PHYSICS

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr N J C Strachan

Pre-requisites

Standard Grade Physics or equivalent recommended

Overview

This course will introduce the basic principles of physics and demonstrate their importance for applications in the biological, human life and environmental sciences. For example, the course will answer questions such as: "why are there no animals bigger than elephants on land?" (Newton's Laws and strength of materials) "How can renewable sources of energy be used to generate electricity?" (e.g. wind power and tidal barrages) "Why do diamonds sparkle and how does a microscope work?" (optics) "How do settling chambers in factories reduce air pollution?" (properties of matter) "How can physics explain blood flow and how do plants and trees perspire?" (fluids) "How do nerve cells transmit signals to the brain?" (electricity).

Structure

12 week course - 3 one-hour lectures, 1 one-hour tutorial per week, and 1 three-hour practical session per week for 9 weeks.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour multiple-choice examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%). A pass in this course requires a score of CAS 9 or higher in the in-course assessment.

Resit: 1 two-hour multiple-choice examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%). A pass in this course requires a score of CAS 9 or higher in the in-course assessment.

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr N J C Strachan

Pre-requisites

SCE H in Mathematics and Physics, or equivalent.

Overview

The course lays emphasis on how a relatively few fundamental laws enable us to understand a very wide range of phenomena that occur both naturally and as a result of mankind's activities. In particular, you will see how Newton's laws of motion lets us understand a variety of linear and circular motion; how the properties of matter can be characterised and how physics can be usefully applied in the fields of planetary motion, sport, the environment and medicine. The course will also describe how some of the most important ideas in modern physics grew from unexpected observations.

Structure

12 week course - 3 one-hour lectures, 1 one-hour tutorial per week, and 1 three-hour practical session per week for 9 weeks.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Final two-hour multiple choice examination (50%), completion of practical class notebook and laboratory reports (25%), tutorial sheets (12.5%), multiple choice tests during term (12.5%).

Resit: Final two-hour multiple choice examination (50%), completion of practical class notebook and laboratory reports (25%), tutorial sheets (12.5%), multiple choice tests during term (12.5%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr M Thiel

Pre-requisites

SCE H in Maths and Physics, or equivalent.

Overview

This course enables students to learn more about the physical universe and the physical laws that explain its behaviour. The three topics covered are astronomy, the fundamentals of electricity and magnetism and generic computing skills. The astronomy section of the course, shared with PX1512, begins by showing how long held beliefs about the nature of the universe came to be changed in response to improved observation of the heavens. The revolution in our appreciation of the solar system through observations sent back by space probes over the past 30 years forms a substantial part of the lectures. The power of science in action can be seen to the full in the far reaching deductions that can be made about stars from modest observational evidence. The course discusses topics current in astronomy, such as planned space missions, the formation of planets around other stars and the origin of the Moon. The lectures on electricity and magnetism aim to clarify the tricky concepts and laws that are at the foundations of this subject. They illustrate how these ideas are made use of in applications of electricity that we now take for granted, such as the capacitative storage of electrical energy and the radiation generated by mobile phones.

Structure

12 week course - 7 one-hour lectures and 1 tutorial per fortnight and 4 two-hour practical computing sessions.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%). A pass in this course requires a score of CAS 9 or higher in the in-course assessment.

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%). A pass in this course requires a score of CAS 9 or higher in the in-course assessment.

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

TBC

Pre-requisites

TS1001 or equivalent desirable.

Overview

This course is intended to be accessible to all students with a modest scientific background. It covers two subjects of global relevance, namely the behaviour of our atmosphere and the weather it creates, and the view of the universe at large that is provided by modern astronomy. Half of the course, "an introduction to weather, climate and the environment", aims to explain how the atmospheric system, driven by the sun, works. Special topics covered include ozone depletion, el Niño, and long-term climate change. The utility of meteorological resources available on the web is emphasised. The astronomy section of the course begins by showing how long held beliefs about the nature of the universe came to be changed in response to improved observation of the heavens. The revolution in our appreciation of the solar system through observations sent back by space probes over the past 30 years forms a substantial part of the astronomy lectures. The power of science in action can be seen to the full in the far reaching deductions that can be made about stars from modest observational evidence. The course discusses topics current in astronomy, such as planned space missions, the formation of planets around other stars and the origin of the Moon. Practical sessions in a computer class-room are provided to enhance generic computer skills.

