BSc (Hons) Astrophysics Bachelor's degree at Royal Holloway, University of London

Develop understanding of solving problems involving one variable (real or complex), differentiation and integration of simple functions, vector algebra and geometry, common probability distributions.

Develop understanding of solving problems involving more than one variable, matrices, eigenvalue problems, vector differential operators including gradient, divergence and curl, Gauss and Stokes theorems.

Develop understanding of good practices in the laboratory, notebook recording, experiment setup, measurements, data analysis, graph plotting using computer package, error estimations.

Develop range of skills in scientific laboratory, use of Mathematica algebra software, individually programmed physics experiments, team investigation of open-ended computational problem.

Develop understanding of applying techniques and formulae of mathematical analysis to solve problems in classical mechanics, statics, dynamics and kinematics for linear and rigid bodies, force diagrams and conservation principles.

Develop understanding of how electric and magnetic fields are generated, properties of capacitors and inductors, circuit analysis, complex numbers for damped harmonic oscillations, transverse and longitudinal waves.

Develop understanding of macroscopic properties of various states of matter, ideal gases, internal energy, heat capacity, thermodynamics, phase equilibrium, van der Waals equation, polymers, colloids, liquid crystals and plasmas.

Develop understanding of building blocks of fundamental physics, Einstein's special theory of relativity, quantum mechanics, wave-particle duality, Schrödinger equation, Big Bang theory and universe formation.

Describe key principles of academic integrity, plagiarism, collusion and commissioning as activities that undermine academic integrity, possible consequences, reflection activities.

Develop understanding of mathematical representation of physical problems, ordinary and partial differential equations, separation of variables method, Laplace's equation, Legendre polynomials, Bessel's equation, Sturm–Liouville theorem, Dirac delta function, Gamma function, Fourier transforms.

Develop understanding of how computers are used in modern science for data analysis and visualisation, Python programming language, numerical calculation, arrays and matrices, data plotting and visualisation, Monte Carlo methods, linear equation solving.

Develop understanding of quantum mechanics and its role in atomic, nuclear, particle and condensed matter physics, wave nature of matter, probabilistic nature of microscopic phenomena, energy quantisation, quantum tunnelling, harmonic oscillator systems and hydrogen atoms.

Develop understanding of properties of light from Maxwell's equations, optical phenomena such as refraction, diffraction and interference, modern applications including virtual reality headsets and gravitational wave detection, masers and lasers, optical imaging and image processing.

Consolidate core laboratory components from other modules and observations to create coherent stand-alone course designed to build lab experience with specialist support.

Develop understanding of how Maxwell unified electrical and magnetic effects with four equations, Einstein's motivation for special theory of relativity, light as electromagnetic phenomenon, electromagnetic spectrum, modern physics and technology.

Develop understanding of thermal physics and elementary quantum mechanics, thermodynamic properties of ideal gas, Schrödinger's equation solutions, negative temperature, superfluidity, superconductivity, entropy, black-body radiation.

Develop understanding of physical properties of solids, structure and symmetry, dislocation and plastic deformation, electrical characteristics of metals and semiconductors, x-ray diffraction, thermal properties of photons, energy bands, Bloch theorem, magnetism.

Build on skills developed in second year to prepare for final year project and beyond, advanced data analysis techniques, group project, introduction to research activities within Department, report writing and oral presentations.

Provide high point of three-year physics degree, use scientific knowledge, plan and execute extended experimental or theoretical investigation, communication skills to describe results, research techniques, presentation of results. Project in physics, electronics or astrophysics, experimental or theoretical emphasis.

Introduce advanced level of quantum theory, bra–ket (Dirac) notation, vector space and matrix representation, ladder operator approach, angular momentum including spin, spin-1/2 systems, Pauli matrices, identical particles, fermions and bosons, angular momentum addition, perturbation theory, variational and WKB methods, Fermi's Golden Rule.

Develop understanding of physics of elementary particles and their interactions, experimental techniques, quark model, leptons, lepton numbers, strange particles, heavy quarks, quantum numbers, electroweak unification, W and Z bosons, Higgs mechanism, QCD, energy loss processes, particle detectors, accelerators, applications. Extended topics: deep inelastic scattering, supersymmetry, beyond Standard Model, dark matter, neutrino oscillations.

Learn experimental and calculation techniques of astronomy as observational science, how astronomical observations are made and interpreted, leading to astrophysical measurements, theoretical background, celestial neighbours in solar system, formation and surface processes, observations in different wavelengths, Earth and space-based telescopes and instruments, basic parameters and measurements including coordinate systems, timekeeping, magnitude, luminosity, colour, mass, distance, temperature,

Develop understanding of physical principles governing structure and evolution of stars, observational data such as luminosity, temperature, spectra, mass and radius, stellar interiors and atmospheres, energy generation and transport through radiation and convection, different stages in life of a star from formation onwards.