Physics studies how our Universe works. It includes areas such as quantum theory, relativity and particle physics, and lies at the heart of most modern technology - for example the computer and the laser. Most forefront science takes place in international collaborations, and this degree includes a year studying abroad. It is aimed at students who wish to continue French beyond school.
Physics with French highlights
Global Opportunities
Students undertaking the Physics with French degree will spend a year studying physics in a university on mainland Europe. Support for this international placement can be sought during the degree through an application to the Turing programme.
Professional Accreditations
Accredited by the Institute of Physics for the purpose of exemptions from some professional examinations.
Professional Exemptions
You will have partially fulfilled the requirements to obtain the status of Chartered Physicist (CPhys) with the Institute of Physics.
World Class Facilities
You will be taught in our new state-of-the-art teaching centre, containing specialist laboratory equipment and computer facilities.
Internationally Renowned Experts
All of our faculty staff are research scientists in their own right; in the 2021 REF peer-review exercise, Physics Research Power was in the top 20 in the UK.
Student Experience
In the 2023 National Student Survey physics scored above the benchmark in 6 out of 7 themes with a 94.9% positivity score on how well staff explained things.
Further Study Opportunities
You can join the Physics and Mathematics Society (PAMSOC) which organises events and trips throughout the year. You can also take advantage of the many events held within the Northern Ireland Science Festival each February, which School staff and postgraduate students heavily support.
Career Development
The most recent HESA data shows that over 95% of QUB physics graduates are in employment or further study 15 months after graduation.
Student Experience
The School has the 3rd highest postgraduate research student satisfaction in the University.
The School of Mathematics and Physics was 3rd of 15 schools in the University in overall NSS score.
Student Testimonials
To learn to use and appreciate the two in unison (Maths and Physics) begins a truly breathtaking and elucidating journey, which gives one the opportunity to view the world and its phenomena with both new understanding and new confusion, which leads always to delightful fascination.
I suppose what I enjoyed about both the first year and the degree overall was the richness of abundance of new experiences, it seemed as though that one could turn any corner, open any book or talk to anyone and there you'd find something you'd never seen before.
Henry Harper-Gardner (BSc Physics with Astrophysics)
Students cover all subjects in stage 1 and stage 2 and may choose from a large range of subject areas in stage 3.
Stage 1
In their first year students study a core of experimental, theoretical and computational physics, alongside applied mathematics (all compulsory modules).
Stage 2
At Stage 2, students take all compulsory modules
Advanced laboratory work develops the skills of planning, carrying out and analysing experiments and simulations, and provides opportunities for deepening understanding of the wide applicability of physics.
Stage 3
Students will take an approved Turing programme of study at a French speaking university or alternatively, an approved placement in a French speaking country.
Stage 4
At Stage 4, students take a selection of compulsory and optional modules.
Project work entails a major experimental or computational investigation of a particular physics problem. This is undertaken using state-of-the-art equipment installed in the School’s new Teaching Centre. This includes projects on ultrasound, MRI and X-ray imaging, gamma ray spectroscopy, lasers, atomic force and scanning tunnelling microscopy, nanomaterial fabrication and characterisation, and astronomical observations.
School of Maths & Physics Dr Kar is a Reader in Physics and is an internationally recognised expert in the areas of high-intensity laser-plasma interaction. His main focus is on the development and optimisation of laser-driven ion and neutron sources for their wide-ranging applications in Science, security and healthcare.
Contact Teaching Hours
Large Group Teaching
9 (hours maximum) 9 hours of lectures.
Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial
2 (hours maximum) 2 hours of tutorials (or later, project supervision) each week.
Personal Study
16 (hours maximum) 14-16 hours studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using handouts, online activities, homeworks etc.
Medium Group Teaching
6 (hours maximum) 6 hours of practical classes and computer workshops each week in Level 1, increasing to an average of 8 hours of practical work per week in Level 2.
