The references 'XX-nn' are to Institute of Physics Accreditation Requirements (listed below).
These can be moved around, but must appear somewhere in the compulsory material for all single honours programmes.
| Stage - Term | Maths | Module A/C | Module B/D |
|---|
| 1-M |
PHY1025 - Mathematics 1
- Foundation Mathematics
- Algebra
- MT-01: Trigonometric functions
- Trigonometry and the binomial theorem
- Differentiation
- Integration I
- Integration II
- MT-04: Series expansions, limits and convergence
- Taylor and Maclaurin series, expansions of standard functions, series for sines and cosines
- Curve Sketching
- MT-11: Matrices to the level of eigenvalues and eigenvectors
- Matrix multiplication
- Applications to the solution of systems of homogeneous and inhomogeneous linear equations
- Finding inverse matrices
- Evaluating numerical determinants
- Introduction to eigenvalues and eigenvectors
|
PHY1021 - Vector Mechanics
- Vectors - addition, subtraction, dot-product, cross-product, components
- Forces
- Torque or Moment of Force
- Work
- Conservative Forces and Conservation of Energy
- Constant gravitational force
- Elastic energy
- Force and Potential Energy
- Momentum and impulse
- Collisions
- Rocket motion
- Projectiles
- CM-01: Newton's laws and conservation laws including rotation
- Circular motion
- Moments of Inertia
- Relativity
- Introduction to Relativity
- The Special Theory of Relativity
- Relativistic Dynamics
- SR-01: Lorentz transformations
- SR-02: The energy-momentum relationship
|
PHY1022 - Introduction to Astrophysics
- Background to quantum mechanics to include:
- QM-01: Black body radiation
- QM-02: Photoelectric effect
- QM-03: Wave-particle duality
- QM-04: Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle
- QM-09: Quantum structure and spectra of simple atoms
- Gravitation
- CM-02: Newtonian gravitation to the level of Kepler's laws
- Molecular Spectra
- Stars and Planets
- Nucleosynthesis
- Neutron stars
- Black holes
- Formation of stars and planets
- Extra-solar planets
- Galaxies
- Large-scale structure
- Interstellar medium
- Redshift
- The Universe
- Birth
- Expansion
- Dark matter
- Dark energy
|
|---|
| 1-L |
PHY1026 - Mathematics 2
- MT-03: Complex numbers
- Argand diagram, modulus-argument form, de Moivre's theorem
- Trigonometric functions
- MT-02: Hyperbolic functions
- MT-08: Three-dimensional trigonometry
- Coordinate Systems in 2- and 3-Dimensional Geometries - Cartesian, plane-polar, cylindrical and spherical polar coordinate systems.
- MT-05: Calculus to the level of multiple integrals
- Partial and total derivatives.
- Multiple integrals: line and surface integrals; application of
integration to arc lengths, surface areas, volumes and masses;
evaluation of multiple integrals in different coordinate
systems and using parametrisation.
- Vector Calculus
- MT-09: [Vectors to the level of] div, grad and curl
- Product rules, gradient as slope
- MT-10: The divergence theorem and Stokes's theorem
- MT-06: Solution of linear ordinary differential equations
- First-order separable and integrating-factor types.
- Linear second-order equations with constant coefficients; damped harmonic motion.
