Theoretical Physics BSc

 

Theoretical Physics BSc

This Theoretical Physics BSc degree course draws on the expertise of Newcastle physicists engaged in cutting-edge research. This will enable you to gain strong theoretical and practical skills from experts in this field.

You will not only study a range of mathematical physics modules but also have a choice from a wide range of optional modules across all areas of physics. This will allow you to tailor your degree to your own interests, you can keep your choices broad or focus on a couple areas of physics if you wish.  Additionally some modules from the Mathematics department are open to you, giving a wealth of choice. 

Our Theoretical Physics BSc course provides you with a choice of either a ‘lab’ or a ‘no lab’ flavour. Both cover the essential core of theoretical physics, but the ‘lab’ option allows you to carry out experimental work too. Choosing the ‘no lab’ option means you’ll take courses in data analysis and some additional mathematical physics courses instead. By the middle of the second year the ‘Lab’ and ‘No Lab’ options combine with neither at a disadvantage.

 

Why study Theoretical Physics BSc at Newcastle?

  • Very broad range of leading research leading to a wide range of optional modules and projects
  • High employability rate, including a high percentage who go on to do PhDs. Employability is embedded through the course
  • Friendly and supportive environment. Year 1 and year 2 have weekly tutorials with one academic member of staff and no more than 4 students. Lecturers have open door policy. Elected student representatives meet weekly with staff to resolve any issues quickly
  • Flexibility between our range of specialised courses
    • BSc and MSci identical for first two years so don’t need to make final decision between the two until end of second year.
    • In some cases it’s possible to swap to Physics, Physics and Astrophysics, or Physics with Particle Physics and Cosmology after the first year
    • Theoretical Physics comes in a lab or a no-lab flavour in the first year

    • BSc students can choose to do a year out in computer science during their third year.

Institutional Accreditation 

Regional accreditation is an institution-level accreditation status granted by one of six U.S. regional accrediting bodies. Accreditation by more than one regional accrediting body is not permitted by the U.S. Department of Education.

University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.

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Theoretical Physics BSc

Course Level:

Undergraduate, Single Honours

Credits 

120

Course

CODE U555

How long it takes:

Undergraduate (3 Years)

Study Mode:

Distance learning/ Campus

Course cost

Price: US$20,220

Entry requirements

Find out more about

Department:

Newcastle Law School

The Theoretical Physics course itself comes in two varieties – ‘Lab’ and ‘No Lab’ – you are free to choose between them on arrival. By the middle of the second year the ‘Lab’ and ‘No Lab’ options combine with neither at a disadvantage.

  

Year 1

 Laboratory pathway  Non-Laboratory pathway

Core modules

  • Quantum Mechanics and Optics and Waves – 10 credits
  • Classical Mechanics and Relativity 1 – 10 credits
  • Classical Mechanics and Relativity 2 – 10 credits
  • Mathematics for Physicists 1A – 10 credits
  • Mathematics for Physicists 1B – 10 credits
  • Physics Laboratory 1A – 10 credits
  • Physics Laboratory 1B – 10 credits
  • Physics and Communication Skills 1 – 10 credits
  • Electromagnetic and Temperature and Matter – 20 credits
  • Introduction to Probability and Statistics – 10 credits
  • Chaos and Nonlinear Systems A – 10 credits

 Core modules

  • Quantum Mechanics and Optics and Waves – 10 credits
  • Classical Mechanics and Relativity 1 – 10 credits
  • Classical Mechanics and Relativity 2 – 10 credits
  • Mathematics for Physicists 1A – 10 credits
  • Mathematics for Physicists 1B – 10 credits
  • Physics and Communication Skills 1 – 10 credits
  • Electromagnetic and Temperature and Matter – 20 credits
  • Introduction to Probability and Statistics – 10 credits
  • Chaos in Discrete and Continuous Systems – 10 credits
  • Special Relativity and Dynamical Systems – 10 credits

Optional modules – choose ONE of the following modules:

  • Introduction to Particle Physics and Cosmology – 10 credits
  • Introduction to Astrophysics – 10 credits

Year 2

 Laboratory pathway  Non-Laboratory pathway

 Core modules

  • Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics – 10 credits
  • Eigenphysics – 10 credits
  • Electromagnetism 2 – 10 credits
  • Physics and Communication Skills 2 – 10 credits
  • Quantum Mechanics 2 – 10 credits
  • Statistical Physics and Entropy – 10 credits
  • Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids – 10 credits
  • Optics – 10 credits
  • Mathematics for Physicists 2A – 10 credits
  • Mathematics for Physicists 2B – 10 credits
  • Physics Laboratory 2 – 10 credits

