Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics

with a Year in Industry

To ensure you make rapid progress in physics, you need to understand mathematics. You’ll undertake an in-depth study of calculus, complex numbers and vector mathematics, as well as statistical methods for data analysis.

Through the calculus component, you will delve into the fundamental principles of differentiation and integration, emphasising their relevance in physics applications. This foundation will pave the way for mastering key techniques directly applicable to physics problems and scenarios. Additionally, you will be introduced to scientific programming in Python, expanding your horizons in the application of computer and IT packages used to build mathematical models of physical behaviour.

This gives you the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to go on in your degree and produce your best work both now, and later in your career.

You’ll dive into all the important topics in astronomy, optics and special relativity using straightforward mathematics to help you master the concepts.

You’ll study light focussing on the key principles of geometrical optics, and how they allow us to design and understand instruments including astronomical telescopes. This will lead into an exploration of important topics in modern astronomy, such as determining distances and observational properties of stars, beginning with our own solar system and extending to objects at the very limits of the observable universe.

You’ll also receive an introduction to the fascinating subject of special relativity, encountering concepts such as space-time, time dilation and the relativity of simultaneity. After completing this module, you’ll be well-prepared for more advanced topics in astrophysics, optics and theoretical physics.

Building on your knowledge developed through ‘Mathematics I’ you’ll explore key mathematical techniques involving multiple independent variables. These include the topics of differential equations, multivariate calculus, non-Cartesian coordinates, and vector calculus that are needed for further study in physics.

Use of numerical approaches towards mathematical problem-solving is also introduced, demonstrating use of computational algorithms and techniques to solve diverse problems and graphically present and interpret data. This further exploration of mathematics gives you the skills you need to explore pressing questions throughout the universe and sets you up for further study, and later, your career.

This is your chance to get hands-on through a series of experiments giving you experience in using laboratory apparatus and equipment. This will also teach you how to accurately record and analyse data in laboratory notebooks and write scientific laboratory reports. You’ll carry out experiments covering subjects found in the Physics degree program and are run parallel with Computing Skills workshops in which you will be introduced to the fundamentals of using programming/scripting, and its application to analyse and report data from their experiments.

By completing this module, you’ll become a competent user of experimental, computational and communication tools, understanding the inherent uncertainties of empirical science and what this means in relation to scientific findings, and knowing the standards expected of you in reporting scientific results, in readiness for more advanced laboratory work.

Embark on an exciting and comprehensive journey into the intricate world of motion, energy, and momenta and thoroughly understand the fundamental laws of motion, including the mathematical principles underpinning them.

Explore concepts such as momentum, energy, rotational motion, angular momentum, and gravitational forces, and gain an appreciation of the mathematical description of harmonic oscillations and learn how to apply them to real-world scenarios. In addition to these core topics, you’ll cover a range of related subjects essential for understanding key concepts in physics and how they underpin natural phenomena. Through delving into associated areas such as static equilibrium, elastic properties of objects, and fluid mechanics, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the physical world and make connections between seemingly disparate phenomena.

With a solid foundation in these concepts, you’ll be well-equipped to launch careers in engineering, technology, and other fields that require a strong understanding of fundamental physics principles.

You’ll explore waves, fields and the quantum world through two parts, giving you the chance to make rapid progress and get the knowledge you need for further investigation and exploration.

The first part of the module introduces you to electric fields, magnetic fields, and electro-magnetic phenomena including the behaviour of electric circuits and electromagnetic radiation. This will culminate in a fundamental, classical understanding of light as an electromagnetic wave, connecting what you have learned about optics with your knowledge of waves from earlier modules.

The second part of the module breaks out of the mould of Classical Physics to introduce its successor, Quantum Physics, according to which light can behave as discrete units. You’ll also explore how a new type of wave, called a "wave function", can be used to describe the behaviour not of light, but of particles. This is what will set you up for a fuller exploration of the quantum world later in your studies, opening up a whole universe of possibilities.

Mathematical techniques are essential for solving problems in physics and related fields. You will gain comprehensive grounding in the mathematical methods necessary for solving differential equations, understanding special functions, and conducting harmonic analysis. You’ll also get a grounding in numerical methods and asymptotic analysis, preparing students for the analytical challenges they will encounter in their studies and professional lives.

