2024/25 Undergraduate Programme Catalogue

MPhys, BSc Theoretical Physics (For students entering from September 2024 onwards)

Programme overview

Programme code
MPBSPHYS/T-R
UCAS code
F340
Duration
4 Years
Method of Attendance
Full Time
Programme manager
Jiannis Pachos
Contact address
J.Pachos@leeds.ac.uk
Total credits
480
School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme
Physics and Astronomy
Examination board through which the programme will be considered
Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Groups
Physics
Professional Body Offering Accreditation
Institute of Physics

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements are available on the Course Search entry

Programme specification

The information on this page is accurate for students entering the programme from September 2024. For students who entered the programme before September 2024, you can find the details of your programme:

MPhys, BSc Theoretical Physics

Theoretical physics uses mathematical methods to delve into the physics that governs our world and our universe. From developing cancer treatments and artificial intelligence to answering the fundamental questions of the universe, physics and physicists have had a significant impact across a variety of different industries – which is why it’s still such a sought-after and relevant discipline today.
Studying the theoretical physics degree at Leeds will provide you with a solid grounding in how mathematical methods are applied to physics topics alongside experience in conducting your own project work based on current research areas – including a collaborative research project in your final year. Throughout your degree, you’ll have access to excellent facilities right here on campus, including laboratories and teaching spaces in the Sir William Henry Bragg Building.
Our close industry links and innovative research activity ensure this course reflects the latest advancements and applications in physics. You'll graduate with the specialist knowledge, skills and experience necessary to launch a successful career in this highly valued profession, with a wide range of career options available to you.

Year 1

(For students entering from September 2024 onwards)

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules: - Year 1 Physics Assessment - 100 credits

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
PHAS1000First Year Physics Assessment100Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP
PHAS1010Mechanics, Relativity and Astrophysics0Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP
PHAS1020Thermodynamics0Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP
PHAS1030Electronics, Solid State and Introduction to Quantum Physics0Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP
PHAS1040Vibrations, Waves and Optics0Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP
PHAS1050Coding and Experimental Physics0Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP

Optional Modules

Candidates can study up to 20 credits from the following optional modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
PHAS1500Introduction to Nanotechnology10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHAS1510Planets and the Search for Life10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Discovery Modules

Candidates can study up to 20 credits of Discovery modules, ensuring that they study for 120 credits in total.
Candidates who have chosen 10 credits of optional modules must take a 10 further credits of Discovery modules.

Year 2

(For students entering from September 2024 onwards)

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

We are currently refreshing our courses to make sure students have the best possible experience. Full module details for years 2, 3 and 4 are not yet available. Before you enter years 2, 3 and 4 details of modules for those years will be provided.

Optional Modules

Candidates will be required to study 40 credits from the following optional modules:
- Calculus of Variations - 10 credits
- Further Linear Algebra and Discrete Mathematics - 20 credits
- Introduction to Logic - 10 credits

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
MATH2027Rings and Polynomials10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Discovery Modules

Candidates will be required to study 40 credits of discovery modules

Year 3

(For students entering from September 2024 onwards)

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

We are currently refreshing our courses to make sure students have the best possible experience. Full module details for years 3 and 4 are not yet available. Before you enter years 3 and 4 details of modules for those years will be provided.

Optional Modules

Candidates will be required to study 40 credits from the following optional modules:
Candidates can either choose 1 module from List A and 1 module from List B, or 2 options from List C.

List A
- Medical Physics 1 (tbc) - 20 credits
- Earth and Environment option 1 (tbc) - 20 credits
- Computational Simulations - 20 credits
- Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics - 20 credits

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
PHIL3852Philosophy of Modern Physics20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

List C
- Communicating Science (tbc) - 20 credits
- Physics into Work - 20 credits
- Physics into Schools - 20 credits
- Group Innovation Project - 20 credits

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
CAPE3331Nuclear Operations20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Year 4

(For students entering from September 2024 onwards)

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
PHAS5000MResearch Project60Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP

Optional Modules

Candidates will be required to study 60 credits from the following optional modules:

Students must take at least 15 credits from the following modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
PHAS5120MGeneral Relativity15Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHAS5420MQuantum Field Theory15Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Candidates will be required to study 30 to 50 credits from the following optional modules:

Please note that students must have taken 120 credits at level M by the end of the 4th year and must pass 100 level M credits

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
MATH5113MAdvanced Differential Geometry20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MATH5366MAdvanced Mathematical Methods20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MATH5386MAdvanced Quantum Mechanics20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MATH5734MAdvanced Stochastic Calculus and Applications to Finance20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHAS5050MCurrent Research Topics in Physics15Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
PHAS5100MWinds, Bubbles and Explosions15Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS5110MExoplanetary systems15Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHAS5200MSoft Matter Physics: Liquid Crystals15Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS5210MSoft Matter Physics: Polymers, Colloids and Glasses15Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHAS5300MSuperconductivity15Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
PHAS5400MQuantum Many-Body Physics15Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHAS5410MQuantum Information Science and Technology15Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS5500MAdvanced Bionanophysics Research15Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS5510MPhysics of Biological Systems15Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHAS5600MAdvanced Physics in Schools15Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
PHAS5610MGroup Innovation Project in Sustainability15Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Last updated: 15/05/2024 10:25:31

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team