BSc Honours Theoretical Physics* (UCAS Code: F340)
For entrance requirements
E: admissions@qub.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)28 9097 3838
For course information
Dr Tom Field
School of Mathematics and Physics
T: +44 (0)28 9097 3941
E: physics@qub.ac.uk
W: http://www.qub.ac.uk/mp
BSc Honours
Applied Mathematics and Physics 3 yrs (GF13)
Physics 3 yrs (F300)
Physics with Astrophysics 3 yrs (F3F5)
Physics and Computer Science 3 yrs (GF43)
Physics with Extended Studies in Europe 4 yrs (F308)
Physics with Financial Mathematics 3 yrs (F3N3)
Physics with Medical Applications 3 yrs (F3B9)
Theoretical Physics 3 yrs (F340)
MSci Honours
Applied Mathematics and Physics 4 yrs (GFC3) Physics 4 yrs (F303)
Physics with Astrophysics 4 yrs (F3FM)
Physics with Extended Studies in Europe 5 yrs (F309)
Physics with Medical Applications 4 yrs (F3BX)
Theoretical Physics 4 yrs (F344)
Entrance Requirements
BSc Applied Mathematics and Physics, BSc Theoretical Physics
A-level: A (Mathematics) BB including Physics.
MSci Applied Mathematics and Physics, MSci Theoretical Physics
A-level: AAA including Mathematics and Physics OR A* (Mathematics) AB including Physics.
BSc Physics with Financial Mathematics
A-level: AAB at A-level including grade A in Mathematics and Physics OR A* (Mathematics) A (Physics) C.
BSc other options
A-level: BBB at A-level including Mathematics and Physics.
MSci other options
A-level: AAB at A-level including Mathematics and Physics.
Note: for Physics with Extended Studies in Europe the chosen language must be offered at A-level or equivalent. The language options available are French or Spanish.
For students whose first language is not English
An IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs
If you are an international student and you do not meet the entrance requirements, you should consider a preparation course at INTO Queen's University Belfast, which will prepare you for successful study on these degree courses. INTO Queen's University Belfast is based on the University campus and offers a range of courses including: International Foundation in Engineering and Science.
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'Physics is an enabling discipline showing how to do things thought impossible and helping others refine their approach. Physics is to the rest of science what machine tools are to engineering.' (Sir John Pendry)
'Physics allows us to write with a piece of chalk on a blackboard the very structure of the universe and the shape of it. I mean… What's not to love?' (Dara O'Briain)
Physics studies how the universe works - from the smallest atomic nucleus to the largest galaxy. It includes conceptual challenges such as quantum theory, relativity and chaos theory, and lies at the heart of most modern technology - for example the computer, the laser and the Internet.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy has high teaching standards and is recognised nationally as being one of the leading centres for research. Physics at Queen's is ranked sixth overall in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2011). Physics at Queen's obtained an excellent grade in the last subject-based Teaching Quality Assessment exercise, while in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise 50 per cent of the scientific research carried out by staff was internationally excellent or world-leading. This strong link between research and teaching in Physics at Queen's means our graduates obtain one of the best degrees available for understanding our recent scientific advances, and playing a part in our increasingly technological society.
Back to topPhysics may be studied either as a Single Honours degree, as Physics, Physics with Astrophysics, Physics with Biomedical Applications, Physics with Extended Studies in Europe, Physics with Financial Mathematics, or Theoretical Physics; or depending on choice of Stage 1 modules, as a Joint Honours degree in conjunction with Applied Mathematics or Computer Science.
Stage 1
In their first year students study a core of modern Physics and Applied Mathematics, and, if desired, a third subject such as Computer Science. Physics topics include:
• Atomic and nuclear physics
• Electromagnetism
• Optics and lasers
• Quantum theory
• Relativity
• Solid state physics
• Thermal physics
Practical work includes learning the fundamentals of programming and computer modelling, as well as a full range of experiments designed to develop laboratory skills, allowing students to experience phenomena covered in lectures.
Tutorials, based around the lecture courses, give experience in problem-solving and verbal and written communication.
Stages 2 and 3
At Stage 2, according to degree selection, modules are taken which reveal the excitement of such areas as:
• Astronomy
• Atoms, Nuclei and Radiation
• Modern Physics
• Optics, Electricity and Magnetism
• Physics of the Solid State
Physics project work develops the skills of planning, carrying out and analysing experiments and simulations, and provides opportunities for deepening understanding of the wide applicability of physics.
