Physics with Philosophy

A joint degree allows you to study in depth two complementary subjects that inspire you. Best of all, you’ll have the opportunity to develop a wider range of skills and your employability, when you graduate, will be boosted – according to graduate destination surveys.

Our students often say their enthusiasm to study Physics stems from wanting to learn more about the Higgs particle, dark matter, nanotechnology or just a wide-ranging curiosity about how things really work. Whatever your reasons, our Physics department aims to inform and excite in the study of Physics, the most fundamental of the sciences.

As one of the most respected centres for Physics teaching and research in the UK, this degree covers the core material that a graduate physicist would be expected to know, including quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical physics and thermodynamics, Einstein’s relativistic physics and the study of the fundamental structure of matter and the universe. You’ll also develop the mathematical, experimental and conceptual knowledge and skills.

This degree programme gives you the opportunity to combine your studies with Philosophy, which comprises 25% of the course and introduces you to key elements of philosophy such as ancient philosophy and reason, argument and persuasion. If you have a curious and inquisitive mind and are looking for a subject that teaches you how to think clearly and question perceptively, one that will sharpen your analytical skills and critical thinking then Philosophy is ideal for you. Philosophy, as an addition to your studies, will help you develop and express reasoned arguments, to use logical processing and critical analysis to defend your position and debate opposing opinions, skills that not only enhance your academic abilities but your employability too.

Course Modules

Core Modules

Year 1

• Mathematics for Scientists 1

• Mathematics for Scientists 2

• Scientific Skills

• Classical Mechanics

• Classical Matter

• Physics of the Universe

• Problems of Knowledge

• Philosophical Methods

Year 2

• Mathematical Methods

• The Solid State

• Scientific Computing Skills

• Quantum Mechanics

• Classical and Statistical Thermodynamics

• Fields and Waves

• Kant

• Mind and World

Year 3

• Optics

• Electromagnetism

• Advanced Skills in Physics

• Experimental or Theoretical Project

Optional Modules

Below is a taster of some of the exciting optional modules that students on the course could choose from during this academic year. Please be aware these do change over time, and optional modules may be withdrawn or new ones added.

Year 1

• Introduction to Logic

• Mind and Consciousness

• Introduction to Aesthetics and Morals

Year 2

• All modules are core

Year 3

• Energy and Climate Science

• Advanced Classical Physics

• Further Mathematical Methods

• Nonlinear Dynamical Systems

• Signal Recovery and Handling

• Quantum Theory

• Particle Physics

• Metals and Semiconductors

• Superconductivity and Magnetism

• Frontiers of Metrology

• General Relativity and Cosmology

• Particle Astrophysics

• Philosophy Dissertation

• Modern European Philosophy 1: Husserl to Heidegger

• Modern European Philosophy 2: Critical Theory and Hermeneutics

• Philosophy and the Arts

• The Varieties of Scepticism

• The Philosophy of Religion

• Philosophy and Literature

• The Good Life in Ancient Philosophy

• Atomic Physics

https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/undergraduate/physics/physics-with-philosophy/

The course has a modular structure, whereby students take 24 course units at the rate of eight per year. Some course units are compulsory while others are elective thereby offering flexibility and choice.

Teaching in the Physics department takes place in lectures, seminars, laboratory practical classes and problem-solving sessions. Outside class-time students participate in group projects and guided independent study and have access to the college’s comprehensive e-learning facility, ‘Moodle’ where there is a variety of resources available for students.

Assessment is usually by two-hour examination at the end of the year. Coursework and in-class tests also contribute to the assessment of many course units. Experimental work is generally assessed by written reports or oral presentation. A minimum of six of the eight course units must be passed with a minimum score of 40 per cent each year.

In Philosophy, depending on the course unit, you will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars. Outside class teaching, you will work both independently and collaboratively with other students, researching topics in preparation for class discussion and producing your assessed coursework. Private study and preparation are essential parts of every course, and you will have access to many online resources through Moodle.

All Philosophy academic staff hold regular drop-in consultation sessions with students and, when you start with us, you will be assigned a Personal Tutor to support you academically and personally.

Most modules contain an element of assessed coursework, such as an essay, presentation and/or assessed seminar participation marks, which contributes to the final examination mark awarded. The results of the first year exams qualify you to progress to the second year but do not contribute to your final degree award. The second and final year results do contribute to the final degree result, with the final year work counting double that of the second year.