Undergraduate degree courses at the University of Oxford for entry in 2008

Physics is about unravelling

the complexity of the

universe to discover how and

why it works. Discoveries in

physics form the foundation

of many technological

advances and play an

important role in numerous

scientific areas. It is an

exciting and challenging

field to study, requiring an

adventurous, inquiring mind

and good mathematical

abilities. The rewards include

a deeper understanding of

the world around us and

the development of skills

that are highly sought

after by many employers.

at oxfordphysics

Physics at OxfordThe breadth and quality of our research

programme provides a wealth of

expertise which is drawn upon by our

unique approach to teaching. This

involves both the Physics Department

and the colleges.

The Physics Department decides on

subject matter, arranges lectures and

practicals for undergraduates and sets

and marks the examinations.

The colleges organise tutorials

which give students direct and regular

access to physicists actively involved

in research. Tutors are members of

a college as well as being part of

the Physics Department. They take

a personal interest in the academic

progress of their students and give

them help and advice. Students

normally have one or two tutorials a

week, typically with one other student.

Work is submitted and discussed, and

students have the opportunity to explore

scientific ideas face-to-face with

experts in the field.

The coursesWe offer two undergraduate physics degree courses: a three-year BA Honours and a four-year MPhys. The basic principles of modern physics, their mathematical formulation and their applications are investigated in both courses.

The first year (foundation) and second year (core physics) courses are the same for both the BA and the MPhys. In the third year, the core physics is applied to a number of new subjects, all of which are studied by MPhys students. BA students choose some of the third year subjects and do a small project. In each of years one, two and three, students on both courses choose additional subjects from a range of options. In the fourth year of the MPhys course, students study two or more areas of physics at an advanced level, and do a substantial project. We also offer a joint four-year Physics and Philosophy degree leading to the MPhysPhil.

College lifeThe colleges provide accommodation and many other facilities. In your college you will meet socially with students studying a wide range of subjects. There is ample opportunity to participate in other activities such as drama and music. Sport is an important part of college life and students are free to participate at whatever level they wish.

First YearIn their first year, students on both courses (BA and MPhys) study five subjects. The compulsory areas of study cover fundamental aspects of ‘classical’ physics: the mechanics of particles, special relativity, and the physics of electric and magnetic fields. Mathematical methods, including vectors and calculus, and differential equations, vibrations and waves is also covered. These subjects provide a firm foundation for the rest of both courses. In addition a subject is chosen from a range of possible options which may change from year to year but are likely to include topics such as quantum ideas, additional mathematics and subjects from other physical sciences.

Practical workPractical work complements lectures and tutorials and introduces students to areas with which they may be less familiar. For two terms of the first year, students spend one day each week working in pairs in the practical laboratories. As well as practicals in computing, electronics, optics and general physics, there is also practical work in astronomy.

Examinations (Prelims)Towards the end of the first year students take an examination consisting of five papers: one on each of the four compulsory subjects and the fifth on their chosen subject. Students must pass the written examination and have a satisfactory record of practical work before they can proceed to the second year.

Second YearThe second year course provides a common core for both the BA and MPhys degrees. Broadly speaking, it is divided into three strands. Firstly, after studying mathematical methods in more depth, students are introduced to the mathematically beautiful and conceptually puzzling world of quantum mechanics, which underlies all known microscopic phenomena.

Secondly, electromagnetism and optics are covered in considerably more depth than in the first year.

The third strand concentrates on thermal physics, which is concerned with the nature and properties of heat. This part of the course includes the kinetic theory of gases, classical thermodynamics, and statistical mechanics – the ‘why’ of thermodynamics.

A short option subject is also studied, from cutting-edge topics not commonly found within a mainstream physics course. These include ‘teaching and learning physics in schools’, and a foreign language option.

Practical workPracticals occupy two days a fortnight during the second and third years. Students normally do a total of 12 ‘days’, but there are a number of alternatives. For example, the teaching and learning physics option involves working with a physics teacher in a local school for a half-day each week, attending seminars on the history and philosophy of science and on research into the learning of physics at school. Half the practical work may be substituted by a second short option.

Examinations (Part A)Three written papers on the core topics plus a shorter paper on the option topic and practical work form the Part A examination at the end of the second year. A minimum standard in this examination, comparable to 2:1 honours, is required for those who wish to take the MPhys degree.

Third YearThe core topics covered in the second year provide students with the conceptual tools to deal with the advanced physics found in the third year course. There are three main strands. In the first strand, students apply the quantum mechanics they learnt in the second year to gain an understanding of atomic physics, which deals with the properties of many electrons confined within the atom by the field of the atomic nucleus, and sub-atomic physics, which is the study of the nucleus and its constituents, and of the fundamental interactions involving quarks and leptons. More advanced relativity is also taught in this section of the course.

The second strand comprises atmospheric physics, which explores the physics of fluid flows and climate; astrophysics, which covers stellar structure and evolution; and an introduction to cosmology.

