Department of Physics University of Surrey. MPhys and BSc Honours in Physics with Medical Physics

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1 Department of Physics University of Surrey MPhys and BSc Honours in Physics with Medical Physics The aim of this booklet is to provide information about the MPhys and BSc Honours degree programmes in Physics with Medical Physics offered by the Physics Department at the University of Surrey. The contents are updated regularly to ensure you have the latest information available. All information contained herein is, of course, subject to change. See page 7 for the full list of current degree programmes on offer in the Department.

2 MPhys and BSc Honours in Physics with Medical Physics The demand for good young scientists who make use of their physics in a hospital environment and in clinical research has been on the ioncrease in recent years, influenced by developments in a variety of tomographic techniques, magnetic resonance imaging, radiotherapy and in general day-today aids in health care. We have developed a degree programme in Physics with Medical Physics designed to provide a diverse multidisciplinary background and the necessary flexible approach to problem solving that the future challenges in medical physics demand. Programme Pathways: BSc BSc + Professional Training MPhys Year 1 Autumn Semester Autumn Semester Autumn Semester Spring Semester Spring Semester Spring Semester Year 2 Autumn Semester Autumn Semester Autumn Semester Spring Semester Spring Semester Spring Semester Year 3 Autumn Semester Professional Autumn Semester Training Spring Semester Year Research Year Year 4 Autumn Semester Spring Semester Spring Semester Transfer between programmes within the Physics Department is easy and straightforward. All BSc programmes are of 3 years duration, or 4 years if you decide to take the Professional Training Year. Students who successfully complete the Professional Training Year obtain an additional qualification, the A.U.S (Associateship of the University of Surrey) Award. All MPhys programmes are of 4 years duration and, uniquely to Surrey, include an assessed year of research experience. Any BSc student wishing to be considered for transfer to the MPhys programme must achieve an overall average mark of 60% or greater both at the end of Year 1 and at the end of the Autumn semester of Year 2. The requirement for continuation in the MPhys programme will also normally be an overall average mark of 60% or greater at the end of Year 1 and on all Year 2 Autumn semester assessments. Students who do not satisfy this continuation requirement will normally be transferred to the corresponding BSc programme. 1

3 First Year Modules Multiple Module Title Physics Mathematics Experimental Physics Medical Physics 1 Electives Constituent Courses Principles of Physics Waves in Physics Atoms, Molecules and Quanta Mathematics I Mathematics II Computational Mathematics Physics Laboratory I Physics Laboratory II Electronics (Theory/Experiment) Communication and Data Handling Introduction to Medical Physics Option (see below) Modern Languages The full module option is chosen from: Space, Time and Relativity Business Accounting Numerical Methods and Visualisation Introduction to Astrodynamics and Space Science (subject to timetabling contraints and maximum student numbers) What sort of topics are covered? Mathematics includes a Refresher Course to remind you of some maths in key topics (such as trigonometry, differentiation and integration) which you may have forgotten over the summer. This is followed by more advanced mathematics designed to complement the other physics modules. Principles of Physics covers fundamental classical physics and includes work on conservation laws, classical mechanics, fundamental forces and rotational motion. The material is illustrated by examples in particle physics, planetary motion and Grand Prix Cars! Atoms, Molecules and Quanta includes introductory topics in atomic, molecular, nuclear and quantum physics. Computational Mathematics provides programming exercises undertaken with guidance and support from staff and helpers. No prior computing knowledge is assumed. Introduction to Medical Physics gives you an overall view of the part physics plays in medicine. As well as a course of lectures, this module contains four field trips to hospitals in which physicists are engaged in both service and clinical research areas. The county of Surrey can almost be regarded as the centre of the world Grand Prix industry with three major teams based within six miles of Guildford 2

