological system. Self-directed study will be an important part of the tutorial preparation process. During the workshops, some models will be provided for dissection and discussion, in other cases students will model particular systems themselves. Modelling will be carried out using MatLab. The course will be assessed using continuous assessment through write-ups of the workshop modelling exercises.

Structure

1 one-hour lecture, six 1½ hour tutorials, 4 three-hour modelling workshops.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment (100%).