Physics

Nottingham Trent University

United Kingdom, Nottingham

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Nottingham Trent University

United Kingdom , Nottingham

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

350K

Campuses

Clifton Campus

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2023

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 16,500 / year

Next Intake September-2023

Physics

About

This course is perfect for you if you have a keen interest in physics. It really is the perfect blend of learning, both in the classroom and in the lab. We'll build your knowledge and theory whilst developing your hands-on skills in our well-equipped laboratories.

You'll start with studying the fundamental concepts of undergraduate physics before exploring some of the fascinating and more specialist topics â€“ all at the cutting edge of physics and taught by our expert staff.

Employers want confident and experienced physics graduates. We'll support you every step of the way to gain that vital experience. Our expert staff will provide support and guidance throughout your final year project, you can volunteer in our research labs, apply to take a one year placement in industry and your personal tutor will be there to provide the help and guidance that you need.

Why choose this course?

You'll learn in inspiring environments. We have a custom-built, on-campus observatory recognised by the International Astronomical Union, a radio telescope, a CT scanner, new microscopes, MRI scanners, a scanning tunneling microscope and an ionising radiation laboratory. This ensures that you get the practical experience you need to pursue a successful career.
You'll study innovative accredited courses. Our pioneering courses and research are carried out in close collaboration with university and industry partners worldwide, giving our students skills and knowledge which are highly relevant to the needs of industry. Our undergraduate MSci and BSc physics courses are accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) which will help you to achieve Chartered Physicist status sooner.
You'll help to deliver research with impact. Our physics staff contribute to research activity in a number of areas including Superhydrophobic Surfaces, Medical Resonance Imaging, Art Conservation and Space Weather. Every year approximately ten of our students undertake paid summer placements in these research groups, giving them hands-on experience of cutting edge research groups. NTU has recently been awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize for research â€“ the highest national award achievable.
You'll have the opportunity to get experience. Our courses offer the opportunity to apply for a placement in the UK or abroad, giving you the real-life experience employers are looking for. Recent year-long placements have taken place at CERN, E.ON, The Netherlands Forensic Institute and Diamond Light Source. There are paid summer placements in our research groups, where you get hands-on research experience. Our students have also undertaken paid summer placements in local secondary schools and at British Antarctic Survey.

Top 10 for student satisfaction in Physics (National Student Survey, 2022)

About the Physics Team

Our expert staff are constantly updating the way in which they teach Physics. Most of our staff conduct cutting-edge research and bring these inspirational results into their teaching. This ensures that what you learn is exciting, relevant and up-to-date.

Ed Breeds is a talented and cheerful lecturer, communicating topics in undergraduate physics in an entertaining and accessible manner. He spends most of his weekends telling the public all about physics at science festivals and events too!

Professor Haida Liang is an internationally recognised expert in advanced optical imaging and sensing for archaeology, art history and conservation, a field in which she applies her background training in astrophysics.

Dr Michael Newton is a Chartered Engineer and has more than 30 years of experience in the development of experimental equipment and instrumentation.

Dr David Fairhurst is an accomplished researcher in the behaviour of liquid droplets. He received the Vice Chancellor's Award for Teaching in recognition of his inspirational teaching.

Dr Dan Brown, who teaches astronomy modules, is regularly interviewed on radio and TV for his astronomy work with schools and other outreach events.

Dr Nicolas Sawyer has a very student friendly approach to being Year One Tutor, along with expertise in optics and imaging.

Dr Martin Bencsik, who teaches and researches into MRI, studied for his PhD with the Nobel-prize winning Physicist Sir Peter Mansfield, co-inventor of MRI.

Visit our academic team pages to find out more about our approach to teaching, our partners and research interests.

Learn a new language

Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.

Year One
Year Two
Optional placement year
Final year

Concepts of Astronomy and Cosmology

Get an introduction into astronomical objects and their nature, as well as using measurements of light and movement to determine the physical and dynamical characteristics of the solar system.

Matter: Evidence for Quantisation

Providing you with knowledge in elementary quantum ideas and nuclear physics, you will develop your ability to understand and apply mathematical techniques in a scientific manner.

Ideas of Motion â€“ From Galileo to Einstein

Understand how force and motion are related, from the ideas of Galileo through to Newton's laws of motion up to Einstein's special theory of relativity.

Introduction to Laboratory Software

Learn basic concepts of program design, and gain the knowledge and skills to implement software solutions to scientific problems.

Laboratory Instrumentation and Physics Skills

This module provides an underpinning of essential professional, laboratory and IT skills, including physical principles of electronics-based measurement instruments.

Mathematical Techniques

This module provides the mathematical tools you need to support your studies in Physics, including the concepts of matrix and vector algebra, and their application to real examples in Physics.

Ionising Radiation and Non-invasive Imaging

Learn about how different types of radiation interact; the beneficial and detrimental effects of Ionising Radiations (IR); and the principles of imaging techniques such as Ultrasonic and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This module includes a substantial number of experiments in our dedicated Ionising Radiation laboratory.

Fundamental Forces

Develop an understanding and appreciation of the principles, applications and relationships of the fundamental forces of nature: electromagnetism, gravity and strong and weak nuclear forces.