Learning and Teaching
At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable students to achieve their full academic potential. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this degree programme are:
E-learning technologies
Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Canvas. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree programme through the use of, for example, interactive support materials and web-based learning activities.
Laboratory physics
As physics is an experimentally based subject, all students will undertake experimental physics as part of their degree. Students normally work in assigned pairs in the laboratory, with submitted reports and findings individually assessed. As part of this work students will become proficient in using Excel for analysing data and Word for laboratory reports. In their final year students will undertake a final year project, placed within one of our international research centres in Physics.
Lectures
These introduce and explain the foundation information about topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. The material in the lectures will follow the syllabus issued at the start of the module, and will form the basis of the assessment carried out. As the modules progress and students' knowledge of physics grows, this information becomes more complex. Lectures, which are normally delivered in large groups to all year-group peers, also provide opportunities to ask questions and seek clarification on key issues as well as gain feedback and advice on assessments.
Additional lectures may also be also delivered by invited speakers and scientists from various areas of physics – these lectures generally do not form part of the assessed work, but students are encouraged to attend to widen their knowledge and appreciation of the subject. There may also be lectures from employers of physics graduates. These enable employers to impart their valuable experience to physics students, and allows our physics students to meet and engage with potential future employers.
Self-directed study
This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.
Seminars/tutorials
A significant amount of teaching is carried out in small groups (2–5 students), particularly at Stage 1. These sessions are designed to explore, in more depth, the information that has been presented in the lectures, and are normally based on coursework submitted by the students. This provides students with the opportunity to engage closely with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of their peers. During these classes, students will be expected to present their work to academic staff and their peers.
Assessment
The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the learning objectives of each module. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which may be accessed online via the School website. Physics modules are typically assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and a final written unseen examination. Continuous assessment consists of:
Student Tutorial Questions/Lecture Assignments
This involves the completion and submission of example problems on a weekly (tutorial) or three-weekly (assignment) basis as answered by individual students. These are submitted by students by an appropriate deadline and assessed, with the mark awarded contributing to the continuous assessment element of the module mark. The mark awarded reflects accuracy and clarity of the submitted answers together with understanding of the subject matter. Consistent with employer feedback, some modules also require students to prepare and make a small group presentation on a pre-assigned topic. Such group activities are also assessed, with the mark awarded contributing to the continuous assessment element of the module mark. To aid such exercises all students in their first year are given instruction and guidance on making successful presentations.
Laboratory and Computational Skills
All physics students are required to learn and understand the basic concepts of experimental physics. This involves understanding the basics of measurements, accuracy and error analysis; being able to understand and (in later levels) assess different methods of performing experimental measurements; reporting experimental findings and comparing them with prior knowledge of expectations based on physical laws. Assessment takes place through short laboratory reports or presentations, for which instruction is given. Additionally, all students will be given training in software coding using computer languages appropriate for scientific investigations, and this is assessed through worksheets and assignments.
Examinations
Most modules require the sitting of an unseen examination, to assess individual understanding of physical concepts and the ability to tackle problems in the taught areas of physics.
Computer Based Assessment
Some modules use online quizzes/tests as part of the module assessment. This tests basic knowledge, understanding and problem solving.
Feedback
As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module coordinators, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers (other students). University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:
Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of 1-1 discussions with lecturers to help you to address a specific query.
Online or emailed comment.
General comments, or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
Feedback and outcomes from experimental classes and computer workshops.
Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services including Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.
Facilities
Undergraduate Teaching Centre
Throughout their time with us, students will use the new Mathematics and Physics Teaching Centre. Opened in 2016 with almost £2 million of new equipment, students can use the well-equipped twin computer rooms for both self-study and project work. This includes a small astronomical observatory on the roof of the main building. In the physics laboratories, students will be able to investigate everything from the nature of lasers, to the quantum mechanical properties of the electron, to the dynamic hydrogen chromosphere of the Sun.
