Astrophysics BSc (Hons)

About the course

Astrophysics is the study of the physical processes that shape the structure and evolution of the universe. It seeks to provide answers to fundamental questions about the origin and life cycles of stars, planets and galaxies as well as the universe itself. Our broad and vibrant research programme feeds into the curriculum you study as an undergraduate. Direct involvement in these fascinating areas is possible in a substantial final year project.

This degree provides you with a highly regarded professional qualification that is particularly appropriate for graduates wishing to embark on PhD research. It also provides an excellent basis for employment in a wide field of disciplines including the financial sector and high technology areas where expertise in the analysis, interpretation and modelling of data is important.

You will make extensive use of our superbly equipped observatory - one of the best astronomical teaching observatories in the country. You also take modules in thermal physics, nuclear physics and mathematics, which will deepen your understanding of objects in the universe and how they behave.

There is strong emphasis on the techniques and instrumentation used in academic institutions and observatories and in industry. This means that your broad theoretical and observational knowledge is backed by the personal and professional skills essential to your future career.

Why choose this course?

• You will be part of a small and friendly department within the School of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics where class sizes are small enough that you know your lecturers by name; Visit our School web page.
• We have one of the largest astronomy research groups in the UK and students conduct research projects supervised by scientists and mathematicians in the School ;
• Students have exceptional one-year placement opportunities in the UK and abroad;
• Our Bayfordbury Observatory is regarded as one of the finest teaching observatories in the country. The observatory site also hosts the new Science Learning Centre East of England;
• We are ranked by the Guardian University guide for 2011 in the Top 10 UK universities for Physics. Visit the Guardian league tables;

Study routes

• Sandwich, 4 Years
• Part Time, 6 Years
• Full Time, 3 Years

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

Astrophysics graduates are extremely well-equipped for careers in research or industry, with a depth of specialist understanding and a range of technical abilities. Your technical and analytical skills will be valued in many sectors and roles. Recent graduates have gone on to secure employment in international observatories, research institutions, engineering, financial management, training and education.

Teaching methods

The School takes pride in its high-quality teaching. Our class sizes are typically 30-40, small enough so that all our students are on first-name terms with their lecturers. We have an extremely good staff-student ratio, which allows us to focus on individuals and help everyone reach their full potential. We are developing new methods in Physics teaching, both with the Institute of Physics and the University's own Centre for Excellence in Blended Learning. Strong emphasis is placed upon project work and our students are introduced to practical astronomy at our observatory within the first few weeks of their studies.

Work Placement

The opportunity to spend a year working as a professional astronomer in industry or research puts your studies into a real life context, and is valuable experience for your future career. This can be at an observatory such as La Palma, or another research institute in Europe or the USA. Alternatively, you can opt for a study placement at a partner university in the USA or Europe.

Professional Accreditations

Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IoP). Graduates of this degree programme are eligible for Associate Membership of the IoP.

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Mathematical Techniques 1 (L1)

  On entry students will have different mathematical knowledge and this module has been designed to standardise their mathematical knowledge. The module will initially review core areas of A-Level Mathematics which will be extended to improve students' knowledge. You will learn the standard mathematical techniques in calculus, matrices and vectors.

• Contemporary Physics (L1)

  The module introduces students to the fundamental developments in relativistic and quantum physics of the last century. Students will learn about the special relativistic effects. They will trace the development of quantum physics and learn about the structure of matter. They will uncover strange and bizarre phenomena including the twins paradox, the pole and barn paradox, matter waves, quantum tunnelling, particle-wave duality and the quantum superposition principle.

• Laboratory Physics 1

  The module consists of experimental investigations into various physical phenomena such as classical mechanics, thermodynamics, waves and optics, quantum phenomena (blackbody and photelectric effect) and atomic spectra. It also introduces the basic techniques of laboratory practice, including data recording, uncertainty estimation, data and uncertainty analysis, maintaining a log book and writing reports.

