The University of Sheffield
Department of Physics and Astronomy

Our physics degree courses

Our other courses: Astrophysics courses, Specialist physics courses

Sarah O'SullivanWhat our students say

"As someone who spent a few years out of education before coming to uni, I've been very well supported in the physics department. It is a friendly department and it's easy to approach staff to ask for advice. The course has been suitably challenging but doesn't assume that everyone has remembered everything from their A-levels without needing a little reminder so there's been plenty of opportunity for me to recall forgotten topics. I've also found that the department is not so large that students feel lost in a mass of other undergraduates, which really helped me integrate back into education as a mature student."

Sarah O'Sullivan (BSc Physics)

Core and optional modules

Examples of the 4 year MPhys degree modules are shown below. Our 3 year BSc course includes the content shown up to Year 3.

Sample module descriptions

Detailed descriptions of some modules are shown below. Most of the modules are assessed by a combination of examination (around 70%) and coursework (30%).

Year 1

Mechanics, Electricity, Waves and Relativity

This module provides a basic grounding in elementary mechanics including Newton's Laws of motion and gravitation, the conservation laws of momentum and energy and collisions. The rotational dynamics of rigid bodies is covered, together with moments of inertia and angular momentum. Introduction to electromagnetism included in this module covers the Coulomb force, concepts of electric field, potential and potential energy. Also included are capacitance, Kirchhoff’s laws and simple networks. The waves course involves a description of transverse and longitudinal waves, sound, interference, Doppler effect and other topics. The relativity course includes time dilation, Lorentz contraction, Lorentz transformations, and introductory relativistic energy and momentum.

The Physics of Sustainable Energy

The module will cover current energy requirements and what energy could potentially be provided by the various forms of renewable energy. The course will commence with a discussion of the basic physics of energy, power and work and the conversion of energy from one form to another. We examine in detail the history of global energy usage and how we produce and use energy in the UK. We will then explore the impacts that this energy use has on the biosphere and climate and the public perception of such processes. The course will then focus on the energy content of objects and processes we take for granted and will then move on to means by which we can produce energy using renewable technologies, such as wind, wave, solar, biofuels etc. We will also examine nuclear (fusion and fission) energy and will discuss their principles and practical implementation. Finally, we will consider solutions to our energy needs, including transportation, energy conservation, carbon capture and geoengineering.

Year 2

From Thermodynamics to Quantum Mechanics

This module provides a rigorous introduction to quantum mechanics via the Schrodinger equation and its application to a number of quantum systems. The concepts of operators and eigenstates in quantum mechanics and the importance of measurements are considered. The second main field of modern physics, special relativity, is applied to the study of the dynamics of particles travelling with velocities close to the speed of light. Thermodynamics is applied to model a number of thermal systems and provides an understanding of the eventual heat death of the universe. The nature of the structure and dynamical properties of solids is covered. The physics content of the module is supported by relevant mathematics, including differential equations needed to understand a wide range of dynamic systems and the maths behind MP3 encoding.

From Electromagnetism to Atomic and Nuclear Physics

Continuing the study of quantum mechanics this module applies the Schrodinger equation to increasingly complex systems and considers some of the puzzles and paradoxes that arise in this field. The physics of the very tiny, atoms and nuclei, builds on the quantum mechanics developed in this and the previous module. Statistical physics demonstrates how basic probability concepts can be used to accurately model a wide range of systems from gases to photons. The properties of electrons in a solid, vital to our understanding of technologically important metals and semiconductors, are covered. A full description of the properties of electric and magnetic fields is developed; leading to the prediction of electromagnetic waves.

Year 3

Nuclear Physics

This course aims to cover the general properties of nuclei, to examine the characteristics of the nuclear force, to introduce the principal models of the nucleus, to discuss radioactivity and interactions with matter, to study nuclear reactions, in particular fission, fusion and the bomb, and to develop problem solving skills in all these areas. The motivation is that nuclear processes play a fundamental role in the physical world, in the origin of the universe, in the creation of the chemical elements, as the energy source of the stars and in the basic constituents of matter plus the best of all motives curiosity.

