Courses
Content
Astronomy related degrees
BSc/ MSci Astrophysics The core courses for this degree route are listed in the table below, and comprise of (i) Underpinning first and second year mathematics (ii) Classical and quantum physics elements in the first year and second year (iii) courses which build up an increasing exposure to topics in astronomy and astrophysics. This starts in the first year with core courses in Physics of the Universe, and Practical Astronomy; followed in the second year by Astrophysical Processes: Nebulae to Stars, Practical Astrophysics; leading into core third year courses in Stellar Astrophysics, Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology, Astronomical Spectroscopy. The second and third years of the BSc and MSci degrees provide for optional courses to further enhance and enrich students’ knowledge of astrophysics topics.
The fourth year of the MSci degrees comprises of a compulsory research project in astrophysics, and a further five half-unit courses, generally chosen from subjects in the relevant degree speciality. A wide range of courses is available, including some taught by staff from other London Colleges.
Core courses for astronomy related degrees
YEAR 1 1102 Physics of the Universe. 1228 Thermal Physics 1224 Waves, Optics and Acoustics 1130 Practical Skills 1A (Astronomy) 1240 Practical Skills 1C (Core Physics) 1245 Mathematical Methods I 1246 Mathematical Methods II 1247 Classical Mechanics YEAR 2 2112 Astrophysical Processes: Nebulae to Stars 2228 Statistical Thermodynamics 2117 Physics of the Solar System 2246 Mathematical Methods III 2222 Quantum Physics 2201 Electricity and Magnetism 2130 Practical Astrophysics 2A YEAR 3 3134 The Physics and Evolution of Stars 3136 Cosmology and Extragalactic Astronomy 3338 Astronomical Spectroscopy
2.
Theoretical Physics BSc
UCAS Code: F340
This BSc is a variant of the advanced study offered in the Physics BSc. You will develop an advanced understanding of the theoretical structure of the core topics in physics, and the programme is likely to appeal to you if you have a strong interest and ability in mathematics.
Degree benefits
A science degree from UCL is a strong asset across the whole range of careers where basic scientific skills are required, from accountancy to astrophysics, and computing to cryogenics.
The programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics and includes the very latest developments and discoveries in the field, based on our highly rated research.
Collaborative links with both industry and international research laboratories provide insight into the practical application of your studies. A large range of course options are available, including ones from other University of London colleges, allowing for individual preferences within your degree.
Core courses in the first year provide a firm foundation in quantum-based phenomena and condensed matter, underpinned by mathematics and a practical skills course which includes computer-based and IT skills training. You will also take a course in practical mathematics. The second year includes core courses in quantum physics and its application to atoms and molecules, in statistical thermodynamics and in electromagnetic theory, along with further mathematics. The quantum and condensed matter elements of the core are completed in the third year. Students reading for the Theoretical Physics degree replace second and third year experimental work with theory courses. The third year also includes optional courses to develop further and enhance knowledge of a range of physics topics. This programme is offered both as a three-year BSc and a four-year MSci, with common structures and subjects for the first two years. However, the additional fourth year allows for a greater depth of study and we recommend you apply for an MSci initially, as this keeps more options open. Your Learning Teaching is undertaken through lectures, laboratory (and as appropriate, observatory) practical sessions, and supervised problem-solving tutorials. These tutorials are designed to deal with lecture-based questions, enlarge on topics addressed in lectures, and allow clarification and in-depth discussion of new concepts. Assessment Assessment will normally involve end-of-year examinations, and an element of assessed coursework. For practical work you will be continuously assessed.
DEGREE STRUCTURE
In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Year One Compulsory modules Waves, Optics and Acoustics Thermal Physics Practical Skills 1C Mathematical Methods 1 Mathematical Methods II Classical Mechanics Practical Mathematics I Physics of the Universe Optional modules All first year modules are compulsory. Year Two Compulsory modules Electricity and Magnetism Quantum Physics Atomic and Molecular Physics Statistical Thermodynamics Mathematical Methods III Mathematical Methods for Theoretical Physics Mathematics for Physics and Astronomy Practical Mathematics 2 Optional modules All second year modules are compulsory. Final Year Compulsory modules Nuclear and Particle Physics Solid State Physics Quantum Mechanics Group Project Electromagnetic Theory Optional modules You will select 1.5 credits from a wide range of options.
Further details available on subject website: www.ucl.ac.uk/phys/admissions/undergraduate/phys
Your Career
More Information See also the Prospectus subject entry for Physics and Astrophysics and the subject websitewww.ucl.ac.uk/phys/admissions/undergraduate/phys
CAREER.
Your scientific training will equip you with an understanding of mathematics, and of physical principles and techniques, as well as transferable skills in analysis, rational argument and innovative problem solving. Surveys by the IOP indicate that physicists' versatility is welcomed by a wider range of professions than any other subject.
Around half our graduates choose to pursue further study for an MSc or PhD. A PhD opens up the possibility of an academic or research career in a university or research institute. Alternatively, like many of our graduates, you may consider employment in research, design, development, computing, finance, marketing and insurance industries, among others.
