Physics with Nuclear Technology, BSc (Hons)

This degree offers you the opportunity to study the applications of Nuclear Physics in energy supply, medicine and propulsion systems, while still retaining a solid core of mainstream physics. This course represents an ideal starting point for a career in the ever-expanding nuclear industries.

This course was developed in close contact with the nuclear industry and includes specialist and highly relevant lectures on:

• materials testing
• safety and radiation
• environmental topics
• design and efficiency of nuclear reactors.

We also arrange external lectures with contacts at the Nuclear Institute.

Why choose this course?

• It is accredited by the Institute of Physics. This ensures 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.
• You will also take part 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 their own choice with one-to-one academic supervision.
• You will have the option to transfer to one of our other Physics courses at the end of Year One (depending upon your grades):
  • BSc (Hons) Physics
  • BSc (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics
  • BSc (Hons) Physics with Forensic Applications.

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

What will I study?

Year One

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

Year Two

• Nuclear Materials Science
• Ionising Radiation and Non-Invasive Imaging
• Thermal and Environmental Physics
• Fundamental Forces
• The Quantum World
• Digital Techniques

Year Three
This is your optional placement year.

Final Year

• Physics and Technology of Nuclear Reactors
• Advanced Experimental Techniques
• Condensed Matter
• Laboratory Interfaces and Control
• Research Project
• Ballistics and Firearms
• Forensic Databases and Biometrics.

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 53%

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

Written 47%

• Exams
• Written tests

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

Contact hours

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 your contact time will actually be higher than scheduled hours.

Where will you 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
• Computing and Informatics Building.

See our campus maps and travel information.

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 be provided with the following:

• 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.

Who will teach me?

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

Our Physics Team provides very well equipped teaching laboratories. You will have access to:

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

You will also have access to the teaching and research facilities at no cost. Our wide variety of facilities and equipment will enable you to perform your own experiments to complement your taught lectures.

The Physics team are available throughout the teaching year, and offer a very active Open Door policy. Computer facilities are open 24/7.

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
• materials imaging laboratory
• a crime scene forensic-training facility
• a host of sporting clubs and societies to get involved in.