Physics and 2020 Astronomy Undergraduate brochure Ranked 1st in Europe and 9th in the world for our research (Academic Ranking of World Physics and Universities 2018) Jodrell Bank Observatory, Astronomy renowned centre for radio astronomy and home of the famous Lovell Telescope, is part of our at Manchester Department One of the UK’s largest Departments of Physics and Astronomy, with top ratings for teaching and research, and 13 Nobel Prize winners, past and current Well-equipped Whilst being one of the top physics laboratories, including rooftop departments internationally, we maintain optical and radio a friendly, open and inclusive environment telescopes where our broad research portfolio underpins A new £10m a rich and varied undergraduate curriculum extension, the Schuster Annexe, with lots of choice and flexibility. furnished with brand new state-of-the-art labs and facilities Professor Sean Freeman Head of Department, Physics and Astronomy 3 Facilities & resources The one thing that made Manchester really stand out to me was how modern and innovative Our facilities are second to none and provide students the Department of Physics was. Not only are they at with the very best opportunities: the forefront of new discoveries, such as graphene, but also, they are always trying to improve facilities, with the recently built Schuster Annexe providing Opened in 2017, the Schuster Annexe includes a new even more study spaces. undergraduate teaching laboratory, additional space and facilities for student projects and new teaching areas Amy Smith specifically designed for active learning and skills training MPhys (Hons) student Jodrell Bank Observatory Rooftop optical and radio telescopes Our own Physics library with out-of-hours access for 3rd and 4th year students Dedicated quiet areas for physics students to study all year round Small-group teaching: in the first year, students have both physics and maths tutorials to support their lectures. 4 5 As an international student, I initially found it difficult to keep up with a more independent and critical style of teaching and learning. However, this degree provides you with the resources to overcome any challenges. I find it quite amazing to look back and think of the learning progression Learning support between first-year - where I was agonising over Peer support scheme Small group teaching how to solve a question on a dynamics worksheet - Our peer support scheme is one of the largest in When we ask our UCAS applicants why they to now, where I am doing a master’s project on Europe. Peer mentors are higher-year students choose Physics at Manchester, the top 2 on the same degree programme as you, who reasons are: 1) Course degree content and 2) finding dark matter at the LHC. Being able to work will help you find your feet when you arrive here small group tutorials including a physics and alongside brilliant academics who are experts in and adjust to student life. As they’ll have already personal tutor. In the first year, students have their fields has been one of my most rewarding been a student at Manchester for at least a year, both physics and maths tutorials to support they should be able to help you with anything their lectures. experiences to date. you might be worried or unsure about. I’m so grateful for the experiences this degree has Disability support (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) given me – from exploring my interests in science PASS If you have additional needs arising from Led by volunteer students, PASS sessions will a medical condition, physical or sensory communication through the Physics Outreach often be based around a specific area of study. disability, specific learning disability such group, to working with the Department in setting up You’ll have the opportunity to consolidate and as dyslexia, or a mental health difficulty that the International Student Support network. These build on your existing knowledge through affects your study, we can provide support. opportunities allowed me to be part of a truly discussion with other students in an informal Contact or visit our Disability Advisory and and supportive environment, where you can Support Office before you apply, to discuss wonderful community and, after four years here, compare notes, analyse, ask questions and talk your needs and the support available. Manchester truly feels like a second home. through ideas. Here in the Department of In the Department of Physics and Astronomy Physics and Astronomy, we were the first in the we have a dedicated Student Support and University to launch the International PASS Wei Ann Heng Welfare team who have specialised experience Scheme which is now in its third year. MPhys (Hons) Physics in supporting Physics students throughout their academic careers. www.manchester.ac.uk/dass Find out more about the personal and academic support available to you throughout your studies: www.manchester.ac.uk/study/experience/student-life/university/student-support 6 7 Apply Typical Which course? Choosing your course There are a wide range of partner universities How to apply in many different counties, with Canada, USA Our physics and astronomy courses provide www.manchester.ac.uk/study/ offer and Singapore being popular destinations. broad coverage of the science, principles, and undergraduate/applications BSc and MPhys, applications and offer considerable choice, There is no need to specify this option on your Please note that the course units listed in enabling you to specialise in areas of particular UCAS application form as applications are this brochure only represent a sample of the MMath & MPhys interest. Our interdisciplinary and joint courses made once you are here. Availability of places full breadth of available units for each course. A-level: A*A*A-A*AA (to include Physics combine core material from different disciplines, is competitive and decisions are normally made Units are reviewed on an annual basis and as and Maths). We would normally require a pass equipping graduates for jobs that require rich during the second year of study. such may vary slightly to those advertised. in the Practical Assessment in the newly skill sets and cross traditional topic boundaries. reformed science A-levels. For up-to-date course information, Flexible options for including unit detail and entry requirements IB: 38-37 points overall. 7,7,6 - 7,6,6 in Higher Study abroad changing courses in full, visit our course finder: Level subjects (to include Physics and Maths). Students on the four-year degree courses have Undergraduate teaching is modular, with core www.manchester.ac.uk/undergraduate the opportunity of studying for the third year course units shared by the different courses. For full details of our entry requirements: of their course at one of several universities This means that it is often possible to change www.manchester.ac.uk/ugcourses abroad. The University has exchange partners between courses up to the end of your first across the world and students build up valuable year, and (grades permitting) transfer to the experience spending time at these universities. MPhys of your course. Find out more information about our courses at: www.physics.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate 8 9 Physics The study of physics is an attempt to understand everything that we can observe and measure in the Year Sample course units universe: from the infinitesimally small, to the infinitely large; from the beginning of the universe in the Big Bang, 1 > Quantum Physics and to its ultimate fate. The rich and varied research profile of Relativity Manchester physics generates an exciting and varied > Random Processes in Physics curriculum with lots of optional course units allowing you > Introduction to Astrophysics and Cosmology to develop your own interests in physics. > Laboratory Our core physics units will provide you with a foundation in classical physics, with topics including dynamics, waves, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics. You’ll be 2 > Electromagnetism introduced to concepts such as the unification of space > Fundamentals of Solid and time, the wave-like behaviour of particles and the State Physics relation between entropy and disorder. > Lagrangian Dynamics > Physics of Energy Sources These concepts are essential for the understanding of molecules, atoms, nuclei, quarks and leptons, condensed matter, solid state electronic devices, electromagnetic 3 > Applications of Quantum Physics radiation, lasers, stars, and general relativity, all of which > Electromagnetic Radiation can be studied in detail later in your degree. > Introduction to Nonlinear Physics Course overview > Frontiers of Solid State Physics Lots of choice and flexibility in a broad 4 > Nuclear Forces and Reactions curriculum covering all areas of physics > Superconductors and Superfluids Gain a solid understanding of the key topics within physics Extensive laboratory work, giving you hands-on experience. BSc 3y F300 UCAS code MPhys 4y F305 10 11 Mathematics and Physics This joint-honours degree provides a solid foundation in the fundamental aspects of degree level mathematics Year Sample course units and physics. This allows you to choose from a wide range of advanced options in your third and, where appropriate, 1 > Quantum Physics fourth years. and Relativity > Calculus and Applications Teaching is enhanced by the wide variety of research > Linear Algebras fields in both Departments. Applied mathematics and > Laboratory After a year in Manchester, leaving wasn’t theoretical physics frequently overlap and research is really on my radar. Although I already spoke Spanish, carried out on theoretical astronomy, chaos, fractals > Algebraic Structures 2 > Metric Spaces studying abroad hadn’t crossed my mind, until one and fluids. Other research topics in applied mathematics include hydrodynamics, waves, elasticity, boundary layer > Electromagnetism of my professors took the time to suggest the European theory and modelling of industrial processes. > Solid State Physics Study programme. Going abroad ended up being the best > Nuclear and Particle Physics decision of my degree.