Why this course?
Our BSc in Physics degree covers a wide range of topics in physics and modern physical principles. You’ll develop core skills in mathematics and physics that will allow you to gain an understanding of the fundamental aspects of physics.
Training in laboratories is complemented by a research project carried out in an up-to-date research lab, attached to one of the Department’s research groups. This allows you to benefit from our lively and diverse research environment.
Our BSc in Physics is accredited by the Institute of Physics for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
What you’ll study
Year 1
All classes are compulsory and you will study the foundations of physics. Classes will cover mathematics, mechanics and waves, electromagnetism and quantum physics. You'll undertake practical work in the teaching laboratory. In addition to this you will also be introduced to the programming language Python and start to learn the basis of computational physics.
Year 2
All classes are compulsory and will increase your understanding of physics and mathematics topics developed in first year. You'll extended your knowledge of scientific computing and the laboratory work becomes more sophisticated, recognising your growing maturity as a physicist.
Year 3
In addition to extending your study of quantum physics and electromagnetism you will be introduced to new topics centred on solid state physics, thermal and statistical mechanics. The laboratory work undertaken in Year 3 is aimed at further developing your laboratory skills in readiness for the fourth-year project. A key part of being a physicist is the communication of your understanding of the subject and in third year you will take classes designed to enhance the communication skills acquired in Years 1 and 2. You’ll also select elective classes.
Year 4
You’ll undertake a project in research labs supervised by a member of staff in the department. You can select optional classes from topics as diverse as nanoscience, photonics through to quantum optics.
Study abroad
You'll have the opportunity to spend either a full year or a semester abroad studying under the Erasmus Programme, in the case of EU countries, or Student Exchange Programmes with many universities in North America, Canada and the rest of the world.
Industrial placements
We recognise the key links between physics and industry and many start-up companies and SMEs in Scotland owe their existence to physics-based ideas.
This is why we offer our students the chance to undertake an industrial placement during the break between either Year 3 and Year 4 or Year 4 and Year 5.
These placements are offered on a competitive basis.
Postgraduate study
If you're looking to progress to postgraduate study, we have a number of courses available:
- Applied Physics (MSc)
- Nanoscience (MSc)
- Optical Technologies (MSc)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Institute of Physics for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
Course content
Year 1
Experimental Physics
This class is an introduction to working in a laboratory environment. You'll undertake experiments related to the taught components of the first year physics curriculum, learning how to use standard equipment and handle experimental uncertainties.
Mechanics & Waves
This class is an will provide you with an understanding of motion of simple mechanical systems, gravitation and simple harmonic motion. You'll also learn about the fundamentals of wave propagation and the superposition of waves as well simple optical phenomena such as diffraction.
Quantum Physics & Electromagnetism
This class is designed to introduce you to quantum mechanics and electromagnetism. It highlights experimental observations that resulted in the development of quantum mechanics, such as the photoelectric effect and blackbody radiation. In terms of electromagnetism, you'll cover basic electrostatics such as Gauss's law and magnetostatics.
Mathematics
We will introduce you to the mathematics necessary to support the physics curriculum. The classes will cover topics ranging from differentiation and integration, complex numbers, an introduction to linear algebra and vectors.
Computational & Physics Skills
Here you will start to use Python to write simple programmes to model physical systems. To enhance your programming skills you will complete a group project and use the output from this project to develop communication skills by preparing a poster presentation. You will also start to develop employability skills.
Year 2
Experimental Physics
This class is an extension of Experimental Physics from year 1. You'll undertake more complex experiments that are related to the taught components of the second-year curriculum. You'll see the statistical origin for experimental uncertainties.
Mechanics & Waves
This class builds on Mechanics and Waves from year 1. You'll be introduced to special relativity, the vector treatment of rotational motion and the behaviour of systems when forced to oscillate. To extend your understanding of wave phenomena you'll be introduced to the wave equation, Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction and the operation of lasers.