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
Classical Mechanics:
Newton’s Laws, Elasticity, Simple Harmonic Motion, Damped, Forced and Coupled Oscillations, Two- Body Dynamics, Centre of Mass, Reduced Mass, Collisions, Rotational Motion, Torque, Angular Momentum, Moment of Inertia, Central Forces, Gravitation, Kepler’s Laws
Special Relativity:
Lorentz Transformations, Length Contraction and Time Dilation, Paradoxes, Velocity Transformations, Relativistic Energy and Momentum
Electricity and Magnetism:
Static electric and magnetic fields. Time varying magnetic fields and motional emf. Electrical circuit analysis including dc and ac theory and circuit transients
Light and Optics:
Electromagnetic waves, dispersion by prisms and diffraction gratings, interference, diffraction, polarization, X-rays.
Quantum Theory:
Wave-particle duality, photoelectric effect, Bohr model, spectra of simple atoms, radioactive decay, fission and fusion, fundamental forces and the Standard Model.
Thermodynamics:
Kinetic theory of gases, Van der Waal’s equation, first and second laws of thermodynamics, internal energy, heat capacity, entropy. Thermodynamic engines, Carnot cycle. Changes of state.
Solid State:
Solids, crystal structure, bonding and potentials, thermal expansion. Introduction to band structure of metals, insulators and semiconductors. Origin and behaviour of electric and magnetic dipoles.
Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate knowledge and conceptual understanding in the areas of classical mechanics, special relativity, waves and oscillations, electricity and magnetism, light and optics, quantum theory, thermodynamics, and solid state, by describing, discussing and illustrating key concepts and principles.
Solve problems by identifying relevant principles and formulating them with basic mathematical relations.
Perform quantitative estimates of physical parameters within an order of magnitude.
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Communicating scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner both orally and in written form. Working independently and with a group of peers. Time management and the ability to meet deadlines.
Vectors: Vectors in the plane and space. Coordinates, scalar product, projections, and curl product.
Complex numbers: Concept of complex plane, vectorial and exponential representation of complex numbers. Fundamental operations with complex numbers: sum, subtraction, product, division, power and roots, and complex conjugate, Euler and de Moivre’s theorems
Fundaments of trigonometry: Sine, cosine, tangent functions. Their graphs in one dimensions, their representation on the unitary sphere, and representation as complex exponentials.
Elements of linear algebra: Definition of matrices and operations. Determinant of a matrix. Solution of a system of linear equations. Gauss’ elimination method. Eigenvalues/eigenvectors. Definition and basic properties of a vectorial space, isomorphisms and homomorphisms. Generalised definition of norm and scalar product.
Elements of Euclidean geometry: equation of a line and a plane. Equation of the circle and the ellipse.
Analysis of a single-variable function: Definition of a function. Definition of limit and derivative. Methods to calculate limits and derivatives. Definition of continuity and singularities. Study of a function.
Taylor and MacLaurin series and approximation of single-variable function: definition of orders of expansion
Integration in one variable: definition of definite and indefinite integral, integration by parts and by substitution, integral of a rational function, Gaussian integrals.
Ordinary differential equations: Definition of linearity and order of differential equations. Solutions for linear differential equations and main properties. Solution of specific non-linear cases.
Probability distributions: Probability concepts. Binomial, poisson and normal distributions.
Elements of discrete calculus: Series with their limit and convergence theorems and methods.
Learning Outcomes
Display knowledge of, and apply practically, a range of mathematical techniques and properties in the areas of trigonometry, Euclidean geometry, probability, vectors, linear algebra, complex numbers, and single and multi-variable calculus.
Formulate mathematical problems and obtain analytical or approximate solutions.
Skills
Problem solving. Communicating mathematical concepts in a clear and concise manner both orally and in written form. Working independently and meeting deadlines.