Particle Physics

This Level 3 Physics half module introduces students to the exciting field of modern particle physics. It provides the mathematical tools of relativistic kinematics, enabling them to study interactions and decays and evaluate scattering form factors. Particles are classified as fermions the constituents of matter (quarks and leptons) – or as bosons, the propagators of field. The four fundamental interactions are outlined. Three are studied in detail: Feynman diagrams are introduced to describe higher order quantum electrodynamics; weak interactions are discussed from beta decay to high energy electroweak unification; strong interactions, binding quarks into hadrons, are presented with the experimental evidence for colour. The role symmetry plays in the allowed particles and their interactions is emphasised.

Atomic and Laser Physics

The course begins with a review of the Schrodinger equation for the hydrogen atom and the atomic wave functions that emerge from it. It then covers atomic selection rules, spectral fine structure and the effects of external fields. The spectra of selected multielectron atoms are described. The basic operation of the laser is then covered by introducing the concepts of stimulated emission and population inversion. The course concludes with a description of common lasers and their applications, including laser cooling of atoms.

Year 4

Nuclear Astrophysics

This module will help the student to develop their understanding of the process of nucleosynthesis and the dispersal of chemical elements in the Universe. We will study characteristics of primary cosmic rays, their interactions with the Earth’s atmosphere and possible mechanisms of their acceleration. We will examine the evidence for the present distribution of the chemical elements in the Universe, study the various nuclear processes that have led to the evolution of these elemental abundances, and discuss the possible astrophysical objects where these elements are produced.

Magnetic Resonance: Principles and Applications

The module will provide an overview of the basics of magnetic resonance, and then consider its applications in systems ranging from macroscopic living organisms, as in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) widely used in hospitals, to nanoscale systems where control of single or a few spins is now possible and can also be used for nanoimaging. Special attention will be paid to recent advances in solidstate nanoNMR and the control of single electron spins in solid state nanosystems using spin resonance techniques.

Biological Physics

This module will introduce students to biological physics, that is, the application of principles and tools from physics to biological systems. Biological materials are often soft condensed matter with properties between those of simple liquids and solids. In addition biological matter is usually out of equilibrium due to internal biochemical sources of energy. Students will begin to explore the world of biological cells and biopolymer macromolecules, such as DNA. They will see how physics can help understand biological systems through mathematical models and experimental imaging techniques and how this can lead to new physics and applications in biology.

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Detailed module descriptions

Year 1 modules

MAS165

Mathematics for Physicists

  • Revision and applications. Basic vectors; unit vector; addition of vectors.
  • Scalar and vector products. Differentiation of vectors; velocity; speed, acceleration in cartesian coordinates.
  • Radial and transverse components of velocity and acceleration and their application to simple problems in mechanics.
  • Straight line in three dimensions. Equation of a plane perpendicular to a given direction through a point and through three points. Distance of a point from a line and from a plane.
  • Advanced vector analysis: Elementary partial differentiation. Grad, div and curl in cartesian coordinates. Simple geometrical applications. Problems in electrostatics. Introduction of cylindrical and spherical polars and formulae for grad, div and curl in these coordinates.
  • Multiple integrals: Repeated integrals, double integrals, volume integrals (including cases of cylindrical and spherical polars) and simple applications.
  • Line integrals, surface integrals.
  • The Theorems of Gauss and Stokes. Simple applications.

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PHY101

Mechanics, Electricity, Waves and Relativity

This first of the two modules.
Level 1 Physics course, provides a basic grounding in elementary mechanics including Newton's Laws of motion and gravitation, the conservation laws of momentum and energy and collisions. The rotational dynamics of rigid bodies is covered, together with moments of inertia and angular momentum. Electromagnetism I covers the Coulomb force, concepts of electric field, potential and potential energy. Also included are capacitance, Kirchhoff’s laws and simple networks. The waves course involves a description of transverse and longitudinal waves, sound, interference, Doppler effect and other topics. The relativity course includes time dilation, Lorentz contraction, Lorentz transformations, and introductory relativistic energy and momentum.