• Applications of Computing

  In this module, you will learn how to program in a high-level language. You will see how to develop scientific and mathematical models and how they can be implemented in a computational environment. At the end of the module you will be capable of writing a technical report in which you present the results of an investigation using computer packages.

• The Physical Universe

  The module will provide students in Physics and Astrophysics with a quantitative introduction to the Physical Universe. It will provide a broad survey of the universe and the structure of matter. It will show how physics and mathematics are used as theoretical tools to interpret data collected in the laboratory or at the telescope. It will introduce students to laboratory and observatory skills.

• Small Group Tutorial

  The module will require students to attempt a range of problems, mostly of a mathematical nature, broadly in the students' subject area. Some problems will be associated with other specific taught modules on the programme, while others will have a synoptic role sitting across several modules. The work will challenge students to develop problem solving skills that enable them to approach unfamiliar as well as familiar problems.

Optional

Year 2

Core Modules

• Mathematical Techniques 2

  You will learn how to integrate functions of two and three variables along plane and space curves and how to evaluate multiple integrals of such functions. You will learn about gradient, divergence and curl. You will be able to obtain Fourier series expansions of simple functions and perform calculations involving functions of a complex variable.

• Solar System Physics

  Solar System processes are studied using core physical ideas, practical observations and analytical modelling techniques.

• Optical Physics & Electromagnetism

  The module consists of a study of optical physics and electromagnetism, leading from the early classical studies of optical physics to the development of a modern electromagnetic theory of light. Wider applications and modern developments will also be considered.

• Quantum Physics

  The module will study the principles of quantum physics and its applicationsin atomic and nuclear physics. It will build on the quantum physics taught at Level 1.

Optional

• Laboratory Physics 2

  The module consists of experimental investigations into various physical phenomena such as optical polarisation, diffraction, optical effects such as the Zeeman effect, spectroscopy, thermal properties of matter, properties of semiconductors, nuclear decay, and basic crystallography.

• Professional Skills

  The overall aim of this module is to develop the skills necessary to be able to contribute as a graduate in the world of work. The content includes opportunities to develop further the techniques of effective presentation, both in written reports and in oral presentation. Also, you will learn to develop further the ability to work in a team. You will learn to address circumstances requiring professional judgement. During the module you will also develop skills in the area of career management. This will be achieved through the following: researching information on post-graduation opportunities, the the introduction of MAPS PDP tool as a way of gathering information relating to your skills and experiences, and participation in activies to prepare you for applying for future opportunities. The aim of this part of the module is to raise awareness of employability issues and be confident in putting forward your skills and experiences for future opportunities.

• Professional Teaching Skills

  This is an excellent practical training for anyone who thinks they may wish to become a school teacher. After receiving initial training in writing a CV and job application you obtain a placement in a school for ten half days to work with the class teacher. You develop teaching skills and build a relationship with the class teacher. You also benefit from the help and advice of a University Mentor. At the end of that period you give a presentation to the class, which is assessed. You keep a diary throughout and write a final report. During the module you will also develop skills in the area of career management. This will be achieved through the following: researching information on post-graduation opportunities, the introduction of MAPS PDP tool as a way of gathering information relating to your skills and experiences, and participation in activities to prepare you for applying for future opportunities. The aim of this part of the module is to raise awareness of employability issues and be confident in putting forward your skills and experiences for future opportunities.

• Differential Equations

  This module employs a variety of mathematical methods and techniques to explore, describe and predict the behaviour of scientific, industrial and engineering phenomena. The subject appeals to individuals interested in applying their mathematical interests and skills to real-word problems. In this module, we will focus on ordinary differential equations. The emphasis is on the development of methods important in applications. Topics include:- Theory and applications of first, second and higher order differential equations, The Laplace transform methods, Systems of linear differential equations.

• Mechanics

  You will learn about motion and how to determine the way a particle moves. This has applications in almost every area of human endeavour from spaceships to sport.