Building on a strong mathematical foundation for further study and research, the skills you develop will not only benefit you academically but also enhance your employability, preparing you for technical roles in research, engineering, data analysis, and beyond, where rigorous mathematical reasoning and problem-solving abilities are highly valued by employers.

Modern science is a collaborative effort, requiring physicists to work in teams of varying sizes, and to communicate their results to a wide range of audiences. We ensure you will develop your ability to conduct complex investigations as a team, and to disseminate your outcomes.

You’ll do this through producing more comprehensive written reports and using computational scripts to analyse and visualise data. A key focus is on analysis of experimental uncertainties and comparison with underlying physical theories. Your team-working skills will be developed through a group project focused on a real, open-ended research topic, with problems chosen from a list drawn from the research interests of academics, problems set by industry, and areas such as physics education and outreach.

The skills developed in this module will help prepare you for more in-depth investigations later in your degree and for collaborative working in your future career.

Dive into the fascinating world of quantum mechanics, where you will develop a comprehensive understanding of wave functions, the Schrödinger equation, and quantum numbers, essential for describing the properties of key physical systems.

This module introduces you to critical terminology and mathematical concepts fundamental to quantum mechanics, such as eigenstates, eigenvalues, and expectation values. You will explore the Schrödinger equation through various important systems, including two-state systems, particles in simple potentials, and the simple harmonic oscillator. You will also learn how to use the Schrödinger equation in different coordinate systems to understand the concept of angular momentum in quantum mechanics.

In the realm of atomic physics, you will investigate solutions for atoms, with a particular focus on the hydrogen atom, and study their interactions with electromagnetic radiation. These methods extend to the study of molecules and nuclei, providing a robust framework for understanding a wide range of physical phenomena.

This module offers a detailed and accurate portrayal of atomic structures, which are the fundamental building blocks of numerous physical processes and phenomena.

Electromagnetism and Relativity are two fundamental classical theories in Physics. You'll be introduced to a range of important laws and principles that lay the foundation for studies in these fields. You'll develop an understanding of magnetic and electric fields and how to apply Maxwell’s laws to describe all phenomena involving electromagnetic waves (from radio waves to visible light, X-rays and gamma rays).

Once the propagation of light has been discussed and understood in the context of Electromagnetism, you will study the consequences of the constant velocity of light in the context of Einstein’s theory of Special Relativity. The theory will be applied to understanding concepts such as time dilation and event horizon.

You'll acquire a deeper understanding of highly formalised theories, and how these are powerful tools to solve a diverse range of problems. You'll also develop your skills for formal reasoning and fundamental mathematical tools (vector fields in particular), applying these to solve problems in the context of the systems studied in the module and will contribute to the skills set of a physicist for your future career.

Build on the introduction to astronomy taught in earlier stages. You will enhance your knowledge of astrophysics through the study of the theory, formalism and fundamental principles, developing a rigorous grounding in observational, computational and theoretical aspects of astrophysics.

In particular, you will study topics such as properties of galaxies and stars, the detection of planets outside the solar system, and CCD cameras. There is the opportunity to take part in observations with the Beacon Observatory. This deepening of your knowledge and practical, hands-on experience in astronomy is valuable for you to kick-start a career in the field.

How can we use space to benefit our society on Earth and to explore our solar system and beyond? On this module you'll discuss the design and operations of spacecraft, including satellites, to explore answers to these questions. We'll introduce the harsh environment of space, the hazards posed to spacecraft, and how we design spacecraft to overcome these challenges. You'll also develop your understanding of the major subsystems of a spacecraft through the study of the theory, formalism and fundamental principles, as well as the framework to understand spacecraft trajectories and orbits.

As humanity seeks to both explore and establish bases beyond Earth you'll consider the additional scientific and technical challenges of crewed space flight and establishing extraterrestrial habitats. The course also discusses how space missions are designed, funded and managed. Join the next generation of physicists looking to journey further into the cosmos and unlock the secrets of the universe.

