Understanding the world around us, from the smallest particle to the largest galaxy with BSc (Hons) Physics

Physicists are problem solvers, future shapers, and at Northumbria we empower our Physics students to think creatively about how to tackle the challenges we put in front of them.

Research strengths in areas such as quantum devices, smart and nano materials, soft matter, chaos theory and dynamical systems underpin our Physics course, giving you the opportunity to learn some of the most up-to-date and topical research.

The breadth of topics provides you with a chance to customise your degree in the final year – focusing on what matters to you most.

How will I be taught on Northumbria University’s Physics BSc (Hons)?

Physics students at Northumbria are taught through a wide range of methods, including directed learning, laboratory experiments and self-directed research. There is a strong emphasis on problem solving, ranging from laboratory sessions and seminars to develop solutions to ideal problems, to applying computational techniques to multi-variable constrained problems.

You will be exposed to and encouraged to use the latest technology, through dedicated facilities, to study and understand complex physical concepts.

How is the course assessed?

Our assessment philosophy is to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and application in a variety of ways and settings including laboratory experiments, presentations, assignments, exams, reports and project work.

Assessments will develop your communication skills while also testing your grasp of the learning outcomes for each module.

Who teaches the BSc (Hons) Physics course?

With a large number of staff linked to our BSc (Hons) Physics programme, each with their own specialist areas of interest, you will learn from some truly world-leading experts. Within a field as diverse as Physics, you will be exposed to an inspiring array of innovative thinkers working on cutting edge research into the biggest challenges humanity faces.

Whether you are interested in quantum physics, soft and biological matter, or theoretical physics, our staff are not only teaching their specialist subjects but also writing textbooks and adding new knowledge and perspectives to our understanding of the world around us.

What Physics facilities are available at Northumbria University?

Northumbria has recently invested more than one million pounds into Physics facilities, meaning our students have access to the state-of-the-art learning environments.

The Smart Materials and Surfaces Lab supports research into many specialist fields including super-water repellent surfaces and microfluidics. The Microwave Technology Lab is at the centre of exciting research into breast cancer detection and security screening for concealed weapons. The New and Renewable Energy Lab is closely connected to future-changing research into wind power, photovoltaics and electric vehicle battery testing.

The core Physics Teaching Lab contains a variety of cutting-edge equipment to measure and experiment on invisible forces and physical phenomena.

Technology Enhanced Learning is core to the Physics course. You will undertake online tests and self-guided exercises, which have a positive impact on your formation as they enable you to work independently and to develop innovative thinking.

How is Physics research applied to teaching throughout my degree?

At Northumbria your learning will be enhanced through one-to-one contact with the Physics staff. Key research interests of staff include:

• Condensed matter, including quantum dots, photovoltaics and high-speed LEDs
• Soft and biological matter, including smart materials, surfaces and biofluids
• Power systems, including synchronous generators, wind energy conversion systems and induction machines
• Mechanical systems including control of flexible joint and rigid robots
• Communications systems including compressive sensing and chaotic synchronisation

Research in Physics is fundamental to the distinctive learning experience at Northumbria. You will be surrounded by research opportunities and actively encouraged to contribute to developing new knowledge.

How will my BSc (Hons) Physics degree provide me with the skills needed for my career?

From the first day of your Physics degree to the last, you will be empowered to take responsibility for and develop your own learning. This experience will equip you with a valuable range of transferable skills from the analytical to the practical and interpersonal.

Our industry partners tell us they value highly the analytical skills of Northumbria Physics students such as estimation, quantitative modelling and statistical analysis, and these skills can be deployed across a wide range of disciplines in addition to research, such as healthcare, energy, electronics and finance.

Whatever you decide to do, you will have a strong employability potential as a result of having acquired the characteristics of a Northumbria graduate. These include the ability to think creatively while at the same time applying rigorous structure to solve complex problems.

Does Northumbria University offer work placements for Physics?

A work placement is the ideal way to gain experience in your chosen career and will enable you to apply what you have learnt in the lecture theatre and lab in the real world. Typically, students will opt for a year in industry or study abroad between their second and final year.

If you opt to take a placement year during your studies, you will be able to work alongside, and learn from, professionals in the Physics field, building