University of York
Master of Physics Hons in Physics with Astrophysics with a year in industry
The Master of Physics Hons in Physics with Astrophysics with a year in industry in Physics is offered by University of York.
Program Length: 5 YEARS.
Master of Physics Hons in Physics with Astrophysics with a year in industry offered by the University of York
The birthplace of industry's rising stars.Astrophysicists look to the skies to discover more about the nature of our Universe.From the nuclear reactions that power our sun to the mysteries of dark matter, you'll study the great challenges of cosmology in topics aligned with their active research.To explore the cosmos you'll need grounding in many disciplines of physics, from optics to electromagnetism, quantum physics to classical mechanics. You'll learn key skills for analysing real-life problems, write scientific reports to industry standards, communicate complex concepts, and solve mind-bending astronomical puzzles.Spending a year on a paid industrial placement gives you the chance to gain real-world experience, enhancing your degree and your CV.AccreditationThe Physics courses are accredited by the Institute of Physics (iop.org), guaranteeing the standard of the teaching and learning. Completing this degree will put you on track to becoming a Chartered Physicist.
Course contentThis course will build on your previous studies to prepare you for advanced research in industry or academia. The University's core and optional modules will give you a broad base of knowledge, and opportunities to focus on the specialist subjects which excite your curiosity.Specialist modules allow you to pursue a broad understanding of modern astrophysics, including stars, galaxies and the exotic concepts of dark matter and dark energy.In your final year you'll design and carry out an original research project. You'll work under guidance from an academic supervisor to bring new knowledge and deeper understanding to an area such as radio astronomy, infrared spectroscopy or variable stars.Study abroadThere are opportunities for you to spend time abroad during your course:Explore global opportunitiesYear 1Year 1 emphasises core material to consolidate your existing knowledge and prepare you for more advanced study. You'll study a range of key modules, and put your learning into practice in the lab throughout the year.Core modulesElectromagnetism, Waves and Optics (20 credits)Introduction to Thermal and Quantum Physics (20 credits)Mathematics I (20 credits)Newtonian and Relativistic Mechanics (20 credits)Experimental Laboratory for Astrophysics I (20 credits)Mapping the Universe (with Professional Skills) (20 credits)
Academic integrity moduleIn addition to the above you will also need to complete the online Academic Integrity module.Year 2In Year 2 you'll deepen your understanding of fundamental laws, processes and techniques. Advanced laboratory work will enable you to plan and execute extended experiments. You'll learn to approach problems creatively and develop your observational astronomy skills.Core modulesAstrophysical Technologies, Planetary Science (with Professional Skills) 20 credits)Electromagnetism and Optics (20 credits)Mathematics II (20 credits)Quantum Physics II (20 credits)Thermodynamics and Solid State I (20 credits)Experimental Laboratory for Astrophysics II (20 credits)Year 3Year 3 introduces some advanced concepts, building on the expertise you've developed. Option modules give you the chance to delve deeper into your favourite topic, or discover a new area of advanced physics.You'll complete advanced laboratory work which will include preparation for your research project in the final year.Core modulesGalaxies and the Interstellar Medium and Cosmology (20 credits)Statistical Mechanics and Solid State II (20 credits)Quantum Physics III (20 credits)Advanced Astrophysics Laboratory (20 credits)
Option modulesChoose 40 credits from:Advanced Theoretical Techniques (10 credits)Atomic Physics and Lasers (10 credits)Introduction to Plasma Science and Technology (10 credits)Introduction to Quantum Computing (10 credits)Magnetic Materials and Technology (10 credits)Medical Physics (10 credits)Modern Optics (10 credits)Nanoscale (10 credits)Particle Physics (10 credits)Relativity (10 credits)The Physics of Stars (10 credits)Year 4In your fourth year, you'll undertake a paid placement in industry. This is a chance to apply your physics knowledge, gain valuable work experience, and forge links which could prove useful to your future career.The dedicated placement team will help you find and apply for placements. A series of industrial visits and events will assist in your search. In recent years students have had placements at leading companies and research organisations such as:KromekDysonMM MicrowaveBAE SystemsJaguar Land RoverAirbusSelex ESInstitut Laue LangevinFood & Environment AgencyMBDA SystemsScience and Technology Facilities CouncilThalesYou will be assigned an industrial supervisor, who is an employee of the company, and an academic supervisor from the department; both will support and monitor your progress through your placement year.Placements are led by the White Rose Industrial Physics Academy, who promote unique collaborations between York and their leading industrial partners.You are responsible for securing your chosen placement. If you don't find a placement you will transfer to the standard MPhys Physics with Astrophysics pathway.Year 5Your final year consists of a number of advanced option modules, providing you with the opportunity to specialise further. You'll apply the core knowledge you've developed over the previous years to topics aligned with their internationally-recognised research groups.You'll undertake a major research project under the supervision of an academic member of staff with expertise in the area you choose to focus on. You'll conduct original research to reach new conclusions and, at the highest levels, contribute to our understanding of the Universe.Core moduleMPhys Project (60 credits)Students widely acknowledge the MPhys project as one of the most satisfying and rewarding parts of the course. You'll undertake independent research to investigate a current problem in the field, or bring new perspectives to a familiar topic. You may need to design, build and evaluate equipment for a specific experimental purpose.Recent projects have included:AsteroseismologyAstrophysical methanol masersClassifying stellar pulsations from spaceShell-Model study of exotic nucleiType-1a supernova explosionsTuning the Stars to Beta LepYou'll be supported by a professional skills module to hone your research techniques. You'll undertake a literature survey, write a review essay, develop a project plan and give oral and poster presentations in an end-of-year conference.Choose one from:Advanced Plasma Physics (20 credits)From Subatomic Physics to Astrophysics (20 credits)
Option modulesChoose 40 credits from:Advanced High Performance Computing (10 credits)Advanced Plasma Physics (20 credits)Advanced Quantum Mechanics (10 credits)Biophysics (20 credits)From Subatomic Physics to Astrophysics (20 credits)Further Quantum Mechanics (10 credits)High Performance Computing (10 credits)Laser and Atom-light Interactions (10 credits)Nanomaterials: from Graphene to Spintronics (20 credits)Physics and Applications of Semiconductor Devices (10 credits)