PHYS1201 Physics Skills - Programming and Data Analysis

Module Overview

This module aims to introduce students to the principles of computer programming and to statistics. The primary goal is to provide students with the practical programming and data analysis skills that are necessary for both their degree course and most careers in physics. Python is used as the introductory programming language, and numerical simulations will be used extensively in order to introduce and illustrate key statistical concepts. The emphasis throughout will be on developing insight, understanding and practical skills, as opposed to the formal/mathematical aspects of programming and statistics. The skills developed in this module will be required in many experimental/practical modules across all physics programmes.

Aims & Objectives

Aims

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

Basic programming constructs, including sequence, selection and iteration, the use of identifiers, variables and expressions, and a range of data types.
Good programming style
Fundamental statistical concepts, including probability distribution functions, cumulative distribution functions, hypothesis testing, parameter estimation and model fitting

Subject Specific Intellectual

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to:

Interpret experimental/observational results correctly

Transferable and Generic

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to:

Analyse problems in a systematic manner and develop algorithms to solve them computationally
Design, run, debug and test computer programs
Use existing software libraries in your own code

Subject Specific Practical

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to:

Write code to analyse and present experimental/observational data

Syllabus

Programming

Writing and running programs
Variables and data types
Basic control flow: looping, branching and function calls
Functional programming
Computational thinking
Python libraries (for mathematics, data analysis and display)
Designing algorithms (Moving from problem to solution)

Statistics/Data Analysis

Describing data
Defining & understanding probability
Probility distribution functions and cumulative distribution functions
Statistical distributions: Gaussian, Binomial, Poisson, Chi-squared
The central limit theorem
Understanding uncertainty -- statistical and systematic errors
Testing for and understanding correlations
Hypothesis testing
Understanding statistical significance
Model fitting and parameter estimation via least-squares and Chi-squared

Learning & Teaching

Learning & teaching methods

The aim of this module is to give students practical skills, so the teaching and learning methods used are designed to accomplish this. Formal lectures will be used primarily to introduce key ideas and concepts, but even these will be illustrated with extensive practical/computational examples and visualizations. Most of the teaching will take place during extended "practical" sessions, during which students will be expected to carry out programming and data analysis tasks that are related to -- and illustrative of -- the concepts that are being explored in the module at that time. Ideally, the formal lecture content will take place immediately before or during these sessions, so that new theoretical concepts being introduced can immediately be explored in practice by students. Teaching support in the form of multiple demonstrators will be available during all sessions, so that one-on-one help is available as needed. Additional learning is expected to take place independently, again mostly in the form of practical programming and data analysis. Lecture notes and practical examples will be made available in the form of ipython notebooks.

Assessment

Assessment methods

Attendance of all practical sessions is mandatory. Weekly laboratory performance marks will be assigned according to: 0 - failed to engage with the session adequately; 1 - attended and partly engaged with the material; 2 - attended and engaged fully with the material.

Method	Hours	Percentage contribution
Programming project: Students will be assigned a programming task and will have to design and implement an algorithm to carry this out. The resulting code will have to be fully documented and will be submitted online. The submitted code will be tested and assessed, with the marks contributing 30% to the overall module mark.	-	20%
Data analysis project: Students will be assigned a practical data analysis problem, which they have to solve by designing and implementing a suitable algorithm in python. They will be expected to produce a brief, but complete scientific report on their work -- including the code and a interpretation of the results. This report will be assessed, with the marks contributing 70% to the overall module mark.	-	60%
Laboratory performance	-	20%

Referral Method: By set coursework assignment(s)

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PHYS1005 Introduction to Astronomy and Space Science

Module Overview

The aim of this course is to provide a broad introduction to modern astronomy and space science, and to show how simple physical principles can be used to learn about the Universe. The focus is upon how one can measure physical quantities such as size, distance, temperature, age and mass for the variety of objects in the Universe. By its end students should be able to appreciate topics of current interest in astronomy and cosmology.

Aims & Objectives

Aims

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

know the essentials of astronomical measurements of brightness, velocities and angles on the celestial sphere;
understand how the distances, sizes and masses of astrophysical objects can be measured
understand how the elements are formed inside stars;
know about the expansion of the Universe and how observations can lead to the determination of its age, mass and future evolution.

Subject Specific Intellectual

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to:

have an appreciation of the relative distances, sizes and masses of the various objects in the Universe;

Syllabus

• Stars: the Hertzsprung-Russell (H-R) diagram; H-R diagrams of star clusters; classification of stars from their position in the H-R diagram; the dependence of stellar properties and timescales on mass; the determination of the ages of clusters; physical conditions within stars; nuclear fusion; stellar evolution; core-collapse supernovae; white dwarfs, neutron stars and black-holes; accretion powered stars.

