From quarks to quasars, our Physics with Astrophysics programme combines a strong foundation in core physics principles with the study of cutting-edge astrophysics topics. With opportunities for advanced project work using astronomical data from world-class ground-based and satellite missions, as well as practical work at our on-campus observatory, you’ll graduate with the problem-solving, experimental, programming and teamworking skills highly sought after by employers across various industries.Course overviewPhysics and Astrophysics are fundamental sciences. Our quest to unravel how the universe works makes an enormous contribution to other scientific areas and a range of industries - from nuclear energy to data mining, satellite telecommunications and medical diagnostics. Featuring a solid foundational core of physics concepts and key expectations, as defined by the Institute of Physics (IoP) accreditation framework, our employability-focused programme invites you to extend and apply these to the arena of astrophysics, engaging with frontier material informed by the interests of our world-class research teams. You will have opportunities for collaborative learning, work and educational placements and practical work at our on-campus observatory. In your first year you will gain a solid grounding in the fundamentals of physics, including gravitation, relativity and matter, electricity, magnetism and waves. You will also begin to develop the skills and practical experience that underpin this programme, including computer programming with python, laboratory work, mathematical skills required to understand and analyse physical phenomena, and the arts of problem-solving and scientific writing. An introductory module in astronomy explores planets, stars and galaxies, and the tools and techniques that Astronomers use to investigate them. You will make your own measurements at our on-campus observatory. Year two continues to build on your understanding of physics principles with exploration of optics, quantum mechanics and nuclear physics. You will further your laboratory, mathematics, computing and career skills by working on individual experiments and team investigations, building your CV, and gaining important new applied mathematical skills. A specialist module in astronomy explores how stars and galaxies form and evolve, and how they can be modelled with fundamental physics, mathematics and computation.In your final year, you will apply skills developed during your degree to an independent astrophysics research project. Working on world-class astronomical research material in a small group, and as an individual, you will plan, execute and report your results, including a presentation aimed at potential employers. You will exploit and expand upon the skills portfolio built up in your degree to establish yourself as an astrophysicist with all the necessary investigative and professional attributes. You will further your knowledge through advanced modules in electromagnetism, solid-state physics, and cosmology, while enhancing your teamwork and project management skills by working on a group report that tackles a real-world issue, aimed at policymakers.
