Physics with Astrophysics, BSc (Hons)

This course provides an exciting chance to develop your interests in astronomy and cosmology alongside your core undergraduate Physics studies, as identified by the Institute of Physics. It includes theory and observation methods, practical work experience, individual research projects and field trips to further your knowledge in this subject area.

This degree combines astrophysics, including extragalactic astronomy and cosmology, with the main areas of undergraduate physics.

Why choose this course?

• It is accredited by the Institute of Physics, which will ensure that you satisfy the undergraduate qualification requirements upon graduation 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. This will boost your CV.
• You will take part in a host of field trips.
• You will have the option to transfer to one of our other Physics courses at the end of Year One (depending on your grades):
  • BSc (Hons) Physics
  • BSc (Hons) Physics with Nuclear Technology
  • BSc (Hons) Physics with Forensic Applications.
• You will be able to use computer-controlled portable telescopes (Meade) for your own observations and the on-campus observatory.

You will also benefit from outstanding facilities including:

• an boasting a computer controlled 20-inch telescope
• a 2.3m radio telescope
• a 14-inch Meade GPS-LX200 telescope
• portable laptop computer controlled go-to field telescopes.

Questions? Just ask NTU
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4200

What will I study?

Year One

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

Year Two

• Stars and Galaxies
• Fundamental Forces
• The Quantum World
• Optics and Semiconductors
• Thermal and Environmental Physics
• Digital Techniques

Year Three

This is your optional placement year.

Final Year

• Cosmology: Theory and Observation
• Condensed Matter
• Research Project.

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 work 48%

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

Written 52%

• Exams
• Written tests

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

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

How will I study?

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

• five hours of laboratory work
• 15 hours split between traditional lectures and student centred activities.

Student centred activities include:

• workshops
• presentations
• personal tutorials
• 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. Lectures are spread between various buildings on campus, including:

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

See our travel information and to see the layout of our campuses.

What's included in the fees?

All laboratory costs are covered, including use of Observatory and research-level equipment predominantly for Year Three projects. You will also 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 in 2012.

Martin Bencsik teaches MRI. He 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.

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

What our students say

"Since completing this course, I feel I have a better understanding of Physics and my confidence levels have grown enormously. I learnt how to manage my time and to transfer ideas from my head on to paper so they can be easily understood by others. All of these skills will help me in the future as I continue with PhD study."

Kaila Hall, BSc (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics, Graduated 2011
Now a PhD student studying Quantum Computing

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

We provide very well equipped teaching laboratories within the Physics Team, including:

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

You will have access to the teaching and research facilities at no extra cost. Our varied facilities and equipment will enable you to do the relevant experiments you need to complement your taught lecture material.

The Physics team are available throughout the teaching year. They offer a very active Open Door policy, which means that you can get more contact time than the scheduled hours. Our computer facilities are open 24 hours a day.

We have the range of first-class facilities you would expect from a university with high quality teaching and world-leading research. These facilities include:

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