All modern technologies rely on the use of light in some way or another, which makes understanding light absolutely essential. This module provides you with an immersive experience, allowing you to discover fundamental and contemporary concepts that shape our understanding of how light interacts with matter. You'll explore the practical applications of optics and photonics in various fields, such as telecommunications, medicine, manufacturing, and computing, giving you experience aligned with a range of potential careers.

Throughout the module, you'll acquire knowledge and skills in designing and analysing optical systems, becoming proficient in using tools such as lasers and fibre optics and enhancing your problem-solving skills. In doing so, you'll understand how your developing expertise can be applied in practice, including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts, to make a positive difference to the world around you.

Explore the classic theory of thermodynamics and how the thermal properties of physical objects can be described in terms of their microscopic properties through the application of statistical mechanics. You'll learn the three laws of thermodynamics and how to use them to understand physical phenomena, such as the conversion of heat into work in an engine or the cooling cycle in a refrigerator.

You'll learn how to derive measurable, bulk properties such as temperature, heat capacity, entropy or magnetisation from the behaviour of the microscopic components in a gas or a paramagnet. Statistical mechanics bridges the gap between the microscopic and macroscopic description of the physical world; you'll apply theoretical principles, alongside a range of mathematical skills, to contemporary issues such as how heat pumps work, the effect of temperature on defects in a crystalline solid, heat capacity due to electrons in a metal, to address real-world problems and potential solutions.

Building on your studies in observational astronomy, this module provides a balanced and rigorous course in astrophysics for BSc students. You'll develop and enhance your knowledge of astrophysics through the study of the theory, formalism, and fundamental principles.

You'll also delve into the equations describing the internal structure of stars, energy transport mechanisms, nuclear fusion processes, and the evolution of stars off the main sequence. The second half of the module explores topics such as high-redshift galaxies, galaxy clusters, and active galactic nuclei (AGN), general relativity, cosmological principles, the age and stages of the universe, dark matter, dark energy, and the cosmic microwave background.

You'll finish the module having embarked on a thrilling journey through the cosmos, equipped with essential skills and understanding needed for astronomy at a professional level and be on a firm footing should you wish to pursue further studies in astrophysics at MPhys level and beyond.

If you want to explore beyond earth, your the first step is our solar system. You'll get to grips with our closest neighbors, the composition of the Sun and planets will be placed in the context of the current understanding of the evolution of the Solar System. You'll also study solar terrestrial physics, learning how interactions between the Sun and Earth affect life on our planet. You will then move on to look at the terrestrial planets and the processes that have shaped them, learning first about the Earth before considering Mars, Mercury and Venus.

By the end of this module, you'll have achieved a solid understanding of the interplay of the Sun and its planetary system, and be equipped with analytical skills and interdisciplinary knowledge applicable to fields including not only planetary science but also remote sensing, environmental and earth science and space exploration.

Explore the constituents of matter and how the structured arrangement of atoms in a solid gives rise to their properties. You'll start by looking at the structure and properties of the nucleus, as well as its stability and fission and fusion processes. You'll then study how the regular arrangement of atoms in a lattice gives rise to crystalline solids and proceed to investigate how the behaviour of electrons in crystals is responsible for many of the properties we find in the materials driving technology (such as metals, semiconductors, magnetic materials). The theoretical principles taught in the lectures, as well as a range of mathematical skills, will be applied to solving problems, including those related to electronics and optoelectronic devices.

How are data processing and analysis techniques applied to astronomical data from telescopes? You'll learn how telescopes and CCD cameras work, and how they process astronomical images and spectra. You'll also apply a range of data analysis and machine learning techniques using software packages.

As part of your project work, you can engage in the scientific interpretation of images and spectra of astronomical objects or numerical modelling results. You'll get to take part in at least two observing nights with our Beacon Observatory. This on-campus facility offers hands-on astronomical experience with a research-grade dome and telescope, enhancing the quality of your degree experience and better preparing you for a career in the space and astronomy sector.

This module provides a practical underpinning to the theoretical astrophysics work in other modules. Working through the experiments provided, using authentic data, will leave you with a richer appreciation and understanding of this subject matter, equipping you with the skills to succeed as working astronomers that are, in addition, transferable to many other professional disciplines.