Structure

12 week course - 4 one-hour lectures per week and 4 two-hour practical sessions.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour multiple choice examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%). A pass in this course requires a score of CAS 9 or higher in the in-course assessment.

Resit: 1 two-hour multiple choice examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%). A pass in this course requires a score of CAS 9 or higher in the in-course assessment.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr N Strachan and Dr C Wang

Pre-requisites

TS1001 or equivalent desirable.

Overview

This course provides a broad introduction to satellites, space stations and space probes and how these enable us to investigate novel science and probe remotely the environment on Earth and, indeed, on other worlds. The course discusses rocketry, orbits and how to use the orbital motion of planets to boost the energy of space probes. It discusses space weather and space exploration. The subject of remote sensing techniques introduces a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum, and how different parts of it are exploited for different purposes. Among these purposes are the production of maps that show topographical detail, mineralogical distributions, environmental conditions and land use. Topics covered here also include GPS and properties of the atmosphere that help and hinder in remote sensing. Looking at what happens after the signals have been picked up, we examine how the quality of the final product depends on many steps of signal processing that occur between detection and final presentation. Considerations here include aspects of signal communication, digital filtering and the optical basis behind false colour maps. In-course examples illustrate space related work taking place at this University.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures per week and 10 hours of computer sessions or tutorials.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 multiple-choice examination, one and a half hours (75%) and in-course assigned exercises (25%).

Resit: 1 multiple-choice examination, one and a half hours (75%) and in-course assigned exercises (25%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr N Pilgrim

Pre-requisites

PX 1013 or PX 1014 or equivalent.

Overview

This course explores how light is useful, subtle and important in virtually every science. It looks at the involvement of light in many natural phenomena, at its central role in a wide variety of measurement techniques and devices, and at its role as one of the fundamental constituents of the universe. These aspects are covered in relation to the propagation of light, its reflection and refraction; how colouring arises and how spectral analysis provides a powerful analytic tool; how the polarisation of light is exploited in different ways by chemists, biologists, geologists and other scientists; how diffraction and interference are widely relevant phenomena. Finally, the course looks at the world of photonics and the workings of both modern quantum detectors and the biological detection of light.

Structure

12 week course - 2 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour session (e.g. computer class or tutorial) per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written paper (75%) and in-course assessment (25%). A pass in this course requires a score of CAS 9 or higher in the in-course assessment.

Resit: 1 two-hour written paper (75%) and in-course assessment (25%). A pass in this course requires a score of CAS 9 or higher in the in-course assessment.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A de Moura

Pre-requisites

PX 1014 (MA 1002 and MA 1502) or (MA 1004 and MA 1504).

Overview

This course introduces physical phenomena that depend on time, with emphasis on transient oscillatory, wavelike and diffusive behaviour. The concepts of first and second-order linear systems will be used to unify the treatment of mechanical and electrical phenomena, including transient behaviour, damping and resonance. Examples involving rotational dynamics and rotational inertia will be included. The responce of first order systems will be studied in the time and frequency domains and used as a basis for the introduction of Fourier analysis. Solutions to the wave and diffusion equations will be studied.

The course includes computer laboratories using commercial software for the solution of coupled linear differential equations.

The course will involve a project.

Structure

12 week course - 2 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour tutorial.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%). A pass in this course requires a score of CAS 9 or higher in the in-course assessment.

Resit: 1 two-hour examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%). A pass in this course requires a score of CAS 9 or higher in the in-course assessment.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

TBC

Pre-requisites

PX 2013 or approval of Head of Physics.

Overview

Hands-on training in the use of optical instruments and practical experience in undertaking experiments in geometrical and physical optics will be provided in subjects selected from laboratory photography, spectrometry, properties of lenses, optical interference fringes, diffraction of laser light and related areas. Instruction in the necessary background theory will accompany the practical work. Likewise, instruction and practical work will provide an introduction to digital electronics, covering logic gates, combinational logic and counting circuits.

Structure

12 week course - 1 one-hour lecture, 1 two-hour laboratory and 1 three-hour laboratory per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: in-course assessment (60%) and assessment of laboratory reports (40%).

Resit: Same with resubmission of reports.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr G Dunn

Pre-requisites

PX 1014 and either MA 1002 or (MA 1004 and MA 1504) and preferably PX 2014.

