PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY UNDERGRADUATE INTERVIEW DAY. World-leading research and excellence in teaching

Transcription

1 PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY UNDERGRADUATE INTERVIEW DAY World-leading research and excellence in teaching

2 PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY UNDERGRADUATE INTERVIEW DAY Alastair Hibbins Associate Professor in Metmaterial Physics (Admissions Tutor, Lecturer and Researcher!)

3 WHY STUDY PHYSICS? Because its Challenging, Interesting, and Elegant!

4 WHY STUDY PHYSICS? You ll develop transferable skills including A logical and numerate mind, and the ability to grasp things quickly A determination to find coherent answers to complex problems Communication skills Mathematical, analytical, computing and practical skills Source: Destination of Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2010/11 Teamwork and flexibility

5 WHY EXETER? We are a top 10 UK University, and in the top 1% of universities across the globe. Students have put Exeter in the top 10 for student satisfaction for the last 8 years. (NSS) We are a member of the Russell Group of elite UK Universities The Sunday Times University of the Year 2013

6 WHY EXETER? Investments include The Forum: refurbished Library, new technology-rich learning spaces, the 400- seat auditorium etc 8 million in developments to the Sports Park (new fitness suite, renewal of pitches, covering of courts and a new pavilion for outdoor sport.) A great place to live! Close to the city centre, and within minutes of beaches and countryside.

7 WHY EXETER? Physics departments across the globe are ranked by the quality of the research they undertake. Exeter Physics is 8th in the UK for world leading and internationally excellent research (RAE 2008). All staff are research active you will be taught by the experts.

8 WHY EXETER? The Physics building continues to receive significant refurbishment. Building of a new 30M Bioengineering Centre commences next year (involves our biomedical physicists). For Physical Sciences, Exeter is ranked 5th in the Sunday Times Good University Guide % for Overall Satisfaction in the National Student Survey (2012)

9 OUR PROGRAMMES All of our Physics courses are accredited by the Institute of Physics. Our programmes are modular with a variety of options and electives. Teaching is via lectures, group/interactive work, lab sessions, problem classes (separate for Maths and Physics), weekly tutorials, and self study packs.

10 OUR PROGRAMMES Weekly small-group tutorials with a Professor/Lecturer are your chance to set the agenda! But at Exeter, all staff are approachable we have an open door policy you are encouraged to come and find us! Around 90 students per year in Physics 20% female, plus 50 students per year in Medical Imaging. 15 hours of contact time across the week Your effort will need to be at least double this. Project work in the final years will add more!

11 OUR PROGRAMMES Single Honours BSc/MPhys (3/4 years) Physics BSc/MPhys (3/4 years) Physics with Astrophysics MPhys Physics (4 years) with Professional Experience MPhys Physics (4 years) with Study Abroad (North America, New Zealand or Australia) Combined Honours BSc Mathematics and Physics (3 years) Flexibility Due to a largely common first year, transfer between Single Honours programmes is possible until Christmas of the 2 nd year*. *Transfers into programmes with professional experience and/or study abroad may be restricted because there are a limited number of places available, and subject to academic performance.

12 BSC/MPHYS PHYSICS A wide range of modules. Applied and theoretical options. Themes closely allied to our research interests. Or take a module from another discipline ( elective ). BSc Projects Includes group project to solve a problem posed by one of our industrial partners. MPhys Projects Become part of a research group for the final two years. Weekly meetings with your supervisor. Attend research group seminars. Publish your work in international journals.

13 BSC/MPHYS PHYSICS WITH ASTROPHYSICS Mainstream Physics plus modern observational and theoretical astrophysics. From planets and stars to galaxies and cosmology. Apply the fundamental laws of physics to some of the most remarkable environments in the universe. BSc and MPhys projects Use data from world-class ground and space-based facilities, our own undergraduate teaching observatory and our state-of-theart computational work.

14 MPHYS PHYSICS WITH YEAR ABROAD/PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Spend your 3rd year away from Exeter Reduced fees for 3rd year. Undertake a one-year research project on your return. Year Abroad in North America, Australia or New Zealand Kansas, Iowa State, New Mexico, Sydney, Wollongong, Massey, Auckland. Professional Experience A salaried year (~ 17k) working on a research project with one of our partners, with distance learning. BAE Systems, HP Labs, Rutherton Appleton Lab, Thales, Sharp UK, Dstl, QinetiQ, Reinshaw, Met Office, NHS.