At Stage 3, a choice of modules is made to develop in-depth understanding of such areas as:
• Astrophysics
• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Electromagnetic Radiation and Modern Optics
• Nuclear and Fundamental Particle Physics
• Optoelectronics and Physical Electronic
• Physics in Medicine
• Quantum Mechanics and Relativity
• Solid State Physics
Project work entails a major experimental or computational investigation of a particular physics problem; in conjunction with this a project report and associated poster are produced to a professional standard.
MSci (Master in Science)
These four-year degrees are aimed at the more able and committed students who intend to practise the profession of physics in research and development, in industry or academia, at the highest level.
Single Honours MSci options are available in Physics, Physics with Medical Applications, Physics with Astrophysics, Physics with Extended Studies in Europe and Theoretical Physics. A Joint Honours MSci option is also available in Applied Mathematics and Physics.
Transfer from the three-year BSc degree to the MSci is permitted up to the end of Stage 2. Students who successfully complete the four-year MSci qualify for the degree of MSci (Hons) in the relevant option.
Stages 1 and 2 are identical to those for the BSc degree. At Stage 3, a selection is made from the modules available for the BSc. Also studied are the Professional Skills Programme - where important skills are developed, such as computer programming in C, multimedia presentation, and personal projection - and Synoptic Physics - where a variety of scientific themes such as symmetry, people in physics, ecology and cosmology are studied in depth, with cross-links being emphasised.
At Stage 4, specialist modules are available, broadly reflecting research interests of those teaching in the Department. These modules are:
Astrophysics
Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
Condensed Matter and Materials Science
Laser and Plasma Physics
Medical Devices and Applications
Also in this year, a major project is carried out in association with one of these research centres, with the student working within the world-leading research groups. Through this project students gain an intensive insight into modern scientific research.
At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.
On the BSc in Theoretical Physics, we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:
Assessment (general): The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.
Feedback (general): As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and your peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:
Once students have reviewed their feedback, they are encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of their work.
Back to topStudying for a degree in Theoretical Physics at Queen’s will assist students in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline, including theoretical physics
Although the many of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in teaching, banking and finance, significant numbers develop careers in a wide range of other sectors. The following is a list of the major career sectors that have attracted our graduates in recent years:
Other Career-related information: Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group and, therefore, one of the 20 universities most-targeted by leading graduate employers. Queen’s students will be advised and guided about career choice and, through the Degree Plusinitiative, will have an opportunity to seek accreditation for skills development and experience gained through the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer. See Queen’s University Belfast’s Employability Statementfor further information.
Degree Plus and other related initiatives: Recognising student diversity, as well as promoting employability enhancements and other interests, is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s. Students are encouraged to plan and build their own, personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements and other work experiences (at home or overseas), Erasmus study options elsewhere in Europe, learning development opportunities and involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies, and sports.
Queen’s actively encourages this type of activity by offering students an additional qualification, the Degree Plus Award (and the related Researcher Plus Award for PhD and MPhil students). Degree Plus accredits wider experiential and skill development gained through extra-curricular activities that promote the enhancement of academic, career management, personal and employability skills in a variety of contexts. As part of the Award, students are also trained on how to reflect on the experience(s) and make the link between academic achievement, extracurricular activities, transferable skills and graduate employment. Participating students will also be trained in how to reflect on their skills and experiences and can gain an understanding of how to articulate the significance of these to others, e.g. employers.
Overall, these initiatives, and Degree Plus in particular, reward the energy, drive, determination and enthusiasm shown by students engaging in activities over-and-above the requirements of their academic studies. These qualities are amongst those valued highly by graduate employers.
Back to topAccreditation: the degrees are accredited by the Institute of Physics with the exception of the new Physics with Financial Mathematics pathway, for which accreditation is being sought. Since it contains all the core physics elements common to the other accredited pathways it is anticipated that this accreditation will be granted.
Study Abroad: Physics with Extended Studies in Europe includes a year spent studying abroad.
Scholarships and Bursaries: students in the School can benefit from scholarships and bursaries provided by the University and by external companies; see the School website for further information.
Last updated 12.09.13
