MSci (Hons) Astrophysics Integrated Master's degree at Royal Holloway, University of London

Develop an understanding of how to solve problems involving one variable (either real or complex) and differentiate and integrate simple functions. Learn how to use vector algebra and geometry and how to use the common probability distributions.

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

Develop an understanding of good practices in the laboratory. Keep a notebook, recording experimental work as you do it. Set up an experiment from a script, and carry out and record measurements. Learn how to analyse data and plot graphs using a computer package, and present results and conclusions including error estimations from your experiments.

Develop a range of skills in the scientific laboratory. Learn how to use the Mathematica algebra software package to solve simple problems and carry out a number of individually programmed physics experiments. Work as part of a team to investigate an open-ended computational problem.

Develop an understanding of how to apply the techniques and formulae of mathematical analysis, in particular the use of vectors and calculus, to solve problems in classical mechanics. Look at statics, dynamics and kinematics as applied to linear and rigid bodies.

Develop an understanding of how electric and magnetic fields are generated from static charges and constant currents flowing through wires. Derive the properties of capacitors and inductors from first principles, and learn how to analyse simple circuits. Use complex numbers to describe damped harmonic oscillations, and the motion of transverse and longitudinal waves.

Develop an understanding of the macroscopic properties of the various states of matter, looking at elementary ideas such as ideal gases, internal energy and heat capacity. Using classical models of thermodynamics, examine gases, liquids, solids, and the transitions between these states.

Develop an understanding of the building blocks of fundamental physics. Look at Einstein's special theory of relativity, considering time-dilation and length contraction, the basics of quantum mechanics, for example wave-particle duality, and the Schrödinger equation. Examine concepts in astrophysics such as the Big Bang theory and how the Universe came to be the way we observe it today.

Describe the key principles of academic integrity, focusing on university assignments. Plagiarism, collusion and commissioning will be described as activities that undermine academic integrity, and the possible consequences of engaging in such activities will be described.

Develop an understanding of the mathematical representation of physical problems, and the physical interpretation of mathematical equations. Study both ordinary and partial differential equations, and learn about their properties: linear, order, homogeneous and inhomogeneous. Learn to solve partial differential equations using the separation of variables method, and solve Laplace's equation in Cartesian, polar and spherical coordinates.

Develop an understanding of how computers are used in modern science for data analysis and visualisation. Be introduced to the intuitive programming language, Python, and looking at the basics of numerical calculation. Examine the usage of arrays and matrices, how to plot and visualise data, how to evaluate simple and complex expressions, how to sample using the Monte Carlo methods, and how to solve linear equations.

Develop an understanding of quantum mechanics and its role in and atomic, nuclear, particle and condensed matter physics. Look at the wave nature of matter and the probabilistic nature of microscopic phenomena. Learn how to use the key equation of quantum mechanics to describe fundamental phenomena, such as energy quantisation and quantum tunnelling.

Consolidate the core laboratory components from other modules, together with the observations previously contained within PH2900 Astronomy, to create a coherent, stand-alone course designed to build your lab experience with more specialist support, enabling you to engage better with course material.

Develop an understanding of the properties of light, starting from Maxwell's equations. Look at optical phenomena such as refraction, diffraction and interference, and how they are exploited in modern applications, from virtual reality headsets to the detection of gravitational waves. Examine masers and lasers, and their usage in optical imaging and image processing.

Develop an understanding of how James Clerk Maxwell unified all known electrical and magnetic effects with just four equations, providing Einstein's motivation for developing the special theory of relativity, explaining light as an electromagnetic phenomenon, and predicting the electromagnetic spectrum.

Develop an understanding of thermal physics and elementary quantum mechanics. Look at the thermodynamic properties of an ideal gas, examining the solutions of Schrödinger's equation for particles in a box, and phenomena such as negative temperature, superfluidity and superconductivity. Consider the thermodynamic equilibrium process, entropy in thermo-dynamics, and black-body radiation.

Develop an understanding of the physical properties of solids. Look at their structure and symmetry, concepts of dislocation and plastic deformation, and the electrical characteristics of metals, alloys and semiconductors. Examine methods of probing solids and x-ray diffraction, and the thermal properties of photons.

Develop an understanding of the core principles and mathematics of general relativity. Learn how gravity arises from the curvature of spacetime, and explore the equivalence principle and tensor analysis in flat and curved spaces. Study Einstein's field equations in both vacuum and matter-filled spacetimes, and apply them to phenomena such as gravitational redshift, light bending, black holes, cosmology and gravitational waves.

Build on skills developed in the second year to prepare you for the final year project and beyond. Plan and carry out three assignments: the first introduces advanced data analysis techniques, and the second is a group project. Through the mini-project, be introduced to some of the research activities within the Department and to the methods of working within the groups.

Introduce a more advanced level of quantum theory than experienced in earlier years. Understand and use the bra–ket (Dirac) notation for quantum states, understand and use the vector space and matrix representation of operator formalism, expansion of any states in terms of some complete set, the ladder operator approach to the harmonic oscillator, and generalise the definition of angular momentum to include spin and solve the generalised angular momentum eigenvalue problem employing raising and

Develop an understanding of the physics of elementary particles and their interactions, as well as experimental techniques to study these. Topics include the simple quark model, leptons and lepton numbers, strange particles, heavy quarks, quantum numbers, electroweak unification, W and Z bosons, the Higgs mechanism, and QCD. Energy loss processes, particle detectors, accelerators, and spin-off applications will also be studied.

Learn the experimental and calculation techniques of astronomy as an observational science. The course covers how astronomical observations are made and interpreted, leading to astrophysical measurements, and the necessary theoretical background to astronomy. Introduces our nearest celestial neighbours in the solar system and how to understand current theories on how these bodies formed and what processes shaped their surfaces.

Develop an understanding of the physical principles that govern the structure and evolution of stars. Learn how observational data such as luminosity, temperature, spectra, mass and radius are used to study stellar properties. Explore the physics of stellar interiors and atmospheres, including energy generation and transport through radiation and convection.