4 Second Year Modules Multiple Module Title Advanced Mathematics and Quantum Physics Classical Physics Modern Physics Medical Physics II Electives Constituent Courses Mathematics and Quantum Physics I/II Mathematics and Quantum Physics III Electromagnetism I Electromagnetism II Thermal Physics Experimentation I (Electromagnetism) Solid State Physics Nuclear Physics Semiconductor Physics Experimentation II (Nuclear Physics) Radiation Detection and Measurement Nuclear Medical Imaging Advanced Wave Physics Experimentation III (Solid State/Thermal Physics) Experimentation IV (Medical) Computational Modelling Modern Languages What sort of topics are covered? Nuclear Physics focuses on the properties of the atomic nucleus. You will study nuclear reactions with applications in nuclear fission and fusion and reactor physics, covering all contemporary areas of the subject. Ultrasound scan of a twenty week old fetus. Solid State Physics is the cornerstone of much of today's technology. This module investigates crystals of various types and their lattice dynamics, and the behaviour of electrons in metals, semiconductors and insulators. Electromagnetism explains how to obtain and use the Maxwell equations to describe the behaviour of electric and magnetic fields and waves. Mathematics and Quantum Physics covers the basic formalism of quantum physics, and its application to various problems in Physics. Nuclear Medical Imaging covers the physical principles involved in producing clinical diagnostic images of the distribution of radioactivity within the body. The module includes the principles of scintigraphy and gamma cameras as well as information on radiation dosage to patients. Computational Modelling is a project based module that involves writing a computer programme that can model a given physical process. Typical project topics include Neural Networks, Chaotic Billiards, Room Acoustics by the Method of Images and The Travelling Salesman Problem. 3

5 Research Year / Professional Training Year MPhys Research Year One of the unique features of our MPhys programmes is the period of Research Training for approximately one year from Spring Semester of Year 3 through the Autumn Semester of Year 4. This includes an assessed research project (of a minimum 25 weeks duration). The opportunity to spend a full year engaged in research at one of the world s leading research organisations provides the best possible training for a future research career. Typical laboratories where you may spend your Research Year are in the Netherlands (Gröningen University), Switzerland (CERN or PSI), France (GANIL), USA (University of California for positron emission tomography or Florida University for magnetic resonance imaging) or the UK (Daresbury Laboratory, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, and various hospitals and other research institutes. You will be assigned a Research Tutor who will make at least three visits to the research establishment during the year. The Tutor monitors progress of the project throughout the year and will offer advice and encouragement. If you choose to spend your research year in house at Surrey, then you will be assigned to a Research Supervisor within the Radiation, Materials and Medical Physics Research Group. You will undertake a full-time project using the facilities of the Department. You may have the opportunity to visit collaborating institutions and to attend seminars and workshops. The Research Year is assessed and contributes 32% of the marks to the final degree. This is based on your performance during the year, your dissertation (which is submitted towards the end of the fourth year) and on your presentation to staff and upcoming MPhys students. It is expected that you will produce publication-quality research work during this year. BSc Professional Training Year (leading to AUS) If you are studying for a BSc degree, you may choose to undertake a period of paid Professional Training during your third year. You might spend this period in the UK or abroad. The year is optional but provides valuable experience and enables you to develop skills which cannot be taught in a University environment. Your employer will pay you a salary for the year. You may take the opportunity to work abroad during the Professional Training period. Although knowledge of a second language is not essential, students frequently use this opportunity to become proficient in one. The Professional Training placements are advertised through the Department of Physics. You will be assigned a Visiting Tutor who maintains regular contact to monitor progress. The Professional Training period is assessed but does not contribute to the degree mark. Successful completion results in the Associateship of the University of Surrey (AUS) award and an endorsement on your BSc certificate in recognition of this professional experience. In the recent past, students have undertaken their Professional Training in France, Switzerland and the USA whilst the majority have worked for employers in the UK such as the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, the National Radiological Protection Board, the Police Scientific Development Branch, IBM, The Royal Surrey County Hospital, St Goerge s Hospital, London, Mid-Kent Oncology Centre and the MRC Cyclotron Unit at Hammersmith Hospital. Both types of placements are arranged through the Department of Physics. They are competitive and selections are made by the organisations concerned. You will submit a cv and possibly complete an application form and may well attend an interview. 4