• Galaxies: classification of galaxies by their appearance; galaxy interactions; the Milky Way; active galaxies; super massive black holes; Eddington-limited accretion.

• Cosmology: the expansion of the Universe; the Cosmic Microwave Background; the Big Bang model; measurement of the age and mass and the future evolution of the Universe.

Learning & Teaching

Learning & teaching methods

Teaching will be primarily by delivered lectures, and learning is enhanced by problem sheets.

Activity	Description	Hours
Lecture		30

Assessment

Assessment methods

Referral assessment is by one multi-choice test.

Method	Hours	Percentage contribution
Multichoice test I	-	40%
Multichoice test II	-	40%
5 problem sheets	-	20%

Referral Method: See notes below

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PHYS2003 Quantum Physics

Module Overview

The aim of this course is to give a systematic introduction to quantum mechanics. The material and skills learnt in this course will form the basis for most of the subsequent courses in Physics.

Aims & Objectives

Aims

After studying this course students should:

have understood the concept of quantum mechanical wave function and its basic properties, be able to solve the Schrödinger equation in one dimensional simple situations, have understood the concepts of operator, eigenstates and the significance of measurements, be able to follow the solution for the Hydrogen atom, have an elementary understanding of the quantum behaviour of systems of many particles.

Syllabus

• Probability and probability amplitudes.

• Wave functions and 1D Schrödinger equation.

• Normalisation, expectation values, momentum and position.

• Time independent Schrödinger equation: stationary states. The infinite square well, harmonic oscillator, free particle, delta function potential, finite square well. Tunnelling.

• Formalism: operators, eigenstates, observables.

• Schrödinger equation in 3D: angular momentum and spin. The Hydrogen atom.

Learning & Teaching

Learning & teaching methods

Activity	Description	Hours
Lecture		36
Tutorial		12

Assessment

Assessment methods

Weekly course work will be set and assessed in the normal way, but only the best ‘n-2’ attempts will contribute to the final coursework mark. Here n = the number of course work items issued during that Semester. As an example, if you are set 10 sets of course work across a Semester, the best 8 of those will be counted.

- In an instance where a student may miss submitting one or two sets of course work, those sets will not be counted. Students will however, still be required to submit Self Certification forms on time for all excused absences, as you may ultimately end up missing 3+ sets of course work through illness, for example. The submitted Self Certification forms may be considered as evidence for potential Special Considerations requests.

- In the event that a third (or higher) set of course work is missed, students will be required to go through the Special Considerations procedures in order to request mitigation for that set. Please note that documentary evidence will normally be required before these can be considered.

Method	Hours	Percentage contribution
Problem Sheets	-	20%
Exam	2 hours	80%

Referral Method: See notes below

By examination, the final mark will be calculated both with and without the coursework assessment mark carried forward, and the higher result taken.

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PHYS6018 Research and Thesis on Experimental Physics

Module Overview

This unit gives first class fourth year students a taste of real research by allowing each of them to carry out a significant piece of research, often of publishable quality, within one of Southampton’s experimental research groups. This project occupies the whole of the fourth year of, and thus completes, the MPhys degree in Physics with a Year of Experimental Research.

Aims & Objectives

Aims

At the end of this module, students should

understand and be able to use of a range of laboratory apparatus for experimental research
be able to work as part of a research team
understand and be able to apply various methods for the acquisition and analysis of experimental data.

Syllabus

This unit entirely consists of a research-level project and its written description. The project titles and brief abstracts are made available to students at the end of their third year. Students submit their preferences after studying these and consulting with local Southampton staff, and the final allocation is made during the summer. Students are advised to have a preliminary discussion with their future supervisors before the summer vacation to discuss any background reading or other preparation that could be carried out during the vacation.

Learning & Teaching

Learning & teaching methods

Assessment

Assessment methods

Method	Hours	Percentage contribution
1st Semester Report	-	10%
Final Report	-	50%
Seminar Presentation	-	20%
Viva-voce examination	-	20%

Referral Method: By re-write of the project report and re-viva (the original progress report mark will be carried forward)

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PHYS3019 Communicating and Teaching and The Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme

Module Overview

Level of study (NQF Levels 1-4)

This course provides an excellent opportunity for people who wish to gain experience in teaching.

Some of the aims of the scheme are:

• To develop a range of students' skills and to offer an early taste of teaching to those interested in pursuing it as a career.