The third strand continues to build on the electromagnetism, optics, thermal and quantum physics learnt in the second year. This provides the platform

for the investigation of both photonics, e.g. how lasers work, and condensed matter physics, which deals with the properties of solids, including their thermal and magnetic properties and why they form insulators, metals and semiconductors. Hands-on experience of semiconductor devices and how to use them is provided through the electronics laboratory.

MPhys students study all of the above three areas, whereas BA students study only two of them, in addition to undertaking a small project in their final term. Once again, short options in a variety of interesting topics are available for study by both BA and MPhys students.

Examinations (Part B)Part B of the MPhys degree comprises three written papers on applications of the core topics, plus a short option paper and practical work, or a fourth written paper. Part B of the BA degree comprises two written papers, a short option paper, practical work and a project report. The BA honours degree classification is made on the combined results from the Part A and B examinations.

Fourth YearStudents studying for the MPhys spend their fourth year working on two major options in addition to a substantial project. The project is the equivalent of about one full term’s work.

MPhys ProjectsEach student works individually on a research problem (either theoretical or experimental) under the supervision of a senior physicist. Topics cover all areas of research in the Department and the work is completed by writing a detailed project report. The project may produce a result of sufficient importance to justify its publication in a scientific journal. Projects give students valuable experience of open-ended work, solving real problems.

Examinations (Part C)Part C comprises two written papers on major options and a project report. The MPhys honours degree classification is made on the combined results from the Parts A, B and C examinations.

Major Options (Fourth Year)AstrophysicsAstrophysics is concerned with the application of the laws of physics to phenomena throughout the observable universe. Some of these phenomena present conditions so extreme as to challenge current physical knowledge. The course combines a study of important basic astrophysics with an introduction to topics in the forefront of current research.

Theoretical physicsModern physics has revealed how fundamental laws are often encoded in beautiful mathematical structures. This course provides an introduction to three areas where this can be explored: classical fi eld theory, including Einstein’s theory of gravitation; advanced quantum mechanics, including Dirac’s relativistic wave equation for the electron; and statistical physics, including the theory of phase transitions.

Physics of atmospheres and oceansThis course shows how physics helps us understand and interpret a wide range of atmospheric and oceanic phenomena. It starts with simple applications of thermodynamics and fl uid dynamics to atmospheric behaviour. The greenhouse effect, atmospheric ozone depletion and details of modern space instruments are explored. The current understanding of climate and climate variability is also studied.

Laser science and quantum information processingCoherent optical phenomena play a central role in research into the quantum nature of matter and radiation, as well as forming the basis of several important technologies. The course covers the basic properties of lasers and laser-matter interactions, including nonlinear optics and beam propagation, as well as applications to the emerging area of quantum information processing.

Condensed matter physicsThis subject is concerned with the study of the fundamental properties of solids at a microscopic level. The interactions between atoms at very high densities give rise to a wealth of new phenomena from high temperature superconductivity to low-dimensional electron behaviour in semiconductor nanostructures. Many have led to the development of novel technological applications.

Particle physicsParticle physics is the study of the nature of matter and forces at the most fundamental level. The subject deals with electrons and neutrinos, and the quarks that make up the proton and neutron, as well as the heavier versions of these four basic particles. The course goes on to discuss our theoretical understanding of the way these particles interact through the strong and electroweak interactions and includes recent exciting discoveries, such as the very massive top quark and neutrino masses. It ends with a perspective on future possibilities, and the ongoing search for the elusive Higgs boson.

Biological physicsBiological physics is the study of the physical processes of life. This is a rapidly growing and interdisciplinary fi eld, with links to biochemistry, bioinformatics, medicine and nanotechnology. The course will cover the biological structures and physical mechanisms responsible for fundamental biological processes such as motion, energy generation, information storage, signal transmission and molecular transport. Since much of the knowledge in these areas is due to recent experimental advances, the course will also describe modern techniques for the study of biological molecules and machines at the single-molecule level.

Oxford also offers a joint four-year Physics and Philosophy degree leading to an MPhysPhil. This demanding but rewarding course is intended to equip those who take it with the ability to think scientifically, to handle difficult and highly abstract concepts and to present arguments with clarity and precision, both orally and in writing.

The Oxford Physics and Philosophy course is an integrated programme in which the two subjects are studied in parallel for the first three years, with an option for greater specialisation (in either direction) in the fourth year. The two subjects are bridged by interdisciplinary work in the philosophy of physics in each year of the course, focusing on the conceptual foundations of physics.

The physics component of the course is taught through lectures which are supplemented by one or two tutorials or classes per week. A limited amount of practical work in physics (involving three specific experiments) is done in the second year. The first three years provide a firm foundation from which to tackle issues in the philosophy of physics. They also prepare students to proceed, if desired, to the study of advanced physics options in the fourth year.

The philosophy component of the course is taught through weekly tutorials and lectures. In philosophy of physics the first year deals with conceptions of space and time prior to Einstein. In the next two years the focus is on special relativity and quantum mechanics. In the final (fourth) year, advanced topics are studied in the forefront of current research in the field.