Optional modules – choose ONE of the following modules:

  • Structure in the Universe – 10 credits
  • Nuclear Physics and Neutrinos – 10 credits
  • Electronics – 10 credits
  • Observational Astronomy – 10 credits

 Core modules

  • Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics – 10 credits
  • Eigenphysics – 10 credits
  • Electromagnetism 2 – 10 credits
  • Physics and Communication Skills 2 – 10 credits
  • Quantum Mechanics 2 – 10 credits
  • Statistical Physics and Entropy – 10 credits
  • Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids – 10 credits
  • Optics – 10 credits
  • Mathematics for Physicists 2A – 10 credits
  • Mathematics for Physicists 2B – 10 credits

Optional modules – choose TWO of the following modules:

  • Structure in the Universe – 10 credits
  • Nuclear Physics and Neutrinos – 10 credits
  • Electronics – 10 credits
  • Observational Astronomy – 10 credits

Year 3

Core modules

  • Quantum Mechanics 3 – 10 credits
  • Radiation and Relativity – 10 credits
  • Statistical Physics – 10 credits
  • Complex Variable Theory – 10 credits
  • General Physics  – 10 credits
  • Current Topics in Theoretical Physics – 10 credits
  • Scientific Computing Laboratory 2 – 10 credits

Optional modules. Please choose 50 credits.

Example modules:

  • Chaos and Dynamical Systems – 10 credits
  • Observational Cosmology – 10 credits
  • Group Studies – 20 credits
  • Condensed Matter Physics – 10 credits
  • Fission and Fusion – 10 credits
  • Medical Imaging – 10 credits
  • Images and Communications – 10 credits
  • Physics Teaching in Schools – 10 credits
  • Particle Physics – 10 credits
  • Nuclear Physics – 10 credits
  • The Life and Death of Stars – 10 credits
  • Atomic Physics – 10 credits
  • Evolution of Cosmic Structure – 10 credits
  • Semiconductor Optoelectronics – 10 credits
  • Continuum Mechanics – 20 credits
  • Methods in Partial Differential Equations – 20 credits
  • Partial Differential Equations – 10 credits
  • Asteroseismology and Exoplanets – 10 credits
  • Physics of Music and Sound – 10 credits
  • Scientific Computing Laboratory 1 – 10 credits
  • Physical Principles of Radar – 10 credits
  • Applied Mathematical Analysis – 20 credits

Entry requirements

 

Applicants should normally have one of the following:

  • A non-law bachelor’s degree (from a US university or recognised by the BSB if you wish to study the BPTC), or
  • A ‘stale’ law degree, where five or more years have elapsed since graduation, or
  • An academic or professional qualification at degree equivalent level

If English is not your first language, you will also need to demonstrate your English Language proficiency. For example, you should have IELTS 7.5 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in all components.

If you intend to become a Solicitor

The Solicitors Regulation Authority has reduced its requirements for pre-authorisation this year. For details of the current arrangements,. You should pay special attention to the Character and Suitability section. 

 

USA,UK & EU students, 2019/20 (per year)

£8,500

International students starting 2019/20 (per year)

£13,100

 

Assessment

You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.

All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.

As a graduate in Physics, the choice of career remains wide open. You may go on to apply your physics knowledge directly in a scientific environment, or you might be employed in a high-profile job for your problem-solving and computational skills, in the worlds of finance and information technology. 

Over 40% of our students go on to further study after graduating, with around two thirds of those being research leading to a PhD, a route open to you directly after completing an MSci degree. As well as being the main route into academic research, a PhD also opens the door to many careers that need specific advanced scientific knowledge. The most compelling reason to do a PhD is love of the subject, and the high number of our graduates choosing this route illustrates the satisfaction of students who study with us. The remaining third of students who carry on to further study either take a specialised postgraduate masters in subjects such as a very specific branch of physics, or engineering or computing, or they are pursuing a postgraduate teaching qualification such as a PGCE or PGdipEd.

Graduates who have studied our courses:

Example employers

  • NASA
  • NHS – Medical Physics
  • Rolls-Royce
  • EDF Energy
  • BAE Systems
  • Barclays Capital
  • PriceWaterhouse Coopers
  • Accenture – Technology Services

 

Example careers

  • Scientific researcher
  • Medical physicist
  • Energy consultant
  • Defence analyst
  • Meteorologist
  • Statistician
  • Financial services analyst
  • Business consultant