Notes

Cannot be taken with PX 2512, this is a culculus based course.

Overview

This is a foundation course on the principles of modern physics. Observations that identified the limitations of classical physics are discussed together with the theories of relativity and quantum mechanics that sought to remedy them. The relativity component of the course deals with the postulates of relativity, inertial frames and the development of the Lorentz transformation. The quantum mechanics component of the course deals with the postulates of quantum mechanics, wave functions and the Schrodinger equation. The consequences of the Schrodinger equation are investigated through applications to the quantum behaviour of simple one-dimensional systems.

Structure

12 week course - 2 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour tutorial per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%). A pass in this course requires a score of CAS 9 or higher in the in-course assessment.

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%). A pass in this course requires a score of CAS 9 or higher in the in-course assessment.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J M S Skakle

Pre-requisites

TS1001 or PX 1512 or PX 1014 or equivalent.

Notes

Cannot be taken with PX 2510.

Overview

The twin subjects of special relativity and quantum mechanics have had an impact right across the sciences. The course discusses how and why these topics emerged from classical physics, outlines what they are about and some of their fundamental results. Concepts such as time dilation, energy-mass equivalence, wave-particle duality, the Pauli exclusion principle and the Heisenberg uncertainty principle are introduced. This then leads to related topics in modern physics: nuclear and particle physics.

The course then goes on to describe the modern physical view of the Universe at large. It discusses the Big Bang theory of the origin of the Universe and how this theory makes predictions that can be tested by observation, such as the cosmic microwave background and its irregularities. The course looks at several cosmological issues such as General Relativity, Olbers paradox and the size of the fundamental constants of physics. Large-scale astronomy is discussed including the evolution of galaxies, different kinds of stars and their evolution, the abundance of the elements in the universe and the presence of 'exotic' objectives such as quasars and black holes.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures per week and a total of 12 sessions of either study assignment from the course web site or a tutorial.

Assessment

1st Attempt: One two-hour written examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%).

Resit: One two-hour written examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

To be advised

Pre-requisites

PX 1511. MA 2005 or MA 2506 preferred.

Overview

This is a course on fundamental electromagnetic phenomena; it aims to develop a physical appreciation of Maxwell's equations and their consequences. Practical applications and electromagnetic properties of materials are emphasised. The fundamentals of superconductivity will also be introduced. The course is also a vehicle for the introduction of theorems in vector calculus that have wide application in physics. This course aims to develop an understanding of the electromagnetic properties of materials and of the dominant role of electromagnetism in technology based on the concepts embodied in Maxwell's equations.

Structure

12 week course - 2 one-hour lectures per week, 1 one-hour tutorial.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination paper (75%) and in-course assessment (25%).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination paper (75%) and in-course assessment (25%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J M S Skakle

Pre-requisites

PX 2505

Overview

This course will introduce research skills used in the physical sciences. These include computing, data analysis, and library and information skills. The course also covers research ethics and intellectual property rights. Students will also enhance their presentation and communication skills through reporting on their work. This will be taught through the means of interactive practical/seminar classes.

Structure

12 week course - 1 one-hour instruction session within 2 two - three-hour laboratories per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment: 100% (6 reports & oral).

No resit.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J M S Skakle

Pre-requisites

30 credit points of level 2 PX courses.

Overview

The lecture will cover: crystals; structure of metallic and ionic solids; diffraction methods; determination of crystal structure by x-ray crystallography; disorder and defects in crystals; the reciprocal lattice and reciprocal space; relation to mechanical properties.

Lectures will be supported by demonstrations, tutorials and workshops which will introduce them to symmetry properties of the solid state, applications of diffraction and visualisation software.

Structure

12 week course – 2 one-hour lectures per week, 4 laboratory classes at 2 hours each and 1 one-hour tutorial per week in weeks 16-23.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 one and a half hour written examination (60%), in-course assessment (40%).

Resit: 1 one and a half hour written examination (60%), in-course assessment (40%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr N J C Strachan and Dr C Wang

Pre-requisites

Available to students at level 3 or above with mathematical skills at level 1 or equivalent.

Notes

Not available to students who are taking or have passed PX 2011.