In Physics and Philosophy a limited exchange scheme has recently been established with Princeton University. A selection of those wishing

Images © Media Services Unit, Dept. of Physics / Print: Oxuniprint / Design: Catherine Charnock www.catherinecharnock.co.uk / Issued by the Department of Physics 12/06

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Physics and Philosophy

I thought I wouldn’t enjoy being a student at Oxford but my sixth form tutor encouraged me to apply. When I came for interview I was captivated by the place, so I was pleased when I got an offer.

Studying physics and philosophy is an uncommon but immensely rewarding combination, pairing a scientific analysis of reality with an arts subject that, in the words of Bertrand Russell, allows you to ‘free your thoughts from the tyranny of common sense’.

As with all joint honours degrees, Physics and Philosophy involves more work than the single honours alternatives, but the variety in the workload means it doesn’t get dull. There is some flexibility in the options that can be taken, especially in the fourth year, allowing you to follow your interests as they develop.

One of the most interesting courses, and one which is only open to Physics and Philosophy students, is ‘Philosophy of Physics’, which examines the basis of physics and includes fascinating subjects such as the foundations of special relativity and quantum mechanics.

Of course it’s not all work – there’s plenty of time for getting involved in college or university societies. I’ve been involved in the college music society, played in a swing band and enjoyed several trips with the University mountaineering club. I would certainly recommend Physics and Philosophy to anyone with a keen interest in asking questions about the world and in taking on a challenging but rewarding degree.

Robert King Magdalen College, 2nd Year MPhysPhil(Scottish) Advanced Highers: Maths, Applied Maths, Physics, Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies

Highers: Chemistry, English

to take part is made in the third year, on the basis on merit. The exchange itself, with either the Princeton Physics Department or the Philosophy Department, takes place in the fourth year. No additional fees are involved.

Any Joint Honours degree is bound to have a heavy workload, and Physics and Philosophy is no exception. Undergraduates are expected to become as fluent in mathematics as their Single Honours peers in Physics, and as skilled in writing essays as their colleagues in Philosophy. Whilst challenging, the integrated approach gives scope for the subject matter to come together once the basic skills have been mastered.

The total entry to the Physics and Philosophy course is quite small (about 14 per year), and not all colleges can provide the necessary range of tutorial teaching. If in doubt, please contact the Tutor for Admissions at any college to which you may be interested in applying. Balliol, Brasenose, Exeter, Hertford, New, Oriel, St Hilda’s, St Edmund Hall, St Peter’s, The Queen’s College and Trinity are among the colleges that have Physics and Philosophy students.

Further informationCareersThe skills acquired by students on all our courses are in high demand and our graduates go on to employment in a wide range of areas including research, industry and commerce. The MPhys is the appropriate qualification for advanced research or employment in science because it involves the study of physics at the highest level possible in an undergraduate degree.

Financial assistanceOxford is very keen that no one should be put off applying, nor be unable to attend, for financial reasons, and has therefore set up the ‘Oxford Opportunity Bursaries’ to revolutionise access to the University. For details see http://www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/finance/

The Physics Department participates in the Institute of Physics bursary scheme. Details about the IoP bursary scheme are available on http://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/admissions/bursaries.htm and http://education.iop.org/schools/suptstu/ubs.html

Open daysIf you are thinking of applying to Oxford and would like to see the Physics Department you are welcome to attend the science open days on 27 and 28 June 2007, or the science information day on 14 September 2007. Colleges also have open days which provide a useful opportunity to talk to students and tutors and to find out more about Oxford. For information on science open days contact the Science Open Days Co-ordinator at the Oxford Colleges Admissions Office, tel. 01865 270894 or see http://www.admissions.ox.ac.uk

General enquiriesPhysics Teaching FacultyClarendon LaboratoryParks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU Tel: 01865 272200Email: enquiries@physics.ox.ac.ukWeb: http://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/

Images © Media Services Unit, Dept. of Physics / Print: Oxuniprint / Design: Catherine Charnock www.catherinecharnock.co.uk / Issued by the Department of Physics 12/06

I’ve just finished studying for my MPhys at Jesus College. The four years I’ve spent in Oxford have been challenging yet rewarding.

I had always enjoyed physics at school and knew this was what I wanted to study at University – the only decision was where to apply to. I hadn’t even considered applying to Oxford before my school was contacted by the Oxford Access Scheme – I just didn’t think it was an option.

Having not studied Further Maths I found the first year tough, but with the help of my tutors I got through it. Further Maths is not essential for reading physics at Oxford, but I would encourage anybody who has the option of taking it to do so.

The tutorial system at Oxford provides the opportunity to have close contact with respected physicists, which is inspiring.

The undergraduate MPhys course at Oxford is demanding, however, with a little organisation it is still possible to have a positive work/play balance and enjoy all aspects of university life.

If you have an enthusiasm for physics and enjoy learning, then I would encourage you to apply to Oxford.

Laura Pender, Jesus College, Fourth year MPhys A-Levels: Physics, Maths, Music

AS-Levels: Chemistry