This module aims to consolidate and develop the students existing written and oral language skills and knowledge of French and Francophone culture, equip them with professional and employability skills and prepare them to go further in the study of French. It consists of four elements designed to provide a comprehensive consolidation of French language competence:
1. Language Seminar (1hr per week)
Seminar aims to develop students ability to understand, translate and compose French language materials in a range of forms: text, image, audio-visual. Language will be engaged in context, guided by themes such as University life, Culture and Identity and Culture and Communication. Linguistic competence will be developed through a range of methods that may include: group discussion, comprehension, translation, responsive and essay writing.
2. Grammar Workshop (1hr per week)
Workshop designed to consolidate and enrich students' knowledge and understanding of French grammar and syntax. All major areas of grammar will be encountered, laying the foundations for future study of the language and its nuances. It focuses particularly on developing competence in the key area of translation into French.
3. Professional skills (1hr per week)
The class focuses on language skills for special purposes and contains two strands: Language for Business and Language for Law. Both provide linguistic and socio-cultural knowledge important to work-related situations in different fields.
4. Conversation class (1hr per week)
Conversation class is led by a native speaker of French and compliments the content of the Language hour. Students will meet in small groups to discuss, debate and present on the main themes of the course.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the modules students should:
1. Be able to read French texts in a variety of forms and demonstrate a sensitivity to their detail and nuance in speech, writing and when translating.
2. Be able to produce French texts appropriate to different requirements and registers.
3. Be able to investigate, structure and present a complex argument in longer pieces of written work.
4. Be able to communicate using more sophisticated grammatical and syntactical constructions with a good level of accuracy (without basic errors).
Skills
On successful completion of the modules students should have developed the following range of skills: comprehensive dexterity using French grammar; translation skills; text analysis; comprehension; essay writing; lexicographical skills; report writing skills; IT skills; presentation skills; spoken language skills
Course contents: Building on skills acquired at Level 1, this module aims to consolidate productive (writing and speaking) and receptive (reading and listening) skills in French language. Key components are: comprehension, translation into English and into French, résumé, grammar, CV preparation. The oral French component includes presentations and preparation for job interviews. Languages for special purposes strands equip students in law or business with skills for legal and professional contexts.
This module will contain the following elements:
1.Written language (2 hrs per week)
This component will focus on enhancing ability in written French through engagement with a range of journalistic and literary written texts at appropriate level. A variety of topics will be covered, dealing with current themes in society and topical issues. Written language tasks include translation (from and into French), résumé, comprehension and grammar exercises.
2.Oral language (1 hr per week)
This component will focus on enhancing ability in oral French. A variety of topics and themes are covered, which aim to develop knowledge of issues in present-day France, prepare students for the year abroad and for job interviews in the target language. Stimulus materials from a range of media (textual, visual, audio, video) are used.
3.Contextual Study (filière; 1 hr per week)
This component will raise awareness of cultural and linguistic issues in French and allow students to deepen their perspective of the field, as well as preparing students for a residence in a French-speaking country.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of the modules students should:
1) be able to demonstrate fluency, accuracy and spontaneity in spoken and written French, with a broad range of vocabulary and expression, so as to be able to discuss a variety of complex issues;
2) be able to read wide variety of French texts and identify important information and ideas within them;
3) be able to translate a range of texts into and from French;
4) have developed a detailed critical understanding of representative textual and other material;
5) be able to engage in complex problem-solving exercises.
Skills
On successful completion of the modules students should have developed the following range of skills:
Skills in written and oral expression; critical awareness and problem-solving; close textual analysis; translation; comprehension; presentation; IT skills; employability skills, such as interview technique and cv preparation.
Advanced linear algebra: Definition and basic properties of a generic vectorial space, isomorphisms and homomorphisms. Generalised definition of scalar product and norm, base of a vectorial space, orthonormality.
Fourier series and Fourier transform. The Dirac delta function, Parseval’s theorem and the convolution theorem.
Partial differential equations: method of characteristics, PDE classification, d’Alembert’s solution, separation of variables.
