BSc (Hons) Physics with Teaching Bachelor's degree at Strathclyde

An introduction to working in a laboratory environment. Design and undertake simple experiments related to the taught components of the first-year physics curriculum. Write formal reports, perform simple uncertainty analysis, make dimensional analysis of physical systems, and perform simple data analysis with Python.

Understanding of motion of simple mechanical systems, gravitation and simple harmonic motion. Fundamentals of wave propagation and the superposition of waves as well simple optical phenomena such as diffraction.

Introduction to quantum mechanics and electromagnetism. Experimental observations that resulted in the development of quantum mechanics, such as the photoelectric effect and blackbody radiation. Basic electrostatics and magnetostatics and development of an understanding of Maxwell's equations and the Lorentz force law.

Mathematics necessary to support the physics curriculum. Topics ranging from differentiation and integration, complex numbers, an introduction to linear algebra and vectors. Application of mathematical knowledge to related problems in physics.

Introduction to the Python programming language to write simple programmes to model physical systems. Development of study and communication skills, and interaction with the careers service to develop employability skills. Involvement in a group project.

Builds on Mechanics and Waves from year 1. Introduction to special relativity, the vector treatment of rotational motion and the behaviour of systems when forced to oscillate. Introduction to the wave equation, Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction, interference, geometrical optics, and the operation of lasers.

Binding forces in solids, bulk material properties, phonons and other forms of collective excitations, crystal structure, elementary concepts of band structure, semi-conductors, magnetic materials and the origins of magnetism, and superconductors.

Physics of gases and liquids and the fundamentals of thermodynamics. Ideal gas law, hydrostatics, isothermal and adiabatic processes, and the laws of thermodynamics. Basic principles of statistical mechanics, and various distributions such as Maxwellian, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein.

Experiments covering a range of topics relevant to the Physics undergraduate syllabus in Year 3. Laboratory work is open ended and less structured to demonstrate the skills developed in Year 1 and Year 2 in preparation for the final year project. Development of advanced measurement, data recording and analysis skills and refinement of ability to explain findings.

Extension of the laboratory work in Experimental Physics I. Open-ended problems giving time to further develop exploratory skills, initiative and evaluate different experimental approaches. Application of advanced measurement, data recording and analysis skills and reporting of experimental outcomes in the form of a journal paper.

Introduction of new techniques in mathematical physics and the best practises in software development. Development of problem-solving skills through a series of challenging tutorial problems. Numerical methods most commonly used to solve physical problems including linear algebra, partial, ordinary and stochastic differential equations, and Fourier methods.

Exploration of the theoretical underpinnings of education. Engagement with issues of the nature and the purpose of education, social justice and equality, and practice and policy in relation to ethical and political ideas. Reflection on values and beliefs in relation to a range of educational questions and issues. Consideration of how theoretical underpinnings relate to the classroom and how developing understanding translates into the education context. Human Rights and Learning for Sustainabil

Development of students as enquiring self-reflective practitioners who are able to work collaboratively to develop skills, knowledge and expertise in an area of professional practice. Support for development as autonomous, transformative leaders of change. Development of the skills and expertise necessary to respond to the changing circumstances of the learning communities encountered.