Quantum Physics & Electromagnetism
This class builds on the material you learned in year 1. you'll be introduced to the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics and you'll develop a vector model of electromagnetism.
Mathematics
The topics covered in these classes will extend the mathematics seen in first year. You will cover many different topics including probability distributions, ordinary and partial differential equations, and Fourier series and transforms.
Computational & Physics Skills
In this class you will build on the Python programming seen in year 1 and be introduced to a range of computational techniques that will make modelling and solving physical system straightforward. Again there will ba group project which will be used to enhance your skills and there will be further interactions with the Careers Service.
Year 3
Experimental Physics
This class extends the laboratory work developed in years 1 and 2. In this class the laboratory work is open ended with so you're able to fully explore the experiments in preparation for the final year project.
Quantum Physics & Electromagnetism
Building on what you learned in year 2, this class will extend your understanding of quantum mechanics by introducing advanced concepts such as time independent perturbation theory and electromagnetism by exploring the wave like nature of electromagnetism as predicted by Maxwell's equations.
Physics Skills
This class will develop your knowledge base and transferable skills in preparation for the project undertaken in years 4 and 5 of the course. It focuses on oral, written and graphical presentations, literature and group-work skills, individual data analysis and interpretation skills, and basic grounding in physics problem solving.
Condensed Matter Physics
Here you'll cover condensed matter physics and be introduced to concepts such as the Fermi surface, superconductors, phonons and other forms of collective excitations.
Statistical Physics
This class covers the fundamentals of thermodynamics through to an introduction to various distributions such as Maxwellian, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein.
Practical Physics
This class is a reduced version Experimental Physics. It's offered only to students on the BSc Physics with Teaching degree.
Year 4
Physics project
The aim of this class is to help you develop as an enquiring independent physicist by undertaking a project under the supervision of a member of staff of the department.
Topics in Physics
Here you'll be introduced to state-of-the-art developments in generation and use of charged particles in various forms such as free electron beams, plasmas and astrophysical plasmas.
Topics in Solid State Physics
Here you'll track the development of key concepts in solid state physics and how these concepts can be exploited to form functional optical and electronic devices.
Topics in Nanoscience
Here you'll be introduced to nanoscience. Specifically, the course will address concepts relating to Nanoparticle production, characterisation and structure before progressing to the physics associated with molecular nanoscience, including intermolecular forces and the techniques used to investigate these forces.
Topics in Photonics
This class provides an introduction to laser physics, laser optics and nonlinear optics as required for the work in many photonic laboratories.
Topics in Computational & Complexity Physics
You'll be introduced to the ideas and concepts associated with complexity physics and to the use of computer simulations to demonstrate these processes.
Topics in Theoretical Physics
The aim of this class is to introduce you to the large scale structure of space-time.
Topics in Quantum Physics
This class provides an introduction to the basic concepts and theoretical ideas of quantum optics.
Topics in Atomic, Molecular & Nuclear Physics
This class aims to give a general overview and understanding of atomic and molecular physics and relate these to practical applications and related fields of study.
Assessment
Assessment methods include exams, continuous assessment, written reports, moderated peer assessment in tutorials and workshops, talks and poster sessions.
Learning & teaching
Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, interactive learning using both personal response systems and web-based teaching resources, directed laboratory work, group-based learning and self-paced project work.
Entry requirements
Required subjects are indicated following typically accepted grades.
Highers
Standard entry requirements
Year 1 entry: AABB or ABBBB (Physics B, Maths B)
A Levels
Year 1 entry: BBB
Typical entry requirements: ABB
Please note if you are taking the newly-reformed Physics A Level, we will require you to pass the practical assessment included in the A Level.