• To help students gain confidence in communicating their subject, develop strong organisational and interpersonal skills, and understand how to address the needs of individual learners.

• To give students experience of devising and developing projects and using teaching methods appropriate to engaging the relevant pupil age group and ability they are working with.

• To help inspire a new generation of prospective undergraduates by providing role models for school pupils.

• To help students convey the excitement of their own learning at University to pupils by showing them the long-term applications of school studies.

• To help teachers by providing an assistant who can work with and support pupils at various point on the ability spectrum.

For further information, and details of enrolment please contact the Public Engagement Leader for Physics & Astronomy, Pearl John (email pj@soton.ac.uk).

Aims & Objectives

Aims

On successful completion of the module, students will have gained substantial and valuable experience of working in a challenging but rewarding teaching environment. They will be able to assess and devise appropriate ways of communicating difficult principles or concenpts to learners and will have gained a broad understanding of many of the key aspects of teaching in schools. They will also have developed a better understanding of, and confidence in, communicating their deiscipline. The specific knowledge and transferable skills they will have attained include:

- Communication skills, both one-to-one and with an audience

- Understanding the needs of individuals.

- Interpersonal skills when dealing with colleagues

- Responsibilities and conduct of teaching staff.

- The ability to improvise.

- Giving and receiving feedback.

- Organisational, prioritising, and negiotiating skills.

- Handling difficult and potentially disruptive situations.

- Public Speaking.

- Team-working.

- Standard teaching methods.

-Preparation of lesson plans and teaching materials.

Syllabus

An initial one day of training will provide the student with an introduction to working with children and conduct in the school environment.

A competitive interview system will be used to match students with appropriate schools and a specific teacher in the local area, and each student selected will be given a chance to visit the school they will be working in before commencement of the unit. The student will be required to spend half a day a week in the school every week for a semester.

It is intended that there will be no formal lectures associated with the unit, and that wherever possible or appropriate the students' own ideas and learning will feed back into the content of their activity as they become more experienced. However, there will be four supporting tutorials which will provide an opportunity for students to share their experiences. The teachers will act as the main source of guidance but, in addition, students will also be able to discuss their progress with the Unit Co-ordinator or a Faculty Learning and Teaching Coordinator whenever necessary.

Learning & Teaching

Learning & teaching methods

Activity	Description	Hours
Lecture	An introductory set of lectures for Ambassadors will be delivered by UK Outreach and Recruitment to introduce UG students to the formal requirements of working in schools. Two 2.5 hour inductions will introduce the UG student to the school classroom - equipping them for working with teachers and pupils in school.	10
Tutorial	4 Tutorials will assist UG student in learning the basics of teaching and learning skills, including self-reflection, classroom observation, lesson planning	4
Fieldwork	Students will spend 10 1/2 day sessions in schools to observe, plan and deliver a special project - for example whole class teaching, development of teaching resources and designing original educational activities.	40

Assessment

Assessment methods

NB: Students Costs for the module: Please note that students are required to pay for their travel costs to and from the schools they work with during the module. However travel costs will be reimbursed on production of travel receipts.

Method	Hours	Percentage contribution
Final Report	-	60%
Presentation	-	25%
Teacher Report	-	15%

Referral Method: There is no referral opportunity for this syllabus in same academic year

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PHYS6024 Lasers

Module Overview

The aim of the course is to provide knowledge of the laser as a fundamental tool of contemporary science and technology. The principles of laser operation will be discussed, with reference to commonly used laser systems. Lasers and photonic techniques are used in all branches of science and technology. The lectures on this course will be delivered by Dr W. S. Brocklesby.

Aims & Objectives

Aims

The aim of the course is to provide knowledge of the laser as a fundamental tool of contemporary science and technology. The course will give a detailed and mathematical introduction to gain media, laser cavities, Gaussian beams, and their combination into many forms of laser. By the end of the course, the students should be able to

• Perform quantitative calculations on the properties of cavities, beams, and gain media, and the output of simple laser systems.

• Discuss the differences between continuous & pulsed laser systems, and the uses of both.

• Understand how the design of a laser and the choice of the gain medium affects its output characteristics

• Assess the properties of new laser systems based on a knowledge of their design

• Appreciate the diversity of laser designs and applications

Syllabus

• Properties of coherent light: temporal and spatial coherence, beam propagation

• Interaction of light and matter: spontaneous & stimulated emission, cross-sections & rate equations

• Gaussian beam optics, optical resonators, cavity stability

• Generation of coherent light: energy storage, resonator modes, laser threshold

• Laser dynamics: steady state and transient behaviour, relaxation oscillations, Q-switching, mode locking

• Practical laser systems: HeNe, Nd:YAG, Ti:sapphire, diodes, fibre lasers

• Narrow line width lasers

• Ultra fast lasers, properties of ultra fast pulses, X-ray and attosecond pulses

Learning & Teaching

Learning & teaching methods

Activity	Description	Hours
Lecture		36
Tutorial		12

Assessment

Assessment methods

Method	Hours	Percentage contribution
Exam	2 hours	100%

Referral Method: By examination

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PHYS6003 Advanced Quantum Physics

Module Overview

The aim of this course is to consolidate and extend your knowledge of quantum mechanics by introducing more theoretical tools and some more advanced applications.

Aims & Objectives

Aims

Aim

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to:

Work with operators and states using Dirac's bra and ket notation
Study the simple harmonic oscillator using raising and lowering operators
Understand quantum angular momentum, including spin, and analyse it using raising and lowering operators
Understand non-locality and the Bell inequalities, and apply the concepts to cryptographic key exchange
Understand qubits and some basic ideas in quantum computation

Syllabus

Postulates of quantum mechanics, tools of quantum mechanics (vector spaces, operators and states), Dirac notation, Simple Harmonic oscillator (studied using raising and lowering operators), orbital and spin angular momentum (studied using raising and lowering operators), adding angular momenta, Non-locality and the Bell inequalities, Quantum cryptography (distributing secure keys), basic ideas of Quantum computing (qubits, quantum teleportation)

Learning & Teaching

Learning & teaching methods

Activity	Description	Hours
Lecture		36

Assessment

Assessment methods

Four problem sheets will be set, with the best two being counted. In an instance where a student may miss submitting one or two problem sheets, those sheets will not be counted. Students will however, still be required to submit Self Certification forms on time for all excused absences, as you may ultimately end up missing 3+ problem sheets through illness, let’s say. The submitted Self Certification forms may be considered as evidence for potential Special Considerations requests.

- In the event that a third (or higher) problem sheet is missed, students will be required to go through the Special Considerations procedures in order to request mitigation for that problem sheet. Please note that documentary evidence will normally be required before these can be considered.

Method	Hours	Percentage contribution
Problem Sheets	-	10%
Exam	2 hours	90%

Referral Method: See notes below

By examination, the final mark will be calculated both with and without the coursework assessment mark carried forward, and the higher result taken.

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PHYS3011 Photons in Astrophysics

Module Overview

The aim of this course is to cover the production and detection of photons in a cosmic setting. The main radiation mechanisms are discussed and examples are given of the situations in which they are most important. We show how the physical conditions, e.g. the temperature, density and magnetic field strength, can be determined from the emitted radiation in astrophysical situations, such as the nuclei of active galaxies or the surfaces of neutron stars. The course is fundamental to our interpretation of astrophysical data and so is vital for all astronomers. However it is very much a physics course and so is also of use to students who are not taking astrophysics degrees.

Aims & Objectives

Aims

After studying this course students should:

understand all of the radiative processes listed below
have a sound knowledge of the instrumentation required to detect photons in different wavebands
be able to draw some simple conclusions regarding the physical parameters in the emitting sources from observations of the received radiation.

Syllabus

Radiative Processes
- Radiation from an accelerated charge.
- Inverse Compton radiation.
- Cyclotron and Synchrotron radiation.
- Bremsstrahlung radiation.
- Black body radiation.
- Optical and radio line emission.
- Nuclear reactions and annihilation processes.
- Scattering processes, e.g. Compton and Rayleigh scattering.
- Cherenkov radiation.
- Gravitational waves.
Detection Techniques
- Radio telescopes: interferometers, aperture synthesis.
- Infrared and optical telescopes: CCD detectors.
- X-ray detectors: proportional counters, multichannel plates, grazing incidence imaging.
- Gamma-ray detectors: crystal scintillators, semiconductors, spark chambers, coded-mask imaging.
- Air Cherenkov techniques.
- Gravitational wave detectors
Astrophysical Examples
- Bremsstrahlung emission from accreting white dwarfs and clusters of galaxies.
- Cyclotron emission from magnetised neutron stars.
- Synchrotron emission from radio galaxies.
- Synchrotron Self-Compton scattering emission from blazars.
- Maps of our Galaxy in Gamma-ray line emission.
- TeV emission from BL Lac objects.

Learning & Teaching

Learning & teaching methods

Activity	Description	Hours
Lecture		36

Assessment

Assessment methods

Method	Hours	Percentage contribution
Problem sheets	-	10%
Exam	2 hours	90%

Referral Method: By examination

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PHYS3010 Stellar Evolution

Module Overview

The aim of this course is to explore the life-cycles of (isolated) stars: from their birth in dense gas clouds, through their stable life in equilibrium, to their explosive death and afterlife in the form of exotic matter condensates, i.e., white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. Along the way, we will study gravity, thermodynamics, hydrodynamics, the interaction between radiation and matter, degenerate forms of matter, and nuclear reactions.

This course is a showcase for how the various branches of physics come together to give rise to real-life phenomena. Using the example of stars, we will revisit a wide range of different physics and see how the various ingredients interact and thus how all branches of physics play a role in creating the fundamental building blocks of the universe. The emphasis of the course is on the more theoretical aspects of physics. The course is compulsory for ‘with Astronomy’ students but offers a good opportunity for all Physics students who want to obtain a hands-on experience of ‘the bigger picture’ in physics.

Aims & Objectives

Aims

After studying this course students should:

• demonstrate clear insight into the underlying physical principles associated with all the key stages of stellar evolution from initial star formation within gas clouds in the Galactic plane, through the various stages of “stability,” to the final end products

• describe how astrophysics brings together all branches of physics and thus allows us to understand the ‘big picture’ of physics

• be able to solve order-of-magnitude problems on any part of the syllabus

Syllabus

• Overview of gravitational contraction and star formation, nucleosynthesis, virial theorem, stellar timescales. • Properties of matter and radiation: Ideal gas, electron and neutron degeneracy, blackbody radiation, ionization. • Heat transfer: Radiation transport, conduction, convection. • Thermonuclear fusion: Barrier penetration, reaction rates, hydrogen and helium burning, neutrino emission. • Stellar modelling: Equations of stellar structure, polytropes. • Stellar death: Supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes.

Learning & Teaching

Learning & teaching methods

Activity	Description	Hours
Lecture		36

Assessment

Assessment methods

Method	Hours	Percentage contribution
Assessed Coursework	-	20%
Exam	2 hours	80%

Referral Method: See notes below

By examination, the final mark will be calculated both with and without the coursework assessment mark carried forward, and the higher result taken.

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PHYS3009 Applied Nuclear Physics

Module Overview

The aim of this course is to communicate knowledge of physical techniques which exploit nuclear particles, and to develop an understanding of the underlying physics. Important themes are nuclear processes and the interaction of nuclear radiation with the surroundings.

Aims & Objectives

Aims

After studying this course students should know about:

the interactions of ionising radiation with matter. the key techniques for detection of radiation. the physical processes involved in nuclear power generation and appreciate the safety aspects of current nuclear power systems. the processes which explain the abundances of the elements around us. the principles of radiocarbon and geological dating, and be able to perform the related calculations for age determination. the nuclear techniques of materials analysis and their application within industry. the medical applications of nuclear phenomena. the Mossbauer effect and its applications in modern nuclear spectroscopy

Syllabus

The interaction of radiation with matter - Reviews the many ways in which radiation can interact with matter, this introduction provides the basis for the detection techniques and the practical applications of radiation discussed later. The detection of radioactivity - Surveys the various detection techniques which are used in the practical application of radiation. Detailed descriptions are given as appropriate during the course. Radioactive dating - Discusses the various methods of dating materials using the naturally generated radioactive isotopes found within them. Trace element identification - The detection and identification of small quantities of contaminants is of vital importance in many areas - materials analysis, forensic science, security (e.g. airline baggage scanning and industrial quality control. The possibility of transmutation of nuclear waste products into harmless nuclides is also discussed. Medical applications of nuclear phenomena - Radiation is used in medicine for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The underlying physics and the relative merits of the basic techniques are reviewed. Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging will be introduced. The Mossbauer Effect - An extremely high resolution spectroscopic technique which makes possible a very precise measurement of the energy of gamma-rays, and therefore provides a very sensitive energy-probe of the nuclear region of atoms. Nucleosynthesis - Discusses the cosmological, stellar and other processes which create the elements around us. Present and Future Nuclear energy - Nuclear fission is an established energy source, while research into the harnessing of fusion power continues. This course discusses the physics behind nuclear power, its safety issues, and future prospects.

Learning & Teaching

Learning & teaching methods

Activity	Description	Hours
Lecture		36

Assessment

Assessment methods

Method	Hours	Percentage contribution
Exam	2 hours	100%

Referral Method: By examination

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