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PHY102

Heat, Magnetism, Optics and Quantum Mechanics

Together with PHY101, this full module constitutes the Level 1 Physics course. It consolidates and develops electromagnetism from A level or Foundation Year standard to the point where, in the second year, it can be used as a firm foundation for courses in solid state and atomic physics. It provides a general introduction to the phenomena of sirations and waves with examples from mechanic and optics. The course reaches the edge of quantum mechanics at its end. Throughout, emphasis is placed on concepts, the encouragement of independent study and development of problem solving skills.

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PHY106

The Solar System

One of the four half modules forming the Level 1 astronomy course, but may also be taken as a standalone module. PHY106 covers the elements of the Solar System: the Sun, planets, moons and minor bodies. What are their structures and compositions, and what they tell us about the formation and history of the Solar System.

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PHY111

Our Evolving Universe

The course provides a general overview of astronomy suitable for those with no previous experience of the subject. The principal topics covered are (1) how we deduce useful physical parameters from observed quantities, (2) the structure and evolution of stars, (3) the structure of the Milky Way, and the classification, structure and evolution of galaxies in general, (4) an introduction to cosmology and (5) extrasolar planets and an introduction to astrobiology. All topics are treated in a descriptive manner with minimal mathematics.

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PHY112

Mathematics for Physicists and Astronomers

This module provides the necessary semester 1 mathematics for students taking physics and/or astronomy degrees. The following topics will be covered: basic algebra (functions, coordinate systems, algebraic manipulation etc), Taylor and binomial series, common functions of one variable, differentiation and integration techniques, basic complex numbers, first and second order differential equations, matrices and elementary probability theory. This module will generally be taken in conjunction with MAS165 module.

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PHY113

PHY114

Professional Skills in Physics 1 & 2

Training in practical laboratory work, Introduction to scientific computing, Errors, uncertainties and data analysis, Techniques of problem solving, Scientific Writing.

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PHY123

The Physics of Sustainable Energy

The module will cover the physics of sustainable energy. It includes discussions framed by the book `Sustainable Energy without the Hot Air’ by D MacKay and will cover current energy requirements and what energy could potentially be provided by the various forms of renewable energy. The course will commence with a discussion of the basic physics of energy, power and work and the conversion of energy from one form to another. We examine in detail the history of global energy usage and how we produce and use energy in the UK. We will then explore the impacts that this energy use has on the biosphere and climate and the public perception of such processes. The course will then focus on the energy content of objects and processes we take for granted and will then move on to means by which we can produce energy using renewable technologies, such as wind, wave, solar, biofuels etc. We will also examine nuclear (fusion and fission) energy and will discuss their principles and practical implementation. Finally, we will consider solutions to our energy needs, including transportation, energy conservation, carbon capture and geoengineering.

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PHY124

Supplementary Maths for Physicists

This module is designed to support students who are struggling with basic mathematical concepts. It will be compulsory for students who score below 50% on the PHY112 module and students achieving 50~60% may be advised to take this module. It will provide further practise in the concepts covered in PHY112 but also those covered in the parallel running module MAS165. This module will only run if required by sufficient numbers of students. The precise content will be based on topics identified from the PHY112 module results.

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Year 2 modules

MPY205

Aspects of Medical Imaging and Technology

This module provides an introduction to medical radiation physics (both ionising and non-ionising) and emphasises its diagnostic role in medicine. The course begins with an introduction to the generation and behaviour of electromagnetic waves and proceeds to explore the breadth of their application across the electromagnetic spectrum. This includes magnetic resonance imaging at low energies and X-rays at high energies. The importance of radiation in diagnosis is covered by discussion of imaging theory and primary imaging modalities, such as planar radiography and CT. The therapeutic role involves brief consideration of radiotherapy.

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PHY207

Numerical and Computational Physics

The module provides an introduction to basic numerical methods in computational physics. The module aims to foster the students' ability to apply the above techniques in the solution of specific problems. The module will foster the students' ability to work individually on projects, and to communicate scientific results clearly and concisely in a written report. The module syllabus covers numerical techniques for solving roots of equations; solution of ordinary differential equations; curve fitting; solution of linear and Monte Carlo techniques; numerical interpolation and projects.