International Baccalaureate
32 (Physics HL5, Maths HL5)
HNC/HND
Considered on an individual basis; contact us for advice
Additional information
- deferred entry is accepted
- if you have Higher Physics or Maths at grade C, you will be required to upgrade and achieve a grade A if repeating the Higher, or a grade B at Advanced Higher
- if you have a grade D at first attempt in Higher Physics or Higher Maths, you will not normally receive an offer
- in sixth year it is advisable to take both Advanced Higher Physics and Maths
Widening access
We want to increase opportunities for people from every background. Strathclyde selects our students based on merit, potential and the ability to benefit from the education we offer. We look for more than just your grades. We consider the circumstances of your education and will make lower offers to certain applicants as a result.
Find out if you can benefit from this type of offer.
International students
Find out entry requirements for your country.
Degree preparation course for international students
We offer international students (non EU/UK) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for
an undergraduate degree at Strathclyde the option of completing an Undergraduate Foundation year programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.
Upon successful completion, you will be able to progress to this degree course at the
University of Strathclyde.
Fees & funding
How much will my course cost?
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
Scotland/EU
Rest of UK
Assuming no change in Rest of UK fees policy over the period, the total amount payable by undergraduate students will be capped. For students commencing study in 2017/18, this is capped at £27,750 (with the exception of the MPharm and Integrated Masters courses); MPharm students pay £9,250 for each of the four years. Students studying on Integrated Masters degree programmes pay an additional £9,250 for the Masters year with the exception of those undertaking a full-year industrial placement where a separate placement fee will apply.
International
University preparation programme fees
International students can find out more about the costs and payments of studying a university preparation programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.
Additional fees
Course materials & costs
At present, the department charges students £5 for lecture notes in PH 151 and PH 152. These notes are supplied by the University printers. Digital copies of notes are published on MyPlace for students to download.
A recommended textbook that comes with an online homework system is priced at £75, and covers both first and second-year material. If students don't wish to buy this text, the department issues the homework in paper copy for students to hand in for marking.
This process is currently under review, as the department are considering moving to an online textbook. This will be priced at £30 and accessed through MyPlace.
Other costs
The department supplies students with lab books (£1) for recording data through years 1-3. First-year students are supplied with USB keys (£10) for the collection of data. Personal response handsets are also available at lectures.
Please note: All fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
How can I fund my studies?
Students from Scotland and the EU
If you're a Scottish or EU student, you may be able to apply to the Student Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. Scottish students may also be eligible for a bursary and loan to help cover living costs while at University.
For more information on funding your studies have a look at our University Funding page.
Students from England, Wales & Northern Ireland
We have a generous package of bursaries on offer for students from England, Northern Ireland and Wales
You don’t need to make a separate application for these. When your place is confirmed at Strathclyde, we’ll assess your eligibility.
Have a look at our scholarship search for any more funding opportunities.
International Students (Non UK, EEA)
We have a number of scholarships available to international students. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.
Available scholarships
We have a wide range of scholarships available. Have a look at our scholarship search to find a scholarship.
Careers
Throughout our Physics BSc course, you’ll develop skills that will help you become a successful physicist and maximise your career options.
Our graduates find work anywhere from research and development to production and management in every field of science and industry. Some work as medical physicists and environmental physicists, others as petroleum engineers, patent officers as well as research scientists.
How much will I earn?
Salaries will vary with the career you choose. The average (median) salary of graduates in full-time work is £16,000.
As a Healthcare Scientist on the graduate-entry NHS Scientist Training Programme at Band 6 is £26,041.* This could increase to £80,000 in a management position.
Your salary in other sectors will vary.
Research scientists earn a similar salary with university professors earning between £50-70,000.*
Where are they now?
Recent job titles include:**
- Laser Systems Engineer
- Technical Support
- Test Engineer
- Transport Planner
Recent employers include:
- Atkins
- Cascade Technology
- Coherent Scotland Ltd
- Tutor Doctor
- Virgin Media
*Information is intended only as a guide and based on NHS salary scales.
**Based on the national Destination of Leavers Survey.