Hamiltonian Mechanics. Definition of generalized and conjugated variables, principle of minimum action, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalism, Poisson’s brackets.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Display knowledge of, and apply practically, a range of mathematical techniques and properties in advanced mathematical techniques and concepts including linear algenbra, Fourier series and transforms, partial differential equations,and Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics.
Formulate mathematical problems of physical systems and obtain analytical or approximate solutions.
Skills
Problem solving. Communicating mathematical concepts in a clear and concise manner both orally and in written form. Working independently and with a group of peers. Time management and the ability to meet deadlines.
Electrostatics and magnetostatics.
Coulomb, Gauss, Faraday, Ampère, Lenz and Lorentz laws
Wave solution of the Maxwell’s equations in vacuum and the Poynting vector.
Polarisation of E.M. waves and behaviour at plane interfaces.
Propagation of light in media (isotropic dielectrics). Faraday and Kerr effects.
Temporal and spatial coherence of light. Interference and diffraction
Geometrical optics and matrix description of optic elements
Optical cavities and laser action.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Define and describe the fundamental laws of electricity and magnetism, understand their physical significance, and apply them to well-defined physical problems.
Formulate and manipulate Maxwell’s equations to obtain electromagnetic wave equations, solving them for propagation in vacuum, isotropic media, and at interfaces.
Explain and formulate examples of optical phenomena such as interference, diffraction, Faraday and Kerr effects, laser action, and manipulation of light by optical components.
Plan, execute and report the results of an experiment or investigation, and compare results critically with predictions from theory
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently and meeting deadlines.
1D SWE Solutions:
Infinite and finite square potential well, harmonic potential well, particle wave at a potential step, particle wave at a potential barrier, quantum tunnelling, 1st order perturbation theory.
3D Solutions of SWE:
Particle in a box, hydrogen atom, degeneracy.
Statistical Mechanics:
Pauli exclusion principle, fermions, bosons, statistical distributions, statistical entropy, partition function, density of states. Examples of Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac, Bose-Einstein distributions.
Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate how fundamental principles in quantum and statistical mechanics are derived and physically interpreted. In particular the uncertainty principle, the Schrödinger wave equation, tunnelling, quantum numbers, degeneracy, Pauli exclusion principle, statistical entropy, Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein distributions.
Obtain and interpret solutions of the Schrödinger wave equation in 1D for several simple quantum wells and barriers, and in 3D for a particle in a box and the hydrogen atom.
Apply quantum mechanics and statistical distributions to explain different physical phenomena and practical applications.
Plan, execute and report the results of an experiment or investigation, and compare results critically with predictions from theory
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently and meeting deadlines.
Periodicity and symmetry, basic crystallographic definitions, packing of atomic planes, crystal structures, the reciprocal lattice, diffraction from crystals, Bragg condition and Ewald sphere.
Lattice waves and dispersion relations, phonons, Brillouin zones, heat capacity, density of vibrational states, Einstein and Debye models of heat capacity, thermal conductivity, thermal expansion and anharmonicity.
Concepts related to phase transitions in materials such as: free energy, enthalpy, entropy, order parameter, classification of phase transitions, Landau theory.
Electronic band structure, including: failures of classical model for metals and semiconductors, free electron gas description of metals, density of states, Fermi Dirac statistics, electronic heat capacity, development of band structure, prediction of intrinsic semiconducting behaviour, doping
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Recognise and define the fundamental concepts used to describe properties of the solid state such as simple crystal structures and symmetries, diffraction and the reciprocal lattice, vibrational and thermal properties, phase changes, and electrical properties, and to demonstrate conceptual understanding of these concepts.
Show how relevant theoretical models can be developed to establish properties of materials and explain how these have been exploited in technological devices.
Plan, execute and report the results of an experiment or investigation, and compare results critically with predictions from theory
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently and meeting deadlines.