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PHY213

Stellar Structure and Evolution

The module aims to provide an understanding of the physical processes occurring in stars and responsible for their internal structure and evolution from the main sequence to white dwarfs, neutron stars stars and black holes. It builds on Introduction to Astrophysics (PHY104) and seeks to explain the evolutionary phenomena described in Our Evolving Universe (PHY111).

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PHY216

Galaxies

This Level 2 Astronomy half module aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to galaxies. It consists of six parts: (i) astronomical distance determination and galaxy classification; (ii) the properties of the main stellar and a gas components of our Milky Way galaxy, and its local environment; (iii) the properties of spiral galaxies; (iv) the properties of elliptical galaxies; (v) active galaxies; (vi) galaxy evolution. Students’ presentation and research skills are developed through a 2500 word essay assignment.

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PHY221

Classical Physics

Topics in classical physics aims to complete and conclude the student's understanding of the nonrelativistic "clockwork universe". Topics treated will be mainly drawn from mechanics, properties of matter and waves. An aim will be to treat topics for their own sake, in the context of applications, and also for the spinoff in terms of valuable practice in the use of mathematical methods applicable in many branches of physics. The module will include lectures, problem solving sessions (tutorials and problems classes), and assessed
homework. Areas covered are: dimensional analysis, free and driven oscillators, coupled oscillators, waves including light waves, light in matter, coordinate systems and frames of reference, rotating frames of references and fictitious forces, Lagrangian formulation of mechanics, central forces.

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PHY225

Programming in C

The aim of this module is to teach the key elements of C programming to enable the design of programs to perform tasks from numerical and computational physics. C is used extensively in scientific programming. This module also provides an appropriate introduction for students wishing to learn objectoriented programming later (e.g. in PHY207).

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PHY227

Optics

Wave optics, interference, diffraction, the single and double slit, circular aperture, diffraction gratings, grating spectrometers, Fabry Perot interferometers, polarisation of light, Fresnel coefficients, Brewster law, fibre optics, optical imaging, lasers.

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PHY229

Extrasolar Planets and Astrobiology

The module will cover the fundamental concepts in extrasolar planetary science and astrobiology. We will examine the methods used to discover extrasolar planets, both present and planned. We will then discuss current theories of planet formation and evolution in light of the planets we have discovered. We will examine life on Earth its
origin, processes, evolution, and interaction with the Earth in the context of our only current example of life. We will then discuss the possibilities and search for life in the Solar System and beyond. In the context of the previous discussions we will critically examine ideas about the frequency of life, advanced life, and intelligent technological civilisations in the Universe. In this course we ask the basic questions: does other life exist, what is it like, and how can we find it? We obviously cannot answer these questions yet (although we hope to), and so this course concentrates on how to frame these questions within current scientific knowledge and thinking. For many aspects of this course there is no ‘correct answer’, just many competing theories and ideas.

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PHY230

PHY231

Experimental Physics 1 & 2

PHY231 is a laboratory course which aims to develop skills in carrying out experimental physics, the use of instruments and other equipment, the analysis of experimental data, a careful approach to experimental accuracy, the estimation of experimental errors, the interpretation of observations with respect to theoretical prediction and the reporting and presentation of scientific results.

PHY231 is a laboratory course similar to PHY230 and is an extension of that module. It is intended to expose single honours students to a wider range of different types of experiments than they could expect to meet by following the single module.

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PHY232

The Dynamic Interstellar Medium

The interstellar medium comprises the gas and dust that is located between stars in galaxy. This module aims to present an overview of the various components of the ISM, and its relevance to the cosmic cycle and astronomical observations; develop students appreciation of how atomic physics impacts upon astrophysical applications, such as the determination of properties of an ionized plasma; familiarize students with spectroscopic analysis tools during laboratory sessions. By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate a general knowledge of the principal constituents of the ISM; Show an understanding of the processes involved in the heating and cooling of interstellar gas; indicate a basic appreciation of the properties of dust grains, including their formation and destruction mechanisms; understand the basic properties of ionized regions for the pure hydrogen case and the more realistic situation involving trace metals; contrast photoionized with shock ionized nebulae, and understand the basics of gas dynamics for HII regions and supernova remnants; become familiar with manipulation of spectroscopic datasets through specialized software.

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PHY240

The Physics of Music

This module will provide an introduction to the physics of music building on physics covered in year 1 and semester 2 of year 2. The module will include the following topics: Recap of oscillations, waves and resonance, the human voice, physics of tuned and untuned percussion, musical pitch and timbre, Fourier analysis, musical scales, physics of stringed instruments, physics of wind instruments, electric instruments (based on electromagnetic pickups and piezoelectric transducers), synthesizers (analogue and digital),
sound recording and reproduction (analogue & digital), myths, legends, folklore and pseudoscience in acoustics.

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PHY245

Physics of Materials

This module provides an introduction to the physical properties of materials. Subjects covered include properties of liquids (surface tension, viscosity etc), solids (elastic properties, mechanical properties etc) and soft condensed matter.

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PHY248

Physics with LabVIEW

The module will teach LabVIEW software, and allow students to experiment with instrumentation and basic electronics. These skills will be useful in further years of study, particularly with regard to the Level 3 and 4 projects. These skills are also useful in future employment in both academic and industrial science and engineering where being able to develop laboratory instrumentation to solve experimental problems will be highly desirable.

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PHY250

From Thermodynamics to Quantum Mechanics

This module provides a rigorous introduction to quantum mechanics via the Schrodinger equation and its application to a number of quantum systems. The concepts of operators and eigenstates in quantum mechanics and the importance of measurements are considered. The second main field of modern physics, special relativity, is applied to the study of the dynamics of particles travelling with velocities close to the speed of light. Thermodynamics is applied to model a number of thermal system and provides an understanding of the eventual heat death of the universe. The nature of the structure and dynamical properties of solids is covered. The physics content of the module is supported by relevant mathematics, including differential equations needed to understand a wide range of dynamic systems and the maths behind MP3 encoding.

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PHY251

From Electromagnetism to Atomic and Nuclear Physics

Continuing the study of quantum mechanics this module applies the Schrodinger equation to increasing complex systems and considers some of the puzzles and paradoxes that arise in this field. The physics of the very tiny, atoms and nuclei, builds on the quantum mechanics developed in this and the previous module. Statistical physics demonstrates how basic probability concepts can be used to accurately model a wide range of systems from gases to photons. The properties of electrons in a solid, vital to our understanding of technologically important metals and semiconductors, is covered. A full description of the properties of electric and magnetic fields is developed; leading to the prediction of electromagnetic waves.

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Year 3 modules

PHY303

Nuclear Physics

This half moduleLevel 3 Physics course aims to cover the general properties of nuclei, to examine the characteristics of the nuclear force, to introduce the principal models of the nucleus, to discuss radioactivity and interactions with matter, to study nuclear reactions, in particular fission, fusion and the bomb, and to develop problem solving skills in all these areas. The motivation is that nuclear processes play a fundamental role in the physical world, in the origin of the universe, in the creation of the chemical elements, as the energy source of the stars and in the basic constituents of matter plus the best of all motives curiosity.

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PHY304

Particle Physics

This Level 3 Physics half module introduces students to the exciting field of modern particle physics. It provides the mathematical tools of relativistic kinematics, enabling them to study interactions and decays and evaluate scattering form factors. Particles are classified as fermions the constituents of matter (quarks and leptons) – or as bosons, the propagators of field. The four fundamental interactions are outlined. Three are studied in detail: Feynman diagrams are introduced to describe higher order quantum electrodynamics; weak interactions are discussed from beta decay to high energy electroweak unification; strong interactions, binding quarks into hadrons, are presented with the experimental evidence for colour. The role symmetry plays in the allowed particles and their interactions is emphasised.

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PHY306

Introduction to Cosmology

Cosmology is the science of the whole Universe: its past history, present structure and future evolution. In this module we discuss how our understanding of cosmology has developed over time, and study the observed properties of the universe, particularly the rate of expansion, the chemical composition, and the nature of the cosmic microwave background, can be used to constrain theoretical models and obtain value for the parameters of the now standard Hot Big Bang cosmological model.