BSc/ MSci Astrophysics The core courses for this degree route are listed in the table below, and comprise of (i) Underpinning first and second year mathematics (ii) Classical and quantum physics elements in the first year and second year (iii) courses which build up an increasing exposure to topics in astronomy and astrophysics. This starts in the first year with core courses in Physics of the Universe, and Practical Astronomy; followed in the second year by Astrophysical Processes: Nebulae to Stars, Practical Astrophysics; leading into core third year courses in Stellar Astrophysics, Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology, Astronomical Spectroscopy. The second and third years of the BSc and MSci degrees provide for optional courses to further enhance and enrich students’ knowledge of astrophysics topics.
The fourth year of the MSci degrees comprises of a compulsory research project in astrophysics, and a further five half-unit courses, generally chosen from subjects in the relevant degree speciality. A wide range of courses is available, including some taught by staff from other London Colleges.
Core courses for astronomy related degrees
YEAR 1 1102 Physics of the Universe. 1228 Thermal Physics 1224 Waves, Optics and Acoustics 1130 Practical Skills 1A (Astronomy) 1240 Practical Skills 1C (Core Physics) 1245 Mathematical Methods I 1246 Mathematical Methods II 1247 Classical Mechanics YEAR 2 2112 Astrophysical Processes: Nebulae to Stars 2228 Statistical Thermodynamics 2117 Physics of the Solar System 2246 Mathematical Methods III 2222 Quantum Physics 2201 Electricity and Magnetism 2130 Practical Astrophysics 2A YEAR 3 3134 The Physics and Evolution of Stars 3136 Cosmology and Extragalactic Astronomy 3338 Astronomical Spectroscopy
2.
Theoretical Physics BSc
UCAS Code: F340
This BSc is a variant of the advanced study offered in the Physics BSc. You will develop an advanced understanding of the theoretical structure of the core topics in physics, and the programme is likely to appeal to you if you have a strong interest and ability in mathematics.
Degree benefits
A science degree from UCL is a strong asset across the whole range of careers where basic scientific skills are required, from accountancy to astrophysics, and computing to cryogenics.
The programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics and includes the very latest developments and discoveries in the field, based on our highly rated research.
Collaborative links with both industry and international research laboratories provide insight into the practical application of your studies. A large range of course options are available, including ones from other University of London colleges, allowing for individual preferences within your degree.
Core courses in the first year provide a firm foundation in quantum-based phenomena and condensed matter, underpinned by mathematics and a practical skills course which includes computer-based and IT skills training. You will also take a course in practical mathematics. The second year includes core courses in quantum physics and its application to atoms and molecules, in statistical thermodynamics and in electromagnetic theory, along with further mathematics. The quantum and condensed matter elements of the core are completed in the third year. Students reading for the Theoretical Physics degree replace second and third year experimental work with theory courses. The third year also includes optional courses to develop further and enhance knowledge of a range of physics topics. This programme is offered both as a three-year BSc and a four-year MSci, with common structures and subjects for the first two years. However, the additional fourth year allows for a greater depth of study and we recommend you apply for an MSci initially, as this keeps more options open. Your Learning Teaching is undertaken through lectures, laboratory (and as appropriate, observatory) practical sessions, and supervised problem-solving tutorials. These tutorials are designed to deal with lecture-based questions, enlarge on topics addressed in lectures, and allow clarification and in-depth discussion of new concepts. Assessment Assessment will normally involve end-of-year examinations, and an element of assessed coursework. For practical work you will be continuously assessed.
DEGREE STRUCTURE
In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Year One Compulsory modules Waves, Optics and Acoustics Thermal Physics Practical Skills 1C Mathematical Methods 1 Mathematical Methods II Classical Mechanics Practical Mathematics I Physics of the Universe Optional modules All first year modules are compulsory. Year Two Compulsory modules Electricity and Magnetism Quantum Physics Atomic and Molecular Physics Statistical Thermodynamics Mathematical Methods III Mathematical Methods for Theoretical Physics Mathematics for Physics and Astronomy Practical Mathematics 2 Optional modules All second year modules are compulsory. Final Year Compulsory modules Nuclear and Particle Physics Solid State Physics Quantum Mechanics Group Project Electromagnetic Theory Optional modules You will select 1.5 credits from a wide range of options.
Further details available on subject website: www.ucl.ac.uk/phys/admissions/undergraduate/phys
Your Career
More Information See also the Prospectus subject entry for Physics and Astrophysics and the subject websitewww.ucl.ac.uk/phys/admissions/undergraduate/phys
CAREER.
Your scientific training will equip you with an understanding of mathematics, and of physical principles and techniques, as well as transferable skills in analysis, rational argument and innovative problem solving. Surveys by the IOP indicate that physicists' versatility is welcomed by a wider range of professions than any other subject.
Around half our graduates choose to pursue further study for an MSc or PhD. A PhD opens up the possibility of an academic or research career in a university or research institute. Alternatively, like many of our graduates, you may consider employment in research, design, development, computing, finance, marketing and insurance industries, among others.
