Physics, BSc (Hons)

Study the fundamental concepts of undergraduate physics, as identified by the Institute of Physics. Take a one years' work placement in industry, produce an individual project and go on field trips to further your knowledge in this subject area.

This course will enable you to:

• Develop the ideas and core skills of a professional physicist.
• Begin the progression from classical to quantum concepts and modern applications.

Why choose this course?

• The course is accredited by the Institute of Physics. This means that our graduates satisfy the undergraduate qualification requirements for:
  • membership of the Institute of Physics
  • achieving Chartered Physicist (CPhys) status.
• You will have the opportunity to complete a paid, year-long placement in industry and partake in a host of field trips.
• Our students are supported by friendly and accessible teaching staff.
• You will have the opportunity to produce a final year individual project of your own choice with one-to-one academic supervision.
• You will have the option to transfer to the MSci Physics route at the end of Year Two.

What our students say

"Overall I have been really happy studying at NTU. I've been able to travel to exciting destinations by being a member of the Physics Society and have helped my community by being a volunteer on the University's volunteering scheme Initi8. Most importantly I have been able to do all these things while studying a subject I really enjoy."

Lleah Sullivan, BSc (Hons) Physics

Questions? Just ask NTU
Telephone: +44 (0)115 8484200

What will I study?

Year One

• Matter – Evidence for Quantisation
• Ideas of Motion – From Galileo to Einstein
• Laboratory Instrumentation and Physics Skills
• Mathematical Techniques
• Introduction to Laboratory Software

Year Two

• Digital Techniques
• Fundamental Forces
• Optics and Semiconductors
• Ionising Radiation and Non-invasive Imaging
• The Quantum World
• Thermal and Environmental Physics

Year Three
You will have the option to go on a placement year. This will give you transferable skills and relevant work experience that will strengthen your CV.

Final Year

Core Modules

• Condensed Matter
• Research project
• Advanced Experimental Techniques

Optional modules

• Advanced Modern Physics
• Cosmology: Theory and Observation
• Laboratory Interfaces and Control
• Physics and Technology of Nuclear Reactors.

For further information, download the module descriptions document

How will I be assessed?

Each module will be assessed on a variety of components including the following.

Coursework and practical assessment 55%

• Assignments
• Dissertation
• Group projects
• Oral presentations
• Laboratory assessment

Written assessments 45%

• Exams
• Written tests

Can I change my course?

There are approximately 90 places across the Physics cluster of courses. You can choose to change your course at the end of Year One and opt for a specialist route:

• BSc (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics
• BSc (Hons) Physics with Forensic Applications
• BSc (Hons) Physics with Nuclear Technology.

Students with an average mark above 55% can transfer on to MSci Physics at the end of Year Two.

How will I learn?

You will have around 20 hours per week of scheduled contact time with your academics. This includes:

• five hours of laboratory work
• 15 hours split between traditional lectures and student centred activities (workshops, presentations, personal tutorials and problem solving tasks).

We have a very open door policy, which students always comment on. This means that contact time is actually higher than scheduled.

Where will I study?

All lectures are on Clifton campus. Laboratories are based in the Erasmus Darwin building, with Astronomy laboratories in the Observatory. Your lectures will be spread across various buildings on campus, including:

• Erasmus Darwin
• George Eliot
• the Computing and Informatics Building.

See our travel information for the Clifton campus.

What's included in the fees?

All laboratory costs are covered, including the use of Observatory and research-level equipment predominantly for Year Three projects. You will be provided with:

• a scientific calculator
• membership of the student Astronomy and Physics Society (Apsoc)
• a home version of essential software (Labview).

Field trips have been included in the past and will be again.

About the Physics Team

• Dave Fairhurst was short-listed for the "Outstanding Teaching Awards" 2012.
• Martin Bencsik, who teaches MRI studied for his PhD with Nobel-prize winning Sir Peter Mansfield, inventor of MRI. Martin was also invited to speak at an international teaching conference.
• Dan Brown, who teaches Astronomy modules, is regularly interviewed on radio and TV for his Astronomy work with schools and other outreach events.

The Physics Team has a very good research pedigree, excellent assessment at the last Research Assessment Exercise, with 15% described as 'World Leading' and 40% as Internationally Excellent.

View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change

Across NTU we have a range of first-class facilities that you would expect from a University with high quality teaching and world-leading research. These include:

• a British Olympic Association-approved environmental chamber
• a materials imaging laboratory
• a crime scene forensic-training facility
• sporting clubs and societies for you to get involved in.

We also provide very well equipped teaching laboratories with specialist facilities, including:

• a CAT scanner
• scanning tunnelling microscope
• new optical bench equipment
• audio booth
• radio telescope
• portable telescopes
• on campus observatory.

All students have access to the teaching and research facilities at no cost. You will be able to use the wide variety of facilities and equipment to conduct relevant experiments that complement your lectures. You will have the practical facilities you need to explore the theory for yourself.

Our Physics team is available throughout the teaching year. They offer a very active open door policy, which means that you can get more contact time than is stated in the scheduled hours.

Our computer facilities are also open 24/7, so you will be able to study flexible hours.