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PHY309

Further Quantum Mechanics

This module builds on the quantum mechanics learned in the perquisites PHY202 and PHY206. The Heisenberg matrix formulation of the theory is developed from the Schrodinger wave picture. Approximately methods (perturbation theory and variational method) are derived and applied. Methods for solving time dependent problems are developed. Problems involving magnetic fields and spin are treated. Many particle wave functions for fermions and bosons are introduced.

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PHY313

Mathematical Physics

Linear algebra: matrices and vectors; eigenvalue problems; matrix diagonalisation; vector spaces; transformation of basis; rotation matrices; tensors; Lie groups; Noether's theorem. Complex analysis: analytic functions; contour integration; Cauchy theorem; Taylor and Laurent series; residue theorem; application to evaluating integrals; KronigKramers relations; conformal mapping; application to solving Laplace's equation.

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PHY320

Nuclear Astrophysics

The aims of this Level 3 Astronomy module are: To examine the evidence for the present distribution of the chemical elements in the Universe; To study the various nuclear processes that have led to the evolution of these elemental abundances; To discuss the possible astrophysical objects where these elements are produced.

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PHY323

Dark Matter and the Universe

This course will cover the following:

  • Basics of relevant units and conventions and a reminder of basic cosmology.
  • A review of galactic dynamics and galactic halos as relevant to understanding the origin of the dark matter problem, including the isothermal sphere, flattened halos, late infall models, cusps, and clumping.
  • Study of rotation curves of galaxies and the evidence for dark matter from these.
  • Gravitational lensing and the evidence for dark matter that this brings from microlensing, strong lensing and weak lensing.
  • Extragalactic evidence for dark matter including from application of the virial theorem to clusters, gravitational lensing by clusters and large scale flows.
  • Overview of early universe cosmology and the role of dark matter including application of N body simulations.
  • Estimates for cosmological abundance of dark matter from microwave background radiation and other observations.
  • Basics of primordial nucleosynthesis bounds on the abundance of baryonic matter and the implications for baryonic dark matter candidates.
  • The thermodynamics of dark matter and introduction to hot, cold and warm particle dark matter candidates.
  • The role of dark matter in structure formation and relation to limits on the abundance of hot dark matter and on formation scenarios for cold dark matter in the early universe.
  • The neutrino as a dark matter candidate.
  • Review of cold dark matter candidates, relevant particle physics, couplings and cross sections, and the anticipated properties of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) as the best motivated candidate.
  • Calculation of the expected interaction rate and nuclear recoil spectrum of WIMPs in matter.
  • Modification of the expected WIMP recoil spectrum from our motion in the galaxy and from nuclear physics.
  • Requirements of WIMP detection experiments including survey of the different detector technologies, liquid, gaseous, scintillator and low temperature detectors current state of the field and current limits.
  • Axions as a dark matter candidate, theoretical motivation from the strong CP problem, the properties of axions and how to detect them with resonant cavity detectors, current state of the field and limits.
  • Dark energy and evidence from supernova probes of acceleration parameter.
  • Dark matter and the fate of the Universe.
  • Conclusion and overview.

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PHY324

History of Astronomy

The module aims to provide an introduction to the historical development of modern astronomy. After a brief chronological overview and a discussion of the scientific status of astronomy and the philosophy of science in general, the course is divided into a series of thematic topics addressed in roughly chronological order. We will focus on the nature of discovery in astronomy, in particular the interplay between theory and observation, the role of technological advances, and the relationship between astronomy and physics.

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PHY332

Atomic and Laser Physics

This module covers the physics of atoms and lasers at an intermediate level. The course begins with a review of the Schrodinger equation for the hydrogen atom and the atomic wave functions that emerge from it. It then covers atomic selection rules, spectral fine structure and the effects of external fields. The spectra of selected multielectron atoms are described. The basic operation of the laser is then covered by introducing the concepts of stimulated emission and population inversion. The course concludes with a description of common lasers and their applications, including laser cooling of atoms.

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PHY333

Statistical Physics

Statistical Physics is the derivation of the thermal properties of matter using the underlying
Microscopic Hamiltonians. The aims of this course are to introduce the techniques of Statistical Mechanics, and to use them to describe a wide variety of phenomena from physics, chemistry and astronomy.