Overview

The principles behind rockets and satellite orbits; introduction to space exploration; the energy requirements of space probes; space weather and its effects; the behaviour of the ionosphere; the reasons for exploiting different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum; synthetic aperture radar; a description of the Global Positionsing System and an introduction to space-based communications systems and digital signal transmission.

Structure

Two lectures per week and one tutorial/computing practical.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (75%) and continuous assessment (25%).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (75%) and continuous assessment (25%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr N Strachan

Pre-requisites

PX 2505 recommended.

Overview

This course consists of a series of practical classes linked to third year lecture courses and expanding on the material taught in the previous years. Experiments will cover optics, properties of matter and computer modelling and will introduce applications as well as reinforcing the principles of Physics. The course will also introduce topics that will be covered more formally later in the Honours programme.

Structure

12 week course, 2 two-three-hour laboratories per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment: Laboratories, Report, Oral examination.

Resit: Lab & Oral carried forward, resubmission of reports.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr G M Dunn

Pre-requisites

PX 2012, PX 2013

Overview

The course covers the physical properties of matter – gases, liquids and solids and also explores the thermodynamic behaviour of these phases. Kinetic theory of gases, hydrostatics, properties of surfaces, elasticity, viscosity and fluid mechanics are examined in terms of physical models based on classical physics. Then in the second part of the course, the concept of entropy and its statistical interpretation is introduced and Boltzmann’s equation derived. Building on this foundation, the laws of thermodynamics are explained and the topics of heat capacity, heat engines, thermodynamic potentials, Maxwell relations, Gibbs-Helmholtz equation, properties of ideal gases, chemical potential, phase transitions, chemical reactions – particularly those in batteries and fuel cells are all explored. This course includes a project, in which students will work together in groups, that will form part of the assessment.

Structure

12 week course - 2 one-hour lectures and 1 hour tutorial per week (to be arranged).

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr C Wang

Pre-requisites

PX 2510

Overview

This course builds on the students’ existing knowledge of quantum mechanics to evaluate the eigenstates of atomic and molecular systems. These are used as a platform both to elucidate the quantum mechanical ideas of transition probabilities and selection rules and to introduce the associated practical spectroscopic techniques. Examples will be chosen to cover a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum from radio frequency nuclear magnetic resonance to X ray fluorescence and the instrumental implications of the various frequency domains will be discussed.

Structure

12 week course - 3 one-hour classes (28 lectures and 8 tutorial classes).

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr N J C Strachan and Dr J M S Skakle

Pre-requisites

None.

Notes

(i) This course runs across both half-sessions.
(ii) Available only to students in programme year 4.

Overview

This course consists of a supervised project taken as part of an Honours Degree in Physics which provides experience of investigating a real problem in physics, or its application, or in a related discipline, or in applied mathematics. Projects may be carried out within the University or in an external organisation. Presentation of the results obtained is an integral part of the investigation.

Structure

24 week course - regular project guidance sessions. For example, 24 weekly meetings at 1 hour per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment (80%) and oral examination (20%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J M S Skakle

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

Available only to Honours, Joint Honours or Combined Honours Physics students.

Overview

This course involves a study of applications of Physics and developments in Physics. The study may extend to the influence of other disciplines on the selected topic, such as the importance of economic and social factors. Students will submit a report on each case and make a presentation (e.g. poster, oral).

Structure

12 week course – Introductory seminar, then 2 one-hour meetings per week plus other meetings as required.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J M S Skakle

Pre-requisites

PX 3012, PX 3508 and PX 3509.

Overview

This course will develop the students’ knowledge of quantum Mechanics and Statistical Physics as it is applied to the thermal and electrical properties of solids. The statistical foundations will be based on the Boltzmann and Gibbs distributions and their associated partition functions.

The applications of statistical mechanics to solids will be selected from: defects, magnetism (magnetisation, phase transitions, magnetic cooling and thermometry), fermion systems (conduction electrons and semiconductor junctions), boson systems (phonons, superconductivity, superfluidity)
Due emphasis will be placed on semiconductors and semiconductor devices and on modern developments in solid state physics.

Structure

12 week course - Three-hours per week including a total of 8 hours devoted to tutorials.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J M S Skakle

Pre-requisites

PX 2013

Overview

Applied Optics will consist of the lectures and tutorial classes delivered as ‘Engineering Optics’ (EG 40GC), along with project work on a topic of relevance to the lecture course. The lectures cover introductory concepts of optical engineering; nature and origins of light; amplification of light and laser action; solid state, gas and semiconductor lasers; laser design; light detection; imaging detectors; radiometry and light coupling; industrial applications such as optical communications, optical fibre sensing, holography and materials processing. The project work may take the form of investigative work of scholarship, participation in practical work, design work and other activity related to the lecture content.

Structure

12 week course - 2 one-hour lectures per week, 6 one-hour tutorials, project meetings as required.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour written paper (66.7%) and in-course assessment (33.3%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J M S Skakle

Pre-requisites

None.

Notes

Available only to students in programme year 4 enrolled in Physics Education programme.

Overview

This course involves the consideration of important concepts in a well-defined area of physics and how these concepts can be presented as part of secondary school Physics teaching. The project will involve the preparation of appropriate teaching material and the presentation of this material at a school. The presentation will normally articulate with the School Experience course ED 4702.

Structure

Regular project guidance sessions. For example, 12 weekly meetings at 1 hour per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment (100%).

Resit: No resit available.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J M S Skakle

Pre-requisites

None.

Notes

Available only to students in programme year 4.

Overview

This course is normally available only to students registered for the MPhys but also, in special circumstances, to BSc students by permission of the Head of Physics. It consists of a supervised project which provides experience of investigating a real problem in physics, or its application, or in a related discipline, or in applied mathematics. Presenting the results obtained is an integral part of the investigation.

Structure

12 week course - regular project guidance sessions. For example, 12 weekly meetings at 1 hour per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment (80%) and oral examination (20%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr G M Dunn

Pre-requisites

PX 3509

Co-requisites

PX 3509

Notes

This course alternates annually with PX 4512.

Overview

This course is given by the course coordinator and a visiting physicist. The first part of the course covers the foundations of theoretical physics: Lagrangians, perturbation theory and group theory. Lagrangians are then used to understand classical field theory and solve the Klein Gordon and Dirac equations. The gravitational field is then explained in terms of curved spacetime. Quantum field theories (such as Quantum electrodynamics) are then examined in terms of exchange particles using perturbation theory. Gauge theories, the idea of an internal space and isospin are then introduced together with the classification of particles and exchange particles according to their symmetries. Yangs Mills SU(2) theory and the concept of quarks and Gell-Mann SU(3) theory is used to explain the families of baryons and mesons. Finally, string field theories are introduced. The second half of the course covers astrophysics, addressing the topic of the observed properties of the stars; star formation and evolution; astroseismology; post main-sequence evolution and an overview of current ideas.

Structure

12 week course - 3 one-hour sessions per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written paper (70%) and in-course assessment (30%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A de Moura

Pre-requisites

30 credit points of level 2 PX courses.

Notes

This course will be available in alternate years from 2000/01.

Overview

Nuclear models, nuclear shells and magic numbers; radioactive decay; fission, fusion, nuclear reactions and reactors; production of radionuclides; reactors, linear accelerators and cyclotrons; radiation protection; the interaction of radiation with human tissue, the measurement of radiation dose, legislation and relative hazards; radioactivity and x-rays for clinical imaging; the x-ray set; nuclear medicine; the gamma camera, radiopharmaceuticals, simple clinical applications; radiation for therapy; x-and gamma-ray therapy, implants, equipment, measuring dose, planning dose delivery - basic concepts.

Structure

12 week course - 2 one-hour lectures per week, 1 one-hour seminar/tutorial per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination paper (75%) and in-course assessment (25%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr C Wang

Pre-requisites

PX 2510 or PX 2512 or by permission of Head of Teaching

Overview

Special relativity: Constancy of the speed of light, mass-energy-momentum relation, time dilation and length contraction.
Particle physics: Standard model, fermions, bosons, elementary particles and fundamental forces
General relativity: Universality of free fall, equivalence principle, curved geometry, geodesics, gravitational red shift, cosmological models, gravitational waves.
(Relevant mathematical tools will be taught during the course).

Structure

3 one-hour classes per week, including 8 tutorials overall.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (70%) and in-course assessment (30%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M Thiel

Pre-requisites

Level 3 in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics.

Overview

Physical Sciences intend to describe natural phenomena in mathematical terms. This course bridges the gap between standard courses in physical sciences, where successful mathematical models are described, and scientific research, where new mathematical models have to be developed. Students will learn the art of mathematical modelling, which will enable them to develop new mathematical models for the description of natural systems. Examples from a wide range of phenomena will be discussed, eg from biology, ecology, engineering, physics, physiology and psychology.

A focus will be the critical interpretation of the mathematical models and their predictions. The applicability of the models will be assessed and their use for the respective branch of the natural sciences will be discussed.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures, 1 one-hour computer lab/lecture, and 1 one-hour tutorial per week.

Assessment

1st attempt: Continuous assessment (assignments & projects (80%); oral exam (20%))

Resit: Mini modelling project (80%) + oral exam (20%).

Credit Points

45

Course Coordinator

Dr M Thiel / Dr M Romano

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course runs across both half-sessions. Available only to students in Programme Year 5.

Overview

This course consists of a supervised 24 week project taken as part of an MPhys degree in Physics which provides experience of investigating a real problem in systems modelling in physics, or its application in another discipline.

Projects may be carried out within Physics or in another discipline. Presentation of the results obtained is an integral part of the investigation.

Structure

24 week course - regular project guidance sessions. For example, 24 weekly meetings at 1 hour per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M C Romano

Pre-requisites

PX 4009 and PX 4505 and PX 4511 and (PX 4513 or MX 4536) and permission of Head of School.

Notes

Available to candidates accepted for the MPhys programme.

Overview

This introduction to nonlinear dynamics will allow students to go beyond the standard of a linear description of the natural world, and explore the rich dynamical behaviour of nonlinear models. The course will provide analytical and numerical tools to study nonlinear dynamical systems. These include: graphical analysis, linearisation, stability and bifurcation analysis.

The issue of deterministic chaos will also be addressed in detail in this course as well as methods for its characterisation. A wide range of applications will be discussed thoroughly.

The tutorials will consist of analytical and numerical exercises. The numerical exercises will be performed using C and/or Matlab.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour tutorial per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (50%); continuous assessment (50%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M Thiel

Pre-requisites

PX 4009 and PX 4505 and PX 4511 and (PX 4513 or MX 4536) and permission of Head of School.

Notes

Available to candidates accepted for the MPhys programme.

Overview

Physical Scientists tend to describe natural phenomena in mathematical terms. This course bridges the gap between standard courses in physical sciences, where successful mathematical models are described, and scientific research, where new mathematical models have to be developed. Students will learn the art of the mathematical modelling, which will enable them to develop new mathematical models for the description of natural systems. Examples from a wide range of phenomena will be discussed, eg. from biology, ecology, engineering, physics, physiology and psychology.

A focus will be critical interpretation of the mathematical models and their predictions. The applicability of the models will be assessed and their use for the respective branch of the natural sciences will be discussed.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures, 1 one-hour computer lab/lecture, and 1 one-hour tutorial per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (40%); continuous assessment (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr I Stansfield

Pre-requisites

PX 4009 and PX 4505 and PX 4511 and (PX 4513 or MX 4536) and permission of Head of School (NCS).

Co-requisites

Non-linear Dynamics I

Notes

Available to candidates accepted for the MPhys programme.

Overview

This module will build use a series of tutorials and workshops to first engender understanding of a particular biological systems, and then study models of that system. Tutorials will use a mix of discussion and study of the literature to facilitate understanding of a biological system. Self-directed study will be an important part of the tutorial preparation process. During the workshops, some models will be provided for dissection and discussion, in other cases students will model particular systems themselves. Modelling will be carried out using MatLab. The course will be assessed using continuous assessment through write-ups of the workshop modelling exercises.

Structure

1 one-hour lecture, six 1½ hour tutorials, 4 three-hour modelling workshops.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M C Romano & Dr M Thiel

Pre-requisites

Nonlinear Dynamics I

Notes

Available only to candidates accepted for the MPhys programme.

Overview

In this course we will discuss advanced bifurcation analysis and use numerical tools (XPPauto) to study prototypical and widely used nonlinear models, eg for neuronal dynamics and the spreading of disease. A further important aspect of this course is to find hallmarks of nonlinear or chaotic behaviour in measured data. Therefore, cutting-edge techniques of nonlinear time series analysis will be introduced. Students will gain familiarity with these methods and be able to apply them in their fields of interest.

Structure

3 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour tutorial per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (50%); continuous assessment (50%).