15 MPHYS PHYSICS WITH YEAR ABROAD/PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

16 BSC MATHEMATICS AND PHYSICS A coherent and fulfilling way to maintain your interest in these two complimentary subjects. Choose options from a range of modules: applied and theoretical. Undertake a group project to solve a problem posed by one of our industrial partners. Modules descriptions and lists of options for all our programmes are given on the website and in the brochure.

17 YEAR 1 Develop your comprehension of physics and become familiar with a variety of basic mathematical tools. E.g. Introduction to Astrophysics Quantum Mechanics, Special Relativity, and their relevance to the workings of the Universe. Wave particle duality, Matter = energy, the Uncertainty principle, Pauli exclusion principle, Schrodinger s Equation, Quantum tunnelling, quarks and gluons, black holes, dark matter and star formation.

18 YEAR 1 Waves and optics: Wave propagation is relevant to the whole field of physics! Properties of matter: An introduction to condensed matter physics. Practical physics: Weekly lab classes. Vector mechanics: Problem solving and examples. IT skills: LaTeX and data analysis. Mathematics: 2 courses to consolidate your knowledge and prepare you for the rest of your degree.

19 YEAR 2 Focuses on the fundamental principles of Physics Quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, thermal physics and condensed matter. Advanced maths and extended experiments in the lab. Plus options* in Analytical and Chaotic Mechanics, Electronics, Observing the Universe, programming, optoelectronic devices, and the Physics of Living Systems. And, the opportunity to take a course from outside of Physics. SEE BROCHURE AND WEBSITE FOR FULL DETAILS *dependent on programme of study

20 YEARS 3 and 4 Includes substantial PROJECT WORK. Apply what you ve previously learnt in Nuclear and High-energy Particle Physics and Relativity and Cosmology. Extend your knowledge in Condensed Matter and Electromagnetism. Get closer to the frontiers of the subject in options* like Plasmonics, Spintronics and Electromagnetic Metamaterials, Physical Methods in Biology and Medicine, Nanostructures and Graphene Science and Solar and Extra Solar Planets and their Atmospheres. Including theory options like Principles of Theoretical Physics and Quantum Many-Body Theory. SEE BROCHURE AND WEBSITE FOR FULL DETAILS *dependent on programme of study

21 OUR RESEARCH Astrophysics Electromagnetic and Acoustic Materials Quantum Systems and Nanostructures Biomedical Physics See

22 CAREERS & EMPLOYABILITY exfactor: Employability & Professional Development Course Communications Skills module Career Development Talks Physics with Professional Experience Opportunity to take the Commercial & Industrial Experience module Group project module

23 CAREERS & EMPLOYABILITY A range of jobs Graduate Engineer, Market Research Analyst, Technical Advisor, Higher Research Scientist, Software Developer, Financial Modeller/Analyst A variety of companies Aon Hewitt, DSTL, HSBC, e2v technologies, Frazer-Nash Consultancy, National Physics Laboratory

24 CAREERS & EMPLOYABILITY Further study Academic (Masters, PhD) and professional (Teaching, Accountancy, Actuary, Royal Navy Officer) Universities of Southampton, Oxford, Cambridge, Manchester, Bristol

25 ADMISSIONS AND OFFERS TYPICAL OFFERS MPhys Physics with Professional Experience MPhys Physics with Year Abroad (USA, Australia, NZ) BSc Combined Honours Mathematics and Physics MPhys Physics MPhys Physics with Astrophysics BSc Physics BSc Physics with Astrophysics AAA* AAB IB AAA ABB IB Offers will include qualifications (A-level or IB Higher Level) in Mathematics and Physics. e.g. A-level grades AAA, to include Maths and Physics and any third subject (excluding general studies) I will write to you with a week, and the communication of any offer we are able to make will follow via UCAS.

26 PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY UNDERGRADUATE INTERVIEW DAY ANY QUESTIONS? Or contact me later (see brochure)