SCHOOL
SCHOOL
SCHOOL
SCHOOL OF
OF
OF
OF
PHYSICS AND ASTRONOM
PHYSICS AND ASTRONOM
PHYSICS AND ASTRONOM
PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
Y
Y
Y
UNDERGRADUATE STUDEN
UNDERGRADUATE STUDEN
UNDERGRADUATE STUDEN
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT
T
T
T
HANDBOOK
HANDBOOK
HANDBOOK
HANDBOOK
201
201
201
2016
6
6
6----2017
2017
2017
2017
In the process of improving our provision to students, the School of Physics and
Astronomy makes changes from time to time to the details printed in this Handbook.
The latest version of the Handbook can always be found at the following web
address:
http://www.astro.cardiff.ac.uk/teachingandlearning/resources/handbook-1.pdf
Revised July 2016
i
Physics and Astronomy at Cardiff
Your degree programme should be a good preparation whether you are planning to move on to research (in industry or academia) or if you
are looking for a broad physics-based education which will make you numerate, articulate and eminently employable. You should expect
the degree programme to stretch and challenge you – giving a real insight into the physical Universe, encouraging clarity of thought and
developing your mind. Physics is a fundamental science, allowing understanding of complex physical systems by the application of basic
principles. You will learn about those principles and, particularly through problem-solving and project work, develop the confidence to
tackle complicated problems yourself.
The fundamentals of physics, which all students need to cover to some extent, include electromagnetism, quantum and classical
mechanics, statistical physics and thermodynamics, wave phenomena and the properties of matter. You will also study the application of
the fundamental principles to particular areas. Physics-related degree programmes may include atomic physics, nuclear and particle
physics, condensed-matter physics, materials, plasmas and fluids. Astrophysics and astronomy programmes will include the application of
physical principles to cosmology, the structure, formation and evolution of stars and galaxies, planetary systems, and high-energy
phenomena in the universe. In degree programmes including Medical Physics or Music, you will meet selected specialised material.
Whatever your chosen degree, you should expect to develop some qualitative understanding of current developments at the frontiers of
the subject.
Mathematics is an essential part of a physics degree. Physics is a quantitative subject and you will need to use the power of mathematics
to describe and model the physical world and solve problems. You will need to develop skill in manipulating and working with equations
and mathematical ideas, so that you can apply the physics without stumbling over the mathematical formulation.
You will experience the practical nature of physics, developing the skills necessary to plan investigations and collect and analyse data
(including estimation of inherent uncertainties). You should become proficient in presenting experimental results or theoretical
conclusions and in the writing of reports. You will learn how to plan, execute and report the results of an experiment or investigation. You
should be able to use appropriate methods to analyse data and to evaluate the level of its uncertainty. You should also be able to relate
any conclusions you make to current theories of the physics involved. Open-ended project work – which can be practical, theoretical or
computational – will be used to develop your skills in research and planning (including use of data bases and published literature) and your
ability to assess critically the link between theoretical calculation and experimental observation.
Particularly important is that you develop the ability to formulate and tackle problems in physics. You should learn how to identify the
appropriate physical principles, how to use special and limiting cases and order-of-magnitude estimates to guide your thinking about a
problem and how to present the solution making your assumptions and approximations explicit.
A physics degree will enhance skills that you can use in many different careers. Problem-solving skills: you will have solved problems with
well-defined solutions, but you will also gain experience in tackling open-ended problems. You should develop an ability to formulate
problems in precise terms and to identify key issues, and develop the confidence to try different approaches in order to make progress on
challenging problems. Investigative skills: you will have opportunities to develop the ability to undertake independent investigations. You
will gain experience of using books, scientific papers and other available literature, of searching databases and of interacting with
colleagues to extract important information. Communication skills: physics and the mathematics used in physics deal with surprising ideas
and difficult concepts; good communication is essential. A physics-based degree should develop your ability to listen carefully, to read
demanding texts, and to present complex information in a clear and concise manner. Analytical skills: physics should convince you of the
need to pay attention to detail and to develop your ability to manipulate precise and intricate ideas, to construct logical arguments and to
use technical language correctly. IT skills: during your studies, you will develop your computing and IT skills in a variety of ways, including
an ability to use appropriate software such as programming languages and packages. Personal skills: you should develop an ability to work
independently, to use your initiative, to organise yourself to meet deadlines, and to interact constructively with other people, both in
groups and individually.
All the physics- and astrophysics-related degree programmes offered by the School (including joint honours) are fully accredited by the
Institute of Physics and contribute towards professional development as a physicist.