Physics BSc (Hons)

About the course

AVAILABLE FOR SEPTEMBER 2014 ENTRY

Physics attempts to describe how nature works using the language of mathematics. It is considered by many to be the most important of all the natural sciences, and its theories attempt to describe the behaviour of the smallest building blocks of matter, light, the universe, and everything in between.

Reasons to study Physics at DMU:

• The course is taught by knowledgeable, experienced staff who will help you to gain a sound understanding of the fundamental physical laws, along with the personal skills that will enable you to study successfully and embark on a rewarding career.
• The course is recognised by the by the Institute of Physics, a leading international professional body
• By concentrating on the technological and engineering applications of physics, graduates will have a head start in a range of industrial and scientific careers

Physics plays a key role in our understanding of the world around us and, as a result, physicists have strong links with mathematicians, chemists, astronomers, geologists and biochemists.

The course is designed to develop graduates with skills that are highly sought after by employers, including the ability to state and solve problems, to think clearly and logically and to communicate complex ideas.It is aimed at those who are motivated not only by the knowledge and understanding that physics offers, but also by the application of physics to real-world problems.

There is an option to study this course either as three years BSc (Hons) or as a four year MPhys course. The Mphys in Physics gives you the opportunity to study this course with an integrated master’s, allowing you to study number of modules at master’s level in year four of the course.

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Key facts

UCAS course code: F300

Duration: Three years full-time or four years part-time

Institution code: D26

Recognised by the Institute of Physics

Entry and admission criteria

Entry requirements for 2014

BSc (Hons)

• Normally 280 UCAS Points from at least two A Levels or equivalent, one of which should be in a Maths or Physics subject plus five GCSEs at grade C or above, including Maths and English
• BTEC requirements: Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) at National Diploma Level including .
• Additional qualifications can contribute toward the points score, such as a third A Level or AS Levels or equivalent
• International Baccalaureate: 30+ points.

MPhys

• Normally 300 UCAS Points from at least two A Levels or equivalent, one of which should be in a Maths or Physics subject plus five GCSEs at grade C or above, including Maths and English
• BTEC requirements: Distinction Distinction Merit (DDM) at National Diploma Level including .
• Additional qualifications can contribute toward the points score, such as a third A Level or AS Levels or equivalent
• International Baccalaureate: 30+ points.

If you are unsure about the amount of UCAS points your qualifications may attract you can use our UCAS Tariff Chart|.

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications.

If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English language tuition| is available at DMU both before and during the course if required.

Teaching and assessment

The course is taught through lectures, supporting tutorials and laboratory classes. Learning takes place through the research and the presentation of findings, report writing, individual and group assignments and practical work-based exercises.

The first year of study introduces the fundamental laws and principles of physics, including classical dynamics, electricity and magnetism, atomic and nuclear physics, relativity, quantum physics, thermal physics, waves, vibrations and modern optics. In the second and third years, you will further study the fundamental principles of physics along with practical, lab-based work.

You will also be able to choose from a number of applied physics module options, linked to faculty research and covering many fields in technology, engineering and computing and medical physics. In your third year you will also undertake an individual project in a subject of your choice.

You can opt for our four-year MPhys version of the degree, which has been designed primarily for students who are thinking of a career that makes substantial use of a comprehensive knowledge of physics. A fourth year involves carrying out a research project related to a topic of your choosing.

Assessment is typically through exams, phase tests, laboratory exercises, reports and presentations, along with individual and group coursework. There is an emphasis on practical skills underpinned by theoretical understanding. You will normally attend around 12–16 hours of timetabled taught sessions each week, and are expected to undertake at least 14–16 further hours of directed independent study and assignments as required.

Course modules

First year

• Physics Fundamentals
• Engineering Mathematics
• Electrical and Electronic Principles
• Mechanical Principles

Second year

• Quantum Physics
• Optics
• Electromagnetics
• Advanced Engineering Mathematics

Plus a choice from option modules including:

• Engineering Science I
• Engineering Science II
• Embedded Systems and Drives
• Electronic Communication Engineering
• Control & instrumentation

Third year

• Individual Project

Plus a choice from option modules including:

• Medical Physics
• Signal Processing
• High Frequency Technology
• Solid Mechanics
• Mobile Communication
• Power Electronics
• Systems Integration
• Dynamics and Control
• Mobile Robotics
• Fuzzy logic and Knowledge Based Systems
• Nonlinear Dynamic Systems

Fourth year (MPhys only)

• Physics Project

Plus a choice from option modules including:

• Holographic Imaging
• Physics of Semiconductors Devices
• Nanomaterials and Nanoelectronics
• Rapid Prototyping Techniques
• Physical and Electrical Measurements
• Fabrication Technologies
• Artificial Intelligence
• Mobile Robotics
• Intelligent Mobile Robotics
  

Industry links and professional accreditation

The course is recognised by the Institute of Physics, providing you with the first step to obtaining Associate Membership of the Institute and providing a route to full Institute Membership following appropriate professional experience.

Work experience and placements

You will be encouraged to spend the third year on work placement. You will be supported by the faculty’s dedicated Work Based Learning Unit and assessed by a member of academic staff from the University.

Graduate careers

Physics graduates are in huge demand; you will have logical and analytical thought processes, problem-solving ability, good computing techniques and the employability skills to enter a wide range of careers, including; research and development, design and production, medical physics, geophysics, biophysics, astronomy, nanotechnology, teaching physics, patent law (UK and European), meteorology, computing (hardware and software), administration and management, accountancy, banking and science journalism.

The course is also a springboard for graduates who wish to undertake university research or pursue a master’s course.

Fees and funding

Fees for 2014 Entry have not yet been published.

Facilities

We have state of the art electrical and electronic experimental facilities for general electronics and assembly, digital electronics and microprocessor engineering, power electronics, control systems and communications engineering. Other specialised areas include:

• a spacious radio frequency reverberation chamber and Faraday cage, for experimentation in radio frequency engineering and electromagnetics
• digital design suite, equipped with the latest 8 and 32-bit embedded microprocessor platforms
• communications laboratory equipped for R.F. engineering.

The main mechanical laboratory is designed to accommodate the study of thermo-fluids, solid mechanics and dynamics. It also has an area with machine tools so that you can manufacture your designs. There is a purpose built engine testing facility with full instrumentation to measure engine performance and emissions. This facility is normally used by our final year engineering and research students.

The newly refurbished computer science laboratories in Gateway House provides 80 computer workstations (20 HP PCs running Windows/Linux and 60 Apple iMac computers running OS X and Windows).

All laboratories have printing facilities, Internet, internal network access and digital projectors to aid in teaching. The computer science laboratories include a study space area that is available for you to use on a casual basis throughout the year.

Our rapid product development and manufacturing facilities are among the best in the UK. We have an extensive range of machines capable of producing prototype and production parts, along with specialised CAD/CAM software, reverse engineering equipment and material test equipment.