Astrophysics

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 you in the study of Physics, the most fundamental of the sciences.

On our four-year Astrophysics MSci, you’ll come to understand new concepts and paradigms, developing the deep conceptual framework that will allow an advanced understanding and appreciation of nature. You’ll develop core Physics concepts, including classical physics, quantum phenomena as well as mathematical and experimental skills.

Unlike solid-state physics (as with the Physics MSci) the emphasis will shift to astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology, and in later years you’ll cover topics such as Stellar Astrophysics and Atomic & Nuclear Physics. As you progress through the course, modules in Particle Astrophysics, Planetary Geology and Geophysics, General Relativity & Cosmology and Optics will lead you into research level topics which you'll cover in greater depth as an MSci student, than on a BSc degree. In your fourth year you can choose from an incomparably wide range of options and expertise, including courses from University College London, King's College London and Queen Mary, University of London.

We’re a research-intensive department based at our Surrey campus – well away from the light pollution of the big city, which allows our telescopes to provide the best observational astronomy in the University of London. We also have close ties with, and conduct research at major international laboratories such as CERN, ISIS and Diamond, plus collaborations with SEPnet universities and other major institutions around the world.

Our teaching is informed by the most up-to-date research, and you’ll get to work closely with research groups, in laboratories where they work first hand on Physics at the forefront of research.

Course Modules

Core Modules

Year 1

• Mathematics for Scientists 1

• Mathematics for Scientists 2

• Scientific Skills 1

• Scientific Skills 2

• Classical Mechanics

• Fields and Waves

• Classical Matter

• Physics of the Universe

• Academic Integrity

Year 2

• Mathematical Methods

• Scientific Computing Skills

• Quantum Mechanics

• Scientific Skills for Astrophysicists

• Optics

• Electromagnetism

• Classical and Statistical Thermodynamics

• The Solid State

Year 3

• General Relativity and Cosmology

• Advanced Skills in Physics

• Quantum Theory

• Particle Physics

• Astronomy

• Stellar Astrophysics

• Particle Astrophysics

Year 4

• Major Project in Physics

• Research Review

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

• All modules are core

Year 2

• All modules are core

Year 3

• Energy and Climate Science

• Advanced Classical Physics

• Further Mathematical Methods

• Planetary Geology and Geophysics

Year 4

• Lie Groups and Lie Algebras

• Statistical Mechanics

• Advanced Quantum Theory

• Photonics and Metamaterials

• Particle Accelerator Physics

• Theoretical Treatments of Nano-systems

• Nano-Electronics and Quantum Technology

• Superconductors and Superfluids

• Standard Model Physics and Beyond

• Statistical Data Analysis

• String Theory and Branes

• Supersymmetry and Conformal Field Theory

• Astroparticle Cosmology

• Theory of Complex Networks

• Equilibrium Analysis of Complex Systems

• Dynamical Analysis of Complex Systems

• Mathematical Biology

• Elements of Statistical Learning

• Advanced Classical Physics

• Further Mathematical Methods

• Quantum Field Theory

• Modelling Quantum Many-Body Systems

• Advanced Condensed Matter

• Gravitational Wave Physics

• Dark Matter & Dark Energy

• Research Topics in Astrophysics

• Advanced Particle Physics

• Advanced Astrophysics

• Gravitational Waves Astronomy

• Order and Excitations in Quantum Materials

https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/undergraduate/physics/astrophysics-msci/

As teachers, we want to introduce, explain, challenge and excite students on the course.

A year’s worth of study is normally broken down into eight modules, each of a nominal 150 hours of study. Physics combines experimental work with conceptual thinking and mathematical analysis, each demanding its own teaching and assessment techniques. So these modules can take a variety of forms, including small group tutorials, problem classes, lectures, laboratory and computing assignments, teamwork, and one-to-one teaching in our laboratories.

For lecture course units, you’ll normally be assessed by a 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. You have to pass a minimum of six of the eight course units, with a minimum score of 40 per cent each year.

You’ll be taught the most up-to-date and exciting physics by internationally recognised experts in their fields – all who are still involved in research and bring their working knowledge to the course. We teach Physics in an understandable and rigorous style through, and our teaching consistently scores high satisfaction ratings in the annual National Student Survey.

Our close-knit, small-group teaching structure helps create a friendly environment, with an open-door policy, so students feel comfortable coming to us for advice and support.