Year 3

Core Modules

Optional

• Professional Placement

  Supervised work experience provides students with the opportunity to set their academic studies in a broader context, to gain practical experience in specific technical areas and to strengthen their communication and time-management skills. It greatly assists them in developing as independent learners, so that they are able to gain the maximum benefit from the learning opportunities provided at level 3 of the programme.

• Year Abroad

  The Year Abroad will provide students with the opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge and skills gained in the first two taught years of the degree within a different organisational and cultural environment in a partner academic institution. The host institution will appoint a Programme Co-ordinator who will oversee the student's programme during the Year Abroad and will liaise with the appointed UH Supervisor.

Year 4

Core Modules

• Physics of Stars

  This module develops the basic physics required to understand stellar evolution, including its observational basis. Refer to the teaching plan for a more detailed description.

• Cosmology and Large Scale Structure

  This module develops the basic physical ideas required to understand core topics in contemporary cosmology. Refer to the teaching plan for a more detailed description.

Optional

• Rocket Performance and Propulsion

  This module will introduce students to flight dynamics of rockets and their propulsion systems. Typical applications under consideration will include satellite launch and insertion into orbit, sounding rockets and potential future applications such as space tourism, together with some aspects of guided weapons.

• Quantum Computing A

  Quantum information processing continues to be an extremely active research area exploiting fundamental quantum phenomena in new applications from computation, secure data communication and information processing. A major paradigm shift, the area is of significant interest and potential benefit to computer scientists, mathematicians and physicists. This module will be theoretical in nature, exploring concepts and applications from the area of Quantum Information Processing with an emphasis on Quantum Computing. Content will vary according to current research directions.

• Quantum Computing B

  The content for this module builds upon that presented in Quantum Computing A tackling for example more advanced topics such as Shor's algorithm and Grover's algorithm. The content is theoretical in nature, exploring concepts and applications from the area of Quantum Information Processing with an emphasis on Quantum Computing. Content will vary according to current research directions.

• Waves and Fluids

  This module develops the basic physics required to understand core topics in wave and fluid physics.

• Boundary Value Problems

  You will learn how to solve one and two-dimensional boundary-value problems both analytically and numerically. Through practical sessions you will use suitable numerical software to investigate the numerical processes. Refer to the teaching plan for a more detailed description.

• Project - (Physics)

  Under the guidance of a supervisor, students will undertake a substantial individual project of their choice. The project will be assessed by the following elements: a written project plan, overall project management, a poster presentation, a written sample chapter, the project report and a project viva.

• Space Dynamics

  Spacecraft dynamics is studied using core physical ideas, case studies and modelling techniques.

• Computational Physics

  The module will provide students in Physics, Astrophysics and Applied Mathematics with a range of self contained case studies in computational physics. Each case study will investigate a physical problem, using the computer as an investigative tool. Students will learn how to formulate and model a physical problem and how to analyse and present the results of their investigation. A variety of appropriate computer techniques would be used.

• Contemporary Quantum Physics

  This module will cover basic concepts in contemporary quantum physics and discuss some modern applications including aspects of quantum optics and light-matter interactions.

• Investigation in Physics

  Students will choose a topic from a list of typically ten different physics/astrophysics topics offered by school staff (tutors), and will conduct an open-ended investigation into that topic. The students working on each topic will work independently on their investigations with minimal supervision, under the guidance of a tutor. They will be required to produce an original, substantial and professionally presented report typically 25-30 pages in length. Students will be interviewed about their work and will defend it in a question and answer session.

• Nonlinear Systems

  You will learn how to investigate and evaluate the qualitative behaviour of the solutions of differential equations which relate to problems in a wide variety of application areas. You will recognise that the behaviour of the solution of a differential equation can be drastically altered by the small change of a coefficient. These observations may have important contributions in improving the applications of mathematics in industry, business and the physical sciences. The module provides the student with a deep understanding of differential equations.

Fees & funding

Fees 2013

UK/EU Students

Full time: £9,000 for the 2013 academic year

International Students

Full time: £10,000 for the 2013 academic year

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Scholarships

• National Scholarship Programme

Find out more about scholarships for UK/EU and international students

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply