BSc (Hons) Physics with Astronomy Bachelor's degree at the University of Surrey

This module covers some of the fundamental principles in classical physics including a discussion of units of measurement, the kinematics and dynamics of objects and conservation laws. This material revises and builds upon concepts that are first encountered in the A-level physics course and the study of mechanics as part of A-level mathematics.

This module provides essential mathematical skills required for the physical sciences programme. It develops the underpinning mathematics needed by physical scientists and supports students with different levels of mathematical preparation on entry to the University. The mathematics units are delivered through supervised self study to allow flexible learning patterns. Teaching is supported by tutorial classes where students receive guidance and feedback while developing their mathematical skills

This module covers a wide range of generic skills important in scientific investigation. These skills cover data handling, statistical analysis, Python programming skills, scientific writing, ethics (including academic misconduct), group working covering problem-solving, and public communication, plus library-based information research skills including information retrieval and referencing.

This module covers introductory concepts of simple harmonic motion and waves, drawing on and bringing together examples from different branches of physics including mechanics, optics, electronics, and electromagnetism. Some of these concepts will build upon examples that may have been encountered as part of the Physics A-level material but others are new. It combines the mathematical description, physical interpretation as well as experiments and their analysis of oscillations and wave phenomena

This module introduces many of the fundamental concepts in astronomy, cosmology and relativity theory. It begins with classical (Newtonian) celestial mechanics, properties of stars and galaxies and some of the tools required in observation in Astronomy. Then it moves on to outline the concepts which underpin Einstein's Special and General theories of relativity discussing events and physical phenomena from different frames of reference and in different co-ordinate systems, and the way in which m

This module builds on the Essential Mathematics module to develop further mathematical and computational skills as an aid to understanding and exploring physics concepts. The mathematics Units of Assessment are taught in lecture-based classes with associated workshop sessions, and cover multi-variable calculus, Fourier Series The computational part of the course consists of a series of assessed exercises, with classroom support, which develop computational problem solving skills, and link in wit

This module will introduce the classical physics that is relevant to gases and condensed matter, making use of the thermodynamic equations of state. The emphasis will be on the structure of matter and its relationship to mechanical and thermal properties, such as elasticity and thermal expansivity. Laws of classical thermodynamics will be introduced. The module will prepare the student for the study of solid state physics and advanced thermodynamics at Level FHEQ 5.

This module identifies the new theories necessary to describe physical processes when we go beyond the normal speeds and sizes experienced in everyday life. A review of new phenomena that led to the development of quantum theory follows naturally into an introduction to the theory of atomic structure. Along the way, the Schrödinger equation is introduced and elementary applications are considered. Several important aspects of the structure and spectroscopy of atoms are considered in detail. The

This module considers develops both the thermodynamic and statistical descriptions of energy and entropy. In addition it builds on the introductory Level FHEQ 4 computing modules to develop the skills needed for computational physics. The module will explore various meanings and definitions of entropy. Knowledge of thermodynamics will then be applied to problem solving. The module will build upon the knowledge obtained of the laws of thermodynamics introduced in Properties of Matter at Level FHE

The module will introduce the physical significance and the mathematical methods (and selected theorems) of the operators of vector calculus: div, grad and curl in different co-ordinate systems. The module will introduce the partial differential equations of mathematical physics and their solution for selected physical systems involving different co-ordinate systems and involving time. The module will introduce the foundations of electromagnetism, up to Gauss' Law and Laplace's equation, as a ma

This module has two independent halves, on crystallography and on optical applications of solids. The crystallography half-module will describe crystal structures, crystalline lattices and their study with X-rays. It will introduce the concept of quantisation of lattice vibrations (phonons). The optical applications half-module will describe band theory of solids, how it can be controlled, and how it affects the absorption, reflection, propagation, emission from molecules to nano-materials to bu

The Quantum Physics course focuses on the basic formalism of quantum mechanics, its physical interpretation and its application to simple problems. The emphasis is on elementary (one-dimensional) quantum physics, including the infinite-potential well, the parabolic well, one-dimensional step and barrier potentials.

This module deals with the physics of atoms, including atomic spectra. It will introduce the effects on atoms due to electric and magnetic fields. The physics of diatomic molecules will be discussed, including how spectroscopic techniques can be used to study more complex molecules. Finally, by understanding how atoms interact with light, the module will introduce the principles of the laser. The module includes a laboratory component in which ideas from the lectures will be explored.