BSc PHYSICS WITH A FOUNDATION YEAR

Code: PHY-3001Y Credits: 20

The purpose of this module is to introduce the Physics Foundation Year students to some of the key skills and challenges within the Physical Sciences. The fundamental knowledge and concepts of FHEQ 3 Physics are presented in PHY-3011A and PHY-3010B. This module will teach the discipline specific skills and introduce the opportunities afforded by a degree in physics. We will give the Physics Foundation Year cohort an academic home and sense of identity. The module will begin by supporting students in their arrival at university and helping them to build a support network with their peers, who they will study alongside for the next four years. In semester 2, the module will then focus skills such as academic writing, sourcing, evaluating and utilising scientific evidence, experimental design and analysis and interpretation of data. The module will utilise the Palgrave Foundations Physics textbook. This is the recommended textbook for foundation year physicists. We will make particular use of the extra content sections that gently introduce some of the cutting-edge achievements and challenges of physics.

Code: PHY-3010B Credits: 20

This module follows on from Introductory Physics and continues to introduce you to the fundamental principles of physics and uses them to explain a variety of physical phenomena. You will study gravitational, electric and magnetic fields, radioactivity and energy levels. There is some coursework based around the discharge of capacitors. The module finishes with you studying some aspects of thermal physics, conservation of momentum and simple harmonic motion.

Code: MTHB3001A Credits: 20

Taught by lectures and seminars to bring students from Maths GCSE towards A-level standard, this module covers several algebraic topics including functions, polynomials and quadratic equations. Trigonometry is approached both geometrically up to Sine and Cosine Rule and as a collection of waves and other functions. The main new topic is Differential Calculus including the Product and Chain Rules. We will also introduce Integral Calculus and apply it to areas. Students should have a strong understanding of GCSE Mathematics.

Code: MTHB3002B Credits: 20

Following MTHB3001A (Basic Mathematics I), this module brings students up to the standard needed to begin year one of a range of degree courses. The first half covers Integral Calculus including Integration by Parts and Substitution. Trigonometric identities, polynomial expressions, partial fractions and exponential functions are explored, all with the object of integrating a wider range of functions. The second half of the module is split into two: Complex Numbers and Vectors. We will meet and use the imaginary number i (the square root of negative one), represent it on a diagram, solve equations using it and link it to trigonometry and exponential functions. Strange but true: imaginary numbers are useful in the real world. The last section is practical rather than abstract too; we will be looking at three dimensional position and movement and solving geometric problems through vector techniques.

Code: CHE-3003B Credits: 20

A course in chemistry intended to take you to the level required to begin a relevant degree in the Faculty of Science. The module will help you to develop an understanding of: reactions of functional groups in organic chemistry; basic thermodynamics; spectroscopic techniques; transition metal chemistry and practical laboratory skills.

Code: CHE-3004A Credits: 20

A module designed for you, if you are on a Science Faculty degree with a Foundation Year. You will receive an introduction to the structure and electronic configuration of the atom. You will learn how to predict the nature of bonding given the position of elements in the periodic table and therefore. You will be introduced to the chemistry of key groups of elements. You will become familiar with key measures such as the mole and the determination of concentrations. The module includes laboratory work. No prior knowledge of chemistry is assumed.

Code: CMP-3002A Credits: 20 

In taking this module you will learn about a wide range of topics that are fundamental to computing science. You will study areas such as history of computing, the binary system, logic circuits, fetch and execute cycles as well as components that made up of modern computer systems. Internet related technologies will also be covered. In the practical work for the module you will use a range of tools and techniques appropriate to the topic being studied.

Code: CMP-3005A Credits: 20

Introductory Programming introduces a number of programming concepts at the start of your programming career, using a modern programming language common to many digital industries. We structure learning through lectures, delivering core materials, and tutor supported exercises to reinforce learning, and to prepare students for programming in their following studies.

Code: MTHB3003B Credits: 20

This module extends material beyond Basic Mathematics I and Basic Mathematics II, and takes the most useful topics from the equivalent of the Further Maths A-level syllabus: - Simple common sets. - Notions of mathematical rigour and proof by induction. - Ideas of function such as f(x)=(ax+b)/(cx+d) for curve sketching, including identifying asymptotes. - Trigonometric functions and corresponding identities, including graph sketching aided by the derivative as the slope of a curve. - The hyperbolic functions sinhx, coshx and tanhx. - The Maclaurin Series Expansions. - Matrices and determinants (2x2 and 3x3) and their link with vector-cross-product. Examples of matrix-transformations of the plane and of space. - Separable variable first-order differential equations for modelling the motion of objects (once Integration has been covered in Basic Mathematics II). E.g. a car decelerating within a specified breaking distance; a body falling with air-resistance. All this has proved to set up students well for what follows in the degree course.

Code: PHY-3011A Credits: 20

In this module you will begin your physics journey with units, accuracy and measurement. You will then progress through the topics of waves, light and sound, forces and dynamics, energy, materials and finish by studying aspects of electricity. The module has a piece of coursework which is based around PV cell technology.

You will be assigned an academic adviser for the duration of your studies. They’ll help guide your course choices and help to ensure you are keeping up with the necessary studies. In you first year of study, compulsory modules will include both physics and mathematics, alongside which you’ll be offered optional modules in chemistry and computing. You’ll be assessed through a combination of coursework and exams.  

For information on subsequent years of this course, please see the full BSc Physics course profile. 

Our teaching combines lectures, small-group seminars, workshops and practical sessions, and some include an element of programming. 

Our group sessions are informal and allow you raise questions related to lectures and find solutions to problems set by tutors. We actively encourage you to discuss academic matters with your tutors on a one-to-one basis. 

You’ll use laboratory sessions to perform experiments based on subjects from the lecture programme. They’ll be supervised by lecturers or postgraduate students, who will discuss the theory behind them and will ensure that experiments are safely executed. 

Independent study 

You will have plenty of opportunity for independent study throughout your degree programme as you complete coursework and prepare for exams. However, your final year research project will truly exemplify your independent work, allowing you to get to grips with an aspect of physics that really interests you. 

We employ a range of assessment methods to best reflect each module and what we hope you will gain from it. 

Assessments will usually feature a combination of practical reports, data handling, project work, dissertations, and examinations. 

Your foundation year results will not count towards your final degree classification, but they are important should you wish to transfer to a different degree programme.