6 Final Year Modules Autumn Semester MPhys BSc Quantum Physics Compulsory Compulsory Elementary Particle Physics Compulsory Compulsory Relativity Compulsory Compulsory Radiation Biophysics Compulsory Compulsory Signal Processing Compulsory Compulsory Statistical Mechanics Compulsory Optional Detection and Measurement in Astronomy Optional Quantum Theory of Solids Optional Physics of Stars Optional Spring Semester MPhys BSc Medical Imaging Compulsory Compulsory Physiological Measurements Compulsory Compulsory Problem Solving in Physics Compulsory Mathematical Methods Compulsory Optional Condensed Matter Physics Optional Optional Advanced Quantum Mechanics Optional Optional General Relativity and Cosmology Optional Optional Nuclear Astrophysics Optional Optional Experimental Nuclear Physics * Optional Optional Lasers and Electronic Devices Optional Optional Final Year Project Compulsory (The above core and optional modules are subject to timetabling constraints; maximum 6 modules per semester) At the beginning of the Final Year, all BSc students select a final year project. Examples of recent project titles are: Nuclear Techniques for the Detection of Explosives in Airport Luggage; Neural Networks; Computer Generated Holograms; Modelling Stock Market Dynamics; Listening to Lasers; Boron Neutron Capture Therapy. Final Year Dissertation/Thesis: MPhys students do not do a final year project. Instead, their research year results in a dissertation/thesis on which MPhys students are examined. Four slices through a brain obtained using positron emission tomography. The arrow shows a region of activity prompted by a stimulus. 5

7 A selection of Final Year Modules: (Some of these are compulsory for MPhys students while optional for BSc students, and vice versa. Check table on previous page for details) Relativity reviews the theory of special relativity, covering tensor calculus, Lorentz transformations, space-time, relativistic mechanics, optics and electromagnetism Quantum Physics was developed during the 1920 s and 1930 s by the likes of Heisenberg, Dirac, Schrodinger, Pauli, and Bohr. This module explores some of the fascinating and bizarre quantum phenomena displayed by particles and touches upon the philosophical aspects of the subject. Elementary Particle Physics describes the discovery, identification and classification of subatomic particles and the measurement of their properties. The nature of particle interactions is studied as are the properties of quarks and gluons. Max Planck German Physicist and founder of quantum physics in General Relativity and Cosmology describes the principles of curved spacetime and Einstein s field equations, as well as cosmological models including the Big Bang and the expansion of the Universe. Physiological Measurements will give you an understanding of the underlying processes of cells, nerves, neurones and muscle, and how these processes are measured. Nuclear Astrophysics examines the nuclear fusion processes which fuel stars. Stellar reaction rates are studied and methods for performing nuclear astrophysics experiments are described. Albert Einstein whose work contributes to all three core physics modules. Problem Solving in Physics challenges MPhys students with more extensive problems than undergraduates encounter in formal examinations by investigating in depth certain Level 3 topics. Mathematical Methods reviews functions of the complex variable with application to areas of physics such as scattering theory, fluid flow and hydrodynamics, and restricted diffusion analysis. Medical Imaging considers the fundamentals of image construction and processing as applied to X- ray Computer Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Radiation Biophysics describes the physical, chemical and biological processes involved in the interactions of differet types of radiation with living tissue. It will emphasise the uses of external beam radiotherapy. The Physics Department at Surrey has pioneered UK MRI research. 6

8 Current Degree Programmes at Surrey MPhys (Honours) Degrees (4 years) UCAS Code Physics F303 Physics with Finance F3NH Physics with Medical Physics F371 Physics with Computational Modelling F350 Physics with Nuclear Astrophysics F3FM Physics with Satellite Technology F361 BSc (Honours) Degrees (3 or 4 years + ) Physics F300 Physics with Finance F3N3 Physics with Medical Physics F370 Physics with Computational Modelling F3G5 Physics with Nuclear Astrophysics F3F5 Physics with Satellite Technology F360 Physics including a Foundation Year (4 or 5 years) F305 You may be interested in more than one degree programme but you only need enter ONE course on the UCAS form. Transfer between degree programmes is straightforward. + BSc courses may be taken over 3 or 4 years. The 4 year version includes Professional Training. F305 can be taken over 4 or 5 years with Professional Training. MPhys courses include a year of research. Typical Offer For students taking A-levels, offers are usually subject to interview but in general will be in the range ABB-BB for the MPhys programmes, and BBC-CC for the BSc Hons programmes, with two of the A-levels in Physics and Maths. We always welcome applications from students sitting other exams (IB, EB, Scottish Highers, BTEC etc), mature students and students not taking Mathematics or Physics at A-level. All applications are considered on an individual basis. Further Information Further details about any of the degree programmes may be obtained from: Dr Jim Al-Khalili Undergraduate Admissions Tutor Department of Physics Phone: +44 (0) University of Surrey Fax: +44 (0) GUILDFORD j.al-khalili@surrey.ac.uk Surrey GU2 7XH Web Page: 7