BSc (Hons) Physics with Philosophy Bachelor's degree at Royal Holloway, University of London

Development of understanding of how to solve problems involving one variable (either real or complex) and differentiate and integrate simple functions. Learning vector algebra and geometry and common probability distributions.

Development of understanding of how to solve problems involving more than one variable. Learning to use matrices and solve eigenvalue problems, and manipulate vector differential operators, including gradient, divergence and curl.

Development of understanding of good practices in the laboratory. Keeping a notebook, recording experimental work, setting up experiments, carrying out and recording measurements, analysing data and plotting graphs, and presenting results and conclusions including error estimations.

Development of understanding of how to apply the techniques and formulae of mathematical analysis to solve problems in classical mechanics. Looking at statics, dynamics and kinematics as applied to linear and rigid bodies.

Development of understanding of the macroscopic properties of the various states of matter, examining ideal gases, internal energy, heat capacity, phase equilibrium, the van der Waals equation, and other states of matter including polymers, colloids, liquid crystals and plasmas.

Development of understanding of the building blocks of fundamental physics, including Einstein's special theory of relativity, basic quantum mechanics, the Schrödinger equation, and concepts in astrophysics such as the Big Bang theory.

Introduction to basic topics in contemporary epistemology, addressing questions such as what is knowledge, why is knowledge valuable, how do we acquire and pass on knowledge, and is there such a thing as collective knowledge.

Learning to reason critically: distinguishing between bad arguments and good ones, supporting evidence from mere distraction. Development of skills required to present points forcefully and rationally.

Development of understanding of the formal study of arguments through sentential or propositional logic and predicate logic. Learning to present and analyse arguments formally, and examination of logical analysis and its implications for philosophical inquiry.

Development of understanding of the relationship between the mind and the brain. Examination of key theories from Descartes' dualist conception through to Chalmers's conception of consciousness. Consideration of famous thought experiments including the Chinese Room, Mary and the black-and-white room, and zombie consciousness.

Development of understanding of the central problems and debates within moral philosophy and aesthetics. Study of metaphysical and ethical relativism, how the individual is related to society, and the nature of work of art, including approaches from Anglo-American and European philosophy.

Development of understanding of the mathematical representation of physical problems and the physical interpretation of mathematical equations. Study of ordinary and partial differential equations, separation of variables method, solutions in Cartesian, polar and spherical coordinates, Dirac delta function, Gamma function, and Fourier transforms.

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

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

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

Development of understanding of thermal physics and elementary quantum mechanics. Study of thermodynamic properties of ideal gases, solutions of Schrödinger's equation for particles in a box, negative temperature, superfluidity, superconductivity, thermodynamic equilibrium, entropy, and black-body radiation.

Development of understanding of how electric and magnetic fields are generated from static charges and constant currents. Derivation of properties of capacitors and inductors, analysis of simple circuits, use of complex numbers to describe damped harmonic oscillations and the motion of transverse and longitudinal waves.

Study of key texts by Immanuel Kant, foundation of Modern European Philosophy. Examination of Kant's Critique of Pure Reason and how philosophy responds to situations where it can no longer rely on theological support for its claims about truth and morality.

Development of understanding of how rationalist and empiricist traditions in philosophy influence contemporary thought. Study of the mind-body problem, connections between analytic and European traditions with respect to language, subjectivity, and phenomenology of experience, and the importance of consciousness.

Development of understanding of the properties of light starting from Maxwell's equations. Study of optical phenomena such as refraction, diffraction and interference, modern applications including virtual reality headsets and detection of gravitational waves, and masers and lasers.

Development of understanding of how James Clerk Maxwell unified all known electrical and magnetic effects with four equations. Examination of Maxwell's equations and their consequences, how Maxwell's work underpins modern physics and technology, and how electromagnetism provides the paradigm for the study of all other forces.

Development of advanced skills for the final year project. Planning and carrying out three assignments including advanced data analysis techniques, a group project, and a mini-project introducing research activities within the Department. Practice in report writing and oral presentations.

High point of the three-year physics degree enabling use of scientific knowledge, abilities to plan and execute an extended experimental or theoretical investigation, and communication skills to describe results. Choice of project in physics, electronics or astrophysics, experimental or theoretical in emphasis.

Overall view of the generation, transmission, storage and usage of energy (conventional and renewables). Examination of the relationship between energy production, politics, economics and environmental pollution, particularly as regards to global warming.