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PHY341

PHY342

Physics Project 1 & 2

The aim of this half module is to provide an opportunity for students to exercise and develop their skills and ability to undertake independent, albeit closely supervised, research in physics. A very wide selection of projects is provided, often arising from current research in the Department. Many are practical, others are essentially theoretical or interpretative or require the development of computer programmes designed to simulate a variety of physical phenomena. Most projects are collaborative and encourage students to work in pairs. Assessment is based on individual written reports and oral examinations. These provide exercise in presentational skills.

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PHY343

Group Project

PHY343 is distinctly different from taught modules: Students work in a group, and the module’s content is generated by students, not academics. PHY343 attempts to simulate a realistic work environment. Groups are assigned at random at a launch meeting. All groups work on the same project. You will be briefed on the project at the launch meeting. You shall first research the usual sources for available technologies that may serve your task, and present them in a technology survey early on. You shall then draw from the pool of technologies you have surveyed to design an overall system that answers to the set project, including a reasoned costing. You shall document your work in an individual project diary and in the end, present your concept in a joint presentation, supported by a poster, submit a report, your project diary, and a peer assessment. Your ongoing work will be supported by a number of measures: An online helpline, drop- in clinics prior to technology survey and presentation, and cohort events, the first of which is the launch meeting. Some of the support will be delivered by Sheffield USE, http://enterprise.shef.ac.uk/.

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PHY381

Advanced Electrodynamics

Magnetism: the module begins with a general introduction to magnetism including revision of the main concepts. The three important magnetic states, diamagnetism, paramagnetism and ferromagnetism are then covered. Classical and quantum mechanical theories of paramagnetism are presented. The section
on ferromagnetism includes bulk properties, magnetic domains, a discussion of aligning mechanisms for magnetic moments and the Weiss molecular field model. This section finishes with itinerant electron theories of paramagnetism. Electrodynamics: the module covers advanced topics in electrodynamics, starting with Maxwell’s equations, gauge transformations, the energy and momentum in electromagnetic fields, and dipole radiation, to electromagnetic fields in macroscopic media. We will introduce the scalar and vector potential, complex fields, and Green's functions.

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PHY382

Semiconductor Physics and Technology

This module builds on the core solid state physics modules to provide an introduction to semiconductor electronic and optoelectronic devices and modern developments in crystal growth to produce low dimensional semiconductor structures (quantum wells, wires and dots). Band structure engineering, the main physical properties and a number of applications of low dimensional semiconductor structures are covered.

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Year 4 modules

PHY401

PHY402

Cosmic Origins

This module aims to develop qualitative understanding of current developments at the frontiers of astrophysics, within a general historical context. Cosmic Origins spans various aspects of contemporary astrophysics at a research level. The topics include: (a) observations and theory of star and planet formation; (b) advanced topics in stellar evolution; (c) The Transient Universe; (d) Formation and evolution of galaxies, including observations of high redshift galaxies. PHY401 covers all topics, while PHY402 covers
two from the four submodules.

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PHY420

Biological Physics

This module will introduce students to biological physics, that is, the application of principles and tools from physics to biological systems. Biological materials are often soft condensed matter with properties between those of simple liquids and solids. In addition biological matter is usually out of equilibrium due to internal biochemical sources of energy. Students will begin to explore the world of biological cells and biopolymer macromolecules, such as DNA. They will see how physics can help understand biological systems through mathematical models and experimental imaging techniques and how this can lead to new physics and applications in biology.

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PHY421

Advanced Particle Physics

The module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of modern particle physics. Focussing on the standard model it provides a theoretical underpinning of this model and discusses its predictions. Recent developments including the discovery of the Higgs Boson and neutrino oscillation studies are covered. A description of the experiments used to probe the standard model is provided. Finally the module looks at possible physics beyond the standard model

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PHY422

Magnetic Resonance: Principles and Applications

The module will provide an overview of the basics of magnetic resonance, and then consider its applications in systems ranging from macroscopic living organisms, as in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) widely used in hospitals, to Nanoscale systems where control of single or a few spins is now possible and can also be used for nanoimaging. Special attention will be paid to recent advances in solidstate nanoNMR and the control of single electron spins in solid state nanosystems using spin resonance techniques.