Introduction to placement for Physics students, CV building, international options, interview skills, assessment centres, placement approval, health & safety and wellbeing. Workshops on CV building and interview skills. This module is delivered in-house with the support of the QUB Careers Service and external experts.
Learning Outcomes
To identify gaps in personal employability skills. To plan a programme of work to result in a successful work placement application.
Skills
Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD. Decide on action plans and implement them effectively. Clearly identify criteria for success and evaluate their own performance against them .
Students complete a work, volunteer or study placement in fulfilment of the residence abroad requirements associated with their chosen Physics degree.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to demonstrate:
- Advanced linguistic skills (where appropriate)
- Enhanced cultural and intercultural awareness
- An understanding of the work environment and professional skills OR an understanding of a different university system and enhanced academic skills
Skills
Students undertaking the placement will develop their skills in the following areas: linguistic skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking); professional or academic skills; cultural and intercultural awareness; personal development.
Development of oral presentation skills. Presentations to large groups/peers in a research or popular science context. Probing scientific understanding, critiquing presentations, peer review. Entrepreneurship, career guidance, CV writing, interview techniques. Essay writing and scientific writing skills
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Search for, evaluate and reference relevant information from a range of sources
Communicate general scientific topics in a clear and concise manner both orally and in a written format with proper regard for the needs of the audience.
Critically question and evaluate the work of peers
Critically self-reflect on progression of skills, academic performance, entrepreneurship and future prospects
Skills
Problem solving. Scientific writing. Entrepreneurship. Working independently and with a group of peers. Time management and the ability to meet deadlines.
Building on skills acquired at level 2, this module aims to develop the skills and understanding required to deal with a broad variety of language tasks. Linguistic, sociolinguistic and cultural awareness will be consolidated and deepened. The module will contain the following elements:
1. Written Language Skills (2 hours per week) which will offer students an opportunity to enrich their linguistic skills, consolidate grammatical awareness and develop facility in handling the structures of standard, modern French, across a variety of genres, by means of practical engagement with a range of texts carefully selected for both their linguistic interest (varying in style and register) and the insights they offer into aspects of contemporary France and the Francophone world. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, fluent and idiomatic expression, and linguistic flair. A variety of language acquisition and development methods will be employed: grammar practice, editing work, essay-writing, translation into English and into French.
2. Spoken Language (1 hour per week), which will focus on aspects of contemporary France and the Francophone world, with the aim of training students to speak accurately and fluently in French, to express a range of different ideas and opinions, and to organise material logically and coherently when presenting. This component of the module includes a presentation and extended discussion.
3. Contextual Study (1hr per week). This component, which will vary across the two semesters, will deepen and contextualise the other elements of the module by placing them in a broader cultural context and will include, for example, literary texts, films, art and linguistics. A specific languages for special purposes strands equip students in law or business with skills for legal and professional contexts. This element includes an essay in the target language.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of the modules students should:
1) be able to demonstrate a high level of fluency, accuracy and spontaneity in written and oral French, including the use of a broad variety of linguistic structures and vocabulary;
2) be able to deal with a broad variety of material in the target language, including material which is complex and abstract, and which involves a variety of genres and registers; 3) be able to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the structures of the language and their broader linguistic context and the ability to use appropriate reference works effectively;
4) be able to structure and present arguments at a high level in a range of formats and registers.
Skills
On successful completion of the modules students should have developed the following range of skills: Communication skills; translation skills; textual analysis; essay writing; lexicographical skills; IT skills; presentation skills; employability skills, such as report writing and editing skills; problem solving and critical thinking.
Students will undertake a single physics project in one of the semesters involving an open-ended experimental or computational investigation of a specific area of physics. Outcomes of the studies will be reported through oral, written and poster presentations.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Plan, execute and report the results of an experiment or investigation, and compare critically with previous experiments or theory.