The Quantum World

Learn introductory quantum mechanics through the solution of the Schrodinger equation for model problems. This will reinforce your ability to deploy mathematical techniques.

Optics and Semiconductors

Study a range of topics concerned with geometrical and physical optics, and with the elucidation of the principles of operation of semiconductor devices through the application of solid state theory.

Thermal and Environmental Physics

Learn about the principles of thermal physics, including: heat transfer processes, thermal expansion of materials, behaviour of gases, atmospheric physics, the northern lights and the physics of climate change.

Digital Techniques

Learn about the concepts of digital electronics and digital data processing, including scientific image processing, the structure of a computer and its modes of communicating with other systems.

You have the option to undertake a one year work placements in industry. On successful completion you will gain an additional award â€“ the Placement Diploma in Professional Practice.

If you are not taking a placement you will progress directly to your final year in year three.

Condensed Matter

Study macroscopic properties of matter, beginning with ideas of statistical mechanics and progressing to encompass the structure of matter, magnetic and transport properties.

Project and Professional Skills

You will spend at least one full day per week in the laboratory undertaking novel research, using modern equipment. You will learn the techniques required to formulate a research project, carry out a literature review, perform critical appraisal of published research and scientific presenting. Recent projects have included building a 3D printer, optimising MRI hardware and studying the chaotic behaviour of a dripping tap.

Advanced Experimental Techniques

You will gain an insight into a wide range of sophisticated experimental techniques through innovative interactive classroom sessions and in-depth practical work.

Optional modules

General Relativity

Study some of the most exciting topics at the forefront of physics. These include Einstein's happiest thought, gravitational waves, the nature of curved space-time around black holes and the unfortunate consequences of anything that approaches too closely.

Cosmology: Theory and Observation

Delve into the wonders of theoretical cosmology in lectures, and practical astronomy in laboratory sessions. You will gain a broad knowledge of modern cosmology as well as practical training in astronomical imaging, data analysis, and explaining your research to your peers.

Laboratory Interfaces and Control

Learn about a range of standard computer interfaces that are encountered within the science laboratory and develop ideas of instrument control and signal processing.

Physics and Technology of Nuclear Reactors

This module will give you an insight into the physics that underpins the design and operation of a wide range of nuclear reactors. You will look at current issues in nuclear power generation, including safety, decommissioning, and public perceptions of nuclear power generation, and will learn the real facts and physics behind some famous accidents and near-misses that have taken place within the nuclear industry. You will take a detailed look at the physics behind the fusion process, and at the technology required to bring this source of energy to fruition. You will study the neutron processes taking place within the core of a thermal fission reactor, culminating in a study of reactor kinetics â€“ a quantitative approach to finding out how the neutron population changes over time when small changes are made to the core, including the role played by reactor poisons. Studying this module will enable you to develop a base of knowledge and skills of value to the nuclear industry.

Advanced Quantum Mechanics & Quantum Computing

In this module you will cover some of the greatest intellectual achievements of physics including the explanation of the universe on the smallest length scale.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Your qualification	You could study
Secondary School Certificate (Tawjihi) Grade 75%+	International Year One courses at NTIC
Two year Post Tawjihi from Higher Technical Institutes or Commercial Institutes	Students who have studied for two years after the Tawjihi can be considered for Year One undergraduate courses
OND / HND and Associate Degrees	Advanced entry (Year Two or Three) undergraduate courses

Your qualification

You could study

Secondary School Certificate (Tawjihi)

Grade 75%+

International Year One courses at NTIC

Two year Post Tawjihi from Higher Technical Institutes or Commercial Institutes

Students who have studied for two years after the Tawjihi can be considered for Year One undergraduate courses

OND / HND and Associate Degrees

Advanced entry (Year Two or Three) undergraduate courses

Career

Your career development

This course prepares you for a wide range of career opportunities both inside and outside physics. It'll help you to develop numerical, analytical and computational skills which are greatly respected by employers. You'll also gain essential, transferable skills including report communication, team working and problem solving.

Our recent graduates have secured roles at companies including:

Science and Technology Facilities Council
NHS
MHR
Balfour Beatty
Caterpillar Inc

They have gone into a wide variety of job roles including:

Public Engagement of Science Officer
Software architect
NHS Scientist Training Programme
Physicist
Geophysicist
Secondary School Physics Science Technician

Many graduates also choose to undertake further study on one of our Masters-level courses or MPhil and PhD research degrees in areas including Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Quantum Computing and Detector Research.

Excellent placement opportunities

NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That's why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with a range of career programmes and events.

On this course, after your second year, you will have the opportunity to take a year's work placement (sandwich placement). This will give you the chance to gain vital experience and put your knowledge into practice. You're also twice as likely to secure a graduate job within six months if you take a work placement.

Our recent students have taken placements across a wide range of companies including Science and Technology Facilities Council, CERN, and National Grid. They secured varied roles such as Ultrafast Laser Scientists, Applied Scientist and Safety Support Intern.

You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you successfully complete your placement, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Diploma in Professional Practice.

We also offer shorter (usually eight week) paid placements in our research groups and in local secondary schools.

Find out more about work placements.

NTU Enterprise

You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

GBP 16,500 / year

How to Apply

You can apply through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.