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PHY435

Physics in an Enterprise Culture

This is a seminar and workshop based course with a high level of student centred learning. The unit will introduce students to the methods and skills associated with project proposing, planning, costing, intellectual property issues, patenting and marketing. It will broaden students’ understanding of the mechanics of project suggestion, planning and implementing. The course is divided into two main themes:
Theme 1: Project Proposal. Here, students have to make a reasoned case for a new and original piece of research. Students will form part of a series of small ‘panel meetings’
to assess the strengths and weaknesses of work submitted by other students on PHY435.
Theme 2: Product Invention. Here, students are expected to propose a new technological invention or service, and pitch the idea to a group of ‘experts’. Students are also required to propose a business case for a new commercial venture (‘Who wants to be a millionaire?).

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PHY461

High Energy Astrophysics

The purpose of this module is to give a taste of a field at the forefront of current astronomical research, and to give a thorough understanding of high energy emission processes. Following an historical introduction to place the area in context, the theory of high energy emission processes is developed from first principles. The theory is then applied to explain various phenomena associated with active galactic nuclei and quasars the most luminous objects in the universe. The students' research and presentation skills are developed through a directed reading project on topics in high energy astrophysics and their problem solving skills through homework questions.

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PHY466

Development of Particle Physics

The module describes the development of several crucial concepts in particle physics, emphasising the role and significance of experiments. Students are encouraged to work from the original literature (the recommended text includes reprints of key papers). The module focuses not only on the particle physics issues involved, but also on research methodology the design of experiments, the critical interpretation of data, the role of theory, etc. Topics covered include the discoveries of the neutron, the positron and the
neutrino, experimental evidence for quarks and gluons, the neutral kaon system and CP violation etc.

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PHY469

Physics of Soft Condensed Matter

Soft condensed matter is a generic name for a class of materials that play a crucial role in technology as well as providing fascinating and timely scientific problems. These complex materials are typified by polymers, gels and colloidal dispersions, whose properties often seem intermediate between ordinary liquids and solids. Familiar examples from everyday life include plastics, soaps and detergents, foodstuffs, and indeed the material from which living organisms are constructed. Only relatively recently has it been realised that despite the complexity of these materials elegant and simple physical principles often underlie their behaviour; this course provides an introduction to these principles.

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PHY472

Advanced Quantum Mechanics

This module presents modern quantum mechanics with applications in quantum information and particle physics. After introducing the basic postulates, the theory of pure and mixed states is developed, and we discuss composite systems and entanglement. Quantum teleportation is used as an example to illustrate these concepts. In parallel with mixed states we develop the theory of imperfect measurements and the evolution of quantum systems that interact with an environment (open quantum systems). Next, we develop the theory of angular momentum, examples of which include spin and isospin, and the method for calculating Clebsch Gordan coefficients is presented. We discuss the relativistic extension of quantum mechanics, covering the Klein Gordon and Dirac equations and their solutions, and we give the equation of motion of a relativistic electron in a classical electromagnetic field. Finally, we explore some topics in quantum field theory, such as the Lagrangian formalism, scattering and Feynman diagrams, and modern gauge field theory.

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PHY475

Optical Properties of Solids

This course covers the optical physics of solid state materials. It begins with the classical description of optical propagation. It then covers the treatment of absorption and luminescence by quantum theory, and the modifications caused by excitonic effects. The phenomena are illustrated by discussing the optical properties of insulators, semiconductors, and metals. The infrared properties of ionic systems are then discussed, and the course concludes with a brief introduction to nonlinear crystals.

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PHY480

Research Project in Physics and Astronomy

Students will work on a research project under the supervision of a faculty member over an entire academic year, usually the 4th year of an MPhys degree. The work will entail background research, acquiring the necessary skills, developing a research plan, carrying out the research, and writing up results and conclusion. Detailed information on this module is given on the Physics and Astronomy fourth year website.

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