Exploit computer technology to analyse and present data
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a specific area of physics, and an awareness of current trends in that area
Appreciate the importance of health and safety and perform project risk assessment
Skills
Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Communicating scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner both orally and in written form. Working independently and with a lab partner. Time management and the ability to meet deadlines.
Dielectrics, including: concepts of polarization, polarisability, Mossotti field, contributions to polarization, the Mossotti catastrophe, ferroelectricity, soft mode descriptions of ferroelectricity and antiferroelectricity, Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire theory, displacive versus order-disorder ferroelectrics.
Magnetism, including: underlying origin of magnetism, the link between dipole moment and angular momentum, diamagnetism, paramagnetism (classical and quantum treatments), ferromagnetism and the Weiss molecular field, antiferromagnetism.
Electronic transport in metals, including: Lorentz-Drude classical theories and the Sommerfeld quantum free electron model. Influence of band structure on electron dynamics and transport. Electron scattering.
Magnetotransport, including cyclotron resonance, magnetoresistance and Hall effect
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Explain how lattice periodicity, structure and both classical and quantum mechanics lead to general concepts and observed properties of metals, dielectrics and magnetic materials.
Formulate specific theoretical models of the properties of metals, dielectrics and magnetic materials and use these to make quantitative predictions of material properties.
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently and meeting deadlines.
Nuclear reaction classifications, scattering kinetics, cross sections, quantum mechanical scattering, Scattering experiments and the nuclear shell model, the inter-nucleon force, partial waves. Fermi theory of beta decay. Nuclear astrophysics and nuclear fission power generation. Elementary particles; symmetry principles, unitary symmetry and quark model, particle interactions.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Show how theoretical concepts can be used to develop models of the nuclear structure, nuclear reactions, particle scattering, and beta decay, and report on supporting experimental evidence.
Describe the principles of and evidence for the Standard Model
Apply theoretical models to make quantitative estimates and predictions in nuclear and particle physics.
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently and meeting deadlines.
Maxwell's equations, propagation of EM waves in dielectrics, conductors, anisotropic media, optical fibres/waveguides, non-linear optics. Polarisation, reflection and transmission at boundaries, Fresnel's equations. Thin/thick optical lenses, matrix methods, aberrations and diffraction.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge and conceptual understanding of Maxwell's equations and their application to the propagation of electromagnetic waves in various media and their manipulation using optical components.
Solve problems using mathematical techniques such as matrix methods and vector calculus to model electric/magnetic fields, the propagation of light, and to obtain analytical or approximate solutions.
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently and meeting deadlines.
Fundamental principles, and technical and clinical applications of: interaction of electromagnetic radiation and ionising radiation with the body, lasers for therapy and imaging, ultrasound, radiation imaging techniques, radiotherapy, magnetic resonance imaging.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Describe, apply and discuss the underlying physical principles of techniques used for medical imaging techniques and treatment of diseased tissue with light and radiation.
Evaluate the relative merits of current and future imaging and therapeutic techniques.
Make quantitative estimates of relevant physical parameters such as penetration depth and radiation dose.
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Communicating scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner both orally and in written form. Working independently and with a group of peers. Time management and the ability to meet deadlines.
Computing coding skills and optimization techniques.
Solution of ordinary differential equations with, for example, Runge Kutta 4th order method.
Students to choose from a range of computational projects including projects to solve ordinary differential equations, for example in solution of the 1D time independent Schrödinger Equation with the Shooting method, and partial differential equations, for example simulation of a wave on a string.
Data analysis techniques, for example, coping with noise and experimental uncertainty.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Analyse physical systems and write computer programs to model them.
Use computational methods for robust analysis of experimental data.
Skills
Problem solving with computing methods and computer programming. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Communicating scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner both orally and in written form. Working independently and with a group of peers. Time management and the ability to meet deadlines.