|
PHY1023 - Waves and Optics
- WV-01: Free, damped, forced and coupled oscillations to include resonance and normal modes
- WV-02: Waves in linear media to the level of group velocity
- WV-03: Waves on strings, sound waves and electromagnetic waves
- WV-04: Doppler effect
- EM-02: DC and AC circuit analysis to the level of complex impedance, transients and resonance
- EM-05: Electromagnetic spectrum
- OP-01: Geometrical optics to the level of simple optical systems
- OP-02: Interference and diffraction at single and multiple apertures
- OP-03: Dispersion by prisms and diffraction gratings
- OP-04: Optical cavities and laser action
|
PHY1024 - Properties of Matter
- SM-01: Kinetic theory of gases and the gas laws to the level of Van der Waals equation
- SS-01: Mechanical properties of matter to include elasticity and thermal expansion
- SS-02: Inter-atomic forces and bonding
- SS-04: Crystal structure and Bragg scattering
- Elasticity
- Hydrostatics
- Surface Tension
- Microscopic Considerations for the Study of Properties of Matter
- Atomic and Molecular Structure
- Structure of Solids
- Structure of Amorphous Solids
- Structure of (Single) Crystals
- Broad Classification of Solids
|
|---|
| 2-M |
PHY2025 - Mathematics 3 (7.5 credits in Term 1)
- Probability theory
- Random variables
- Conditional probability
- MT-13: Probability distributions
- The Dirac delta-function
- MT-12: Fourier series and transforms including the convolution theorem
|
PHY2021 - Electromagnetism 1
- EM-01: Electrostatics and magnetostatics
- EM-02: DC
and AC circuit analysis to the level of complex impedance, transients and resonance
- EM-03: Gauss, Faraday, Ampère, Lenz and Lorentz laws to the level of their vector expression
|
PHY2022 - Quantum Mechanics 1
- Schrödinger wave equation to include:
- QM-05: Wave function and its interpretation
- QM-07: Tunnelling
- Introduction to Angular Momentum operators
- QM-06: Standard solutions and quantum numbers to the level of the hydrogen atom
- QM-08: First order time independent perturbation theory
|
|---|
| 2-L |
PHY2025 - Mathematics 3 (7.5 credits in Term 2)
- MT-07: Solution of linear partial differential equations
- Simple second order differential equations and common varieties: Harmonic oscillator, Schrödinger equation, Poisson's equation, wave equation and diffusion equation.
- Separation of variables: The Laplacian family of equations in physics,
separation of variables, mechanics of the technique, form of solutions,
general solutions in series form, relation to Fourier series,
spatial boundary conditions, time dependence, initial conditions.
- Examples: rectangular drum, classical and quantum harmonic oscillator,
waves at a boundary, temperature distributions, wavepacket/quantum
particle in a box
- Role of symmetry: Cylindrical and spherical polar co-ordinates, appearance of
special functions. Use of special functions by analogy to sin, cos, sinh, cosh etc.
- Examples: circular drum, hydrogen wave function
- Linear Algebra
- Revision: Row and column vectors, matrices, matrix algebra, the solutions of systems of linear equations.
- Eigenvalue equations I: The matrix equation Ax=ax, solving the matrix equation, the secular determinant, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, canonical form, normal modes/harmonics, simple coupled oscillators.
- Eigenvalue equations II: Properties of eigenvectors: orthogonality, degeneracy, as basis vectors.
- Eigenvalue equations III: Differential equations as eigenvalue equations and the matrix representation Ax=ax; choosing the basis, solving the equation, the secular determinant, eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
- Examples: classical coupled modes, Schrödinger wave equation
- Approximate solutions to differential equations (perturbation theory): use of eigenvectors, first- and second-order through repeated substitution, problem of degeneracies.
- Examples: quantum particle in a well, a mass on drum, coupled particles
|
PHY2023 - Thermal and Statistical Physics 1
- TD-01: Zeroth, first and second laws of thermodynamics
- TD-02: Temperature scales, work, internal energy and heat capacity
- TD-03: Entropy, free energies and the Carnot Cycle
- TD-04: Changes of state
- SM-02: Statistical basis of entropy
- SM-03: Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution
- SM-04: Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac distributions
- SM-05: Density of states and partition function
|
PHY2024 - Condensed Matter 1
- SS-04: Crystal structure and Bragg scattering
- SS-05: Electron theory of solids to the level of simple band structure
- Free-electron model
- Free-electron Fermi gas
- Energy dispersion in k-space
- Reduced and extended zones
- Effective mass
- Density of states
- Electron-distribution function; phonon distribution function; Fermi level
- Nearly-Free-Electron Model
- Effect of crystal potential on the free-electron picture
- Bloch electron
- Origin of energy-band gaps
- Holes
- Band Picture for Classification of Solids
- Formation of energy bands in solids
- Band picture for insulators, semiconductors and metals
- Fermi Surfaces
- SS-06: Semiconductors and doping
- SS-03: Phonons and heat capacity
- Transport Properties (Electrical and Thermal)
- Relaxation times
- Phonon/Lattice
- Electronic
- Introduction to Nanostructures and Nanomaterials
- Quantum Wells, Wires and Dots
- Carbon nanotubes
- Graphene
|
|---|
| Stage - Term | Misc. | Module A/C | Module B/D |
|---|
| 3-M |
PHY3053 - General Problems
- Supported by 11 lectures, and Stage 3 tutorials
|
PHY305{1,4} - Electromagnetism 2
- EM-04: Maxwell's equations and plane electromagnetic wave solution; Poynting vector
- Dielectric properties of matter
- SS-07: Magnetic properties of matter
- Diamagnetism, paramagnetism and ferromagnetics: general concepts.
- Classical model of atomic diamagnetism.
- Langevin (classical) theory of paramagnetism and electron paramagnetism in metals.
- EM-06: Polarisation of waves and behaviour at plane interfaces
- Transmission lines
|
|
|---|
| 3-L |
PHY3052 - Nuclear & HEP
- Spin and total angular momentum operators, spin-orbit interaction
- Nuclear Models
- QM-10: Nuclear masses and binding energies
- QM-11: Radioactive decay, fission and fusion
- QM-12: Pauli exclusion principle, fermions and bosons and elementary particles
- QM-13: Fundamental forces and the Standard Model
|
PHYM0{01,11} - Thermal and Statistical Physics 2
- Thermodynamic equilibrium
- Reversible, irreversible and quasistatic processes
- Criteria for equilibrium
- Statistical mechanics
- The canonical ensemble and the Boltzmann distribution
- Systems in contact with a heat bath
- Reversible quasistatic processes
- Partition function for ideal gas
- Density of states and distribution function
- Heat capacity of solids (electronic, lattice, nuclear)
- Diffusion of particles between systems
- Quantum gases
- A selection of more-advanced topics
|
|---|
| 4-M |
|
PHYM002 - Quantum Mechanics 2
- Dirac Notation
- Non-degenerate Perturbation Theory
- Degenerate Perturbation Theory
- Quantum Transitions
- Two-particle Systems
- Many-particle Systems
- Nonrelativistic Scattering Theory
- Introduction to Quantum Information
|
|
|---|
| 4-L |
|
PHYM003 - Condensed Matter 2
- Electrons in Solids
- Calculations of Band Stucture
- Tight-binding
- Comparison of tight-binding with the nearly-free electron model
- Brief introduction to other methods, e.g. LCAO, Pseudo-potentials, LMTO, LAPW
- Fermi Surface and Electron Dynamics in Metals.
- Construction of the Fermi surface and Fermi surfaces of some metals.
- Semiclassical model of electron dynamics. Electron motion in crossed magnetic and electric fields.
- Hall effect and magnetoresistance.
- Landau quantisation of the electron spectrum.
- Shubnikov-de Haas and de Haas-van Alphen effects, experimental conditions for their observation.
- Mapping of the Fermi surface in three-dimensional metals.
- Superconductivity
- Difference between 'ideal' metal and superconductor. Specific
features of magnetic, thermal and optical properties of superconductors.
- Isotope effect. The concept of the Cooper pair and the outline of the
Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) theory.
- Josephson effects. High-temperature superconductivity.
- Electrons, Phonons and Photons
- Dispersion relation for electromagnetic waves in solids and the
dielectric function of the electron gas.
- Plasma optics and plasmons.
- Dielectic function and electrostatic screening. Screened Coulomb potential.
- Phonon-photon interaction: polaritons.
- Electron-phonon interaction: polarons.
- Interband transitions
- Electron-hole interaction: excitons.
- Raman Spectra
- Quasiparticles in Low-dimensional Solids
- Excitons, plasmons, polarons, and polaritons
- Magnetic Properties of Solids
- Ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism.
- Spin waves and magnons.
- Giant magneto-resistance.
|
|
|---|
| Stage - Term | Misc. | Module A/C | Module B/D |
|---|
| 3-M |
|
PHY305{1,4} - Electromagnetism 2
- EM-04: Maxwell's equations and plane electromagnetic wave solution; Poynting vector
- Dielectric properties of matter
- SS-07: Magnetic properties of matter
- Diamagnetism, paramagnetism and ferromagnetics: general concepts.
- Classical model of atomic diamagnetism.
- Langevin (classical) theory of paramagnetism and electron paramagnetism in metals.
- EM-06: Polarisation of waves and behaviour at plane interfaces
- Transmission lines
|
|
|---|
| 3-L |
|
|
PHYM0{01,11} - Thermal and Statistical Physics 2
- Thermodynamic equilibrium
- Reversible, irreversible and quasistatic processes
- Criteria for equilibrium
- Statistical mechanics
- The canonical ensemble and the Boltzmann distribution
- Systems in contact with a heat bath
- Reversible quasistatic processes
- Partition function for ideal gas
- Density of states and distribution function
- Heat capacity of solids (electronic, lattice, nuclear)
- Diffusion of particles between systems
- Quantum gases
- A selection of more-advanced topics
|
|---|
| 4-M |
|
PHYM002 - Quantum Mechanics 2
- Dirac Notation
- Non-degenerate Perturbation Theory
- Degenerate Perturbation Theory
- Quantum Transitions
- Two-particle Systems
- Many-particle Systems
- Nonrelativistic Scattering Theory
- Introduction to Quantum Information
|
|
|---|
| 4-L |
PHY3052 - Nuclear & HEP
- Spin and total angular momentum operators, spin-orbit interaction
- Nuclear Models
- QM-10: Nuclear masses and binding energies
- QM-11: Radioactive decay, fission and fusion
- QM-12: Pauli exclusion principle, fermions and bosons and elementary particles
- QM-13: Fundamental forces and the Standard Model
|
PHYM003 - Condensed Matter 2
- Electrons in Solids
- Calculations of Band Stucture
- Tight-binding
- Comparison of tight-binding with the nearly-free electron model
- Brief introduction to other methods, e.g. LCAO, Pseudo-potentials, LMTO, LAPW
- Fermi Surface and Electron Dynamics in Metals.
- Construction of the Fermi surface and Fermi surfaces of some metals.
- Semiclassical model of electron dynamics. Electron motion in crossed magnetic and electric fields.
- Hall effect and magnetoresistance.
- Landau quantisation of the electron spectrum.
- Shubnikov-de Haas and de Haas-van Alphen effects, experimental conditions for their observation.
- Mapping of the Fermi surface in three-dimensional metals.
- Superconductivity
- Difference between 'ideal' metal and superconductor. Specific
features of magnetic, thermal and optical properties of superconductors.
- Isotope effect. The concept of the Cooper pair and the outline of the
Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) theory.
- Josephson effects. High-temperature superconductivity.
- Electrons, Phonons and Photons
- Dispersion relation for electromagnetic waves in solids and the
dielectric function of the electron gas.
- Plasma optics and plasmons.
- Dielectic function and electrostatic screening. Screened Coulomb potential.
- Phonon-photon interaction: polaritons.
- Electron-phonon interaction: polarons.
- Interband transitions
- Electron-hole interaction: excitons.
- Raman Spectra
- Quasiparticles in Low-dimensional Solids
- Excitons, plasmons, polarons, and polaritons
- Magnetic Properties of Solids
- Ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism.
- Spin waves and magnons.
- Giant magneto-resistance.
|
|
|---|
| Stage - Term | Maths | Module A/C | Module B/D |
|---|
| 1-M |
Provided by SMS
|
PHY1021 - Vector Mechanics
- Vectors - addition, subtraction, dot-product, cross-product, components
- Forces
- Torque or Moment of Force
- Work
- Conservative Forces and Conservation of Energy
- Constant gravitational force
- Elastic energy
- Force and Potential Energy
- Momentum and impulse
- Collisions
- Rocket motion
- Projectiles
- CM-01: Newton's laws and conservation laws including rotation
- Circular motion
- Moments of Inertia
- Relativity
- Introduction to Relativity
- The Special Theory of Relativity
- Relativistic Dynamics
- SR-01: Lorentz transformations
- SR-02: The energy-momentum relationship
|
PHY1022 - Introduction to Astrophysics
- Background to quantum mechanics to include:
- QM-01: Black body radiation
- QM-02: Photoelectric effect
- QM-03: Wave-particle duality
- QM-04: Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle
- QM-09: Quantum structure and spectra of simple atoms
- Gravitation
- CM-02: Newtonian gravitation to the level of Kepler's laws
- Molecular Spectra
- Stars and Planets
- Nucleosynthesis
- Neutron stars
- Black holes
- Formation of stars and planets
- Extra-solar planets
- Galaxies
- Large-scale structure
- Interstellar medium
- Redshift
- The Universe
- Birth
- Expansion
- Dark matter
- Dark energy
|
|---|
| 1-L |
As specified by SMS
|
PHY1023 - Waves and Optics
- WV-01: Free, damped, forced and coupled oscillations to include resonance and normal modes
- WV-02: Waves in linear media to the level of group velocity
- WV-03: Waves on strings, sound waves and electromagnetic waves
- WV-04: Doppler effect
- EM-02: DC and AC circuit analysis to the level of complex impedance, transients and resonance
- EM-05: Electromagnetic spectrum
- OP-01: Geometrical optics to the level of simple optical systems
- OP-02: Interference and diffraction at single and multiple apertures
- OP-03: Dispersion by prisms and diffraction gratings
- OP-04: Optical cavities and laser action
|
PHY1024 - Properties of Matter
- SM-01: Kinetic theory of gases and the gas laws to the level of Van der Waals equation
- SS-01: Mechanical properties of matter to include elasticity and thermal expansion
- SS-02: Inter-atomic forces and bonding
- SS-04: Crystal structure and Bragg scattering
- Elasticity
- Hydrostatics
- Surface Tension
- Microscopic Considerations for the Study of Properties of Matter
- Atomic and Molecular Structure
- Structure of Solids
- Structure of Amorphous Solids
- Structure of (Single) Crystals
- Broad Classification of Solids
|
|---|
| 2-M |
As specified by SMS
|
PHY2021 - Electromagnetism 1
- EM-01: Electrostatics and magnetostatics
- EM-02: DC
and AC circuit analysis to the level of complex impedance, transients and resonance
- EM-03: Gauss, Faraday, Ampère, Lenz and Lorentz laws to the level of their vector expression
|
PHY2022 - Quantum Mechanics 1
- Schrödinger wave equation to include:
- QM-05: Wave function and its interpretation
- QM-07: Tunnelling
- Introduction to Angular Momentum operators
- QM-06: Standard solutions and quantum numbers to the level of the hydrogen atom
- QM-08: First order time independent perturbation theory
|
|---|
| 2-L |
As specified by SMS
|
PHY2023 - Thermal and Statistical Physics 1
- TD-01: Zeroth, first and second laws of thermodynamics
- TD-02: Temperature scales, work, internal energy and heat capacity
- TD-03: Entropy, free energies and the Carnot Cycle
- TD-04: Changes of state
- SM-02: Statistical basis of entropy
- SM-03: Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution
- SM-04: Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac distributions
- SM-05: Density of states and partition function
|
|
|---|
| 3-M |
As specified by SMS
|
PHY305{1,4} - Electromagnetism 2
- EM-04: Maxwell's equations and plane electromagnetic wave solution; Poynting vector
- Dielectric properties of matter
- SS-07: Magnetic properties of matter
- Diamagnetism, paramagnetism and ferromagnetics: general concepts.
- Classical model of atomic diamagnetism.
- Langevin (classical) theory of paramagnetism and electron paramagnetism in metals.
- EM-06: Polarisation of waves and behaviour at plane interfaces
- Transmission lines
|
|
|---|
| 3-L |
As specified by SMS
|
PHY3052 - Nuclear & HEP
- Spin and total angular momentum operators, spin-orbit interaction
- Nuclear Models
- QM-10: Nuclear masses and binding energies
- QM-11: Radioactive decay, fission and fusion
- QM-12: Pauli exclusion principle, fermions and bosons and elementary particles
- QM-13: Fundamental forces and the Standard Model
|
|
|---|