Advanced stellar structure and evolution: physics of stellar interiors; concepts of single-star evolution; end points of stellar evolution
Radiative transfer: radiative transfer in solar and stellar atmospheres; statistical and ionization equilibrium, plasma diagnostics and line broadening processes
Galaxies: the Milky Way galaxy; galaxy properties; physics of the interstellar medium, theories of galaxy formation and evolution
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Demonstrate a detailed comprehension of the main concepts underpinning modern astrophysics with emphasis on stellar interiors/atmospheres, stellar evolution and galaxy structure / evolution.
Explain the physics of stars and stellar evolution, and be able to describe the physical state of stars at all stages of their lives, and critically compare their fates and the various classes of objects they leave behind.
Understand and be able to link the physical conditions existing in a variety of astrophysics environments, including stellar interiors, stellar atmospheres and galaxies to observations (including spectroscopy) and the principles of radiative transfer.
Describe the properties of galaxies, their constituents and their evolution.
Apply their knowledge to unfamiliar astrophysical problems.
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently and meeting deadlines.
Relativity:
Einstein's postulates. The Lorentz transformation and consequences. 4-vector formulation. Relativistic particle dynamics. Relativistic wave dynamics. Relativistic electrodynamics.
Quantum Mechanics:
The Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalism. Wavefunctions and operators. The Schrödinger equation. The harmonic oscillator. Three-dimensional systems: angular momentum. Three-dimensional system: spherical harmonics. Composition of angular momenta and spin. The Hydrogen atom. Special distributions: Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac statistics. Bell inequality and quantum entanglement. Perturbation theory: time-independent perturbations. Perturbation theory: periodic perturbations
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
State the fundamental postulates of relativity and quantum mechanics, develop the mathematical formalism of these subjects.
Solve specific physical problems using the formalism of relativity and quantum mechanics.
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently and meeting deadlines.
H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in Mathematics, Physics and French
Access Course
Not normally considered as Acccess Course would not satify language requirements.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
33 points overall including 6 5 5 at Higher Level including Mathematics, Physics and French.
Graduate
A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided any subject requirements are also met.
Note
All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.
How we choose our students
In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.
Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the School of Mathematics and Physics. Once your on-line form has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.
Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.
For entry last year, applicants for programmes in the School of Mathematics and Physics must have had, or been able to achieve, a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C/4 or better (to include English Language and Mathematics), though this profile may change from year to year depending on the demand for places. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled.
Offers are normally made on the basis of three A-levels. The offer for repeat candidates may be one grade higher than for first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year.
For applicants offering the Irish Leaving Certificate, please note that performance at Irish Junior Certificate (IJC) is taken into account. For last year’s entry, applicants for this degree must have had a minimum of five IJC grades at C/Merit. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of Leaving Certificate subjects can be satisfied.
Applicants offering other qualifications will also be considered. The same GCSE (or equivalent) profile is usually expected of those candidates offering other qualifications.
The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but, in the case of degree courses in the School of Mathematics and Physics, these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.
A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking would not normally be considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking four A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.
Applicants are not normally asked to attend for interview.
If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a Faculty/School Visit Day, which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice and the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.
If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions and Access Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
International Students - Foundation and International Year One Programmes
INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.
These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.
According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, 5 years after graduation, Physics graduates earn 15 per cent more on average than other graduates (IFS 2018) with female graduates the 4th highest earners compared to all other subjects (5th for males).
Physics-related jobs are available in research, development, and general production in many high technology and related industries. These include medicine, biotechnology, electronics, optics, aerospace, computation and nuclear technology. Physics graduates are also sought after for many other jobs, such as business consultancy, finance, business, insurance, taxation and accountancy, where their problem-solving skills and numeracy are highly valued. In Northern Ireland alone in 2019, there were almost 49,000 jobs in physics based industries which had a £10bn turnover (Institute of Physics Report 2019).
About half of our students go on to further study after graduation. Some physics graduates take up careers in education, while a number are accepted for a PhD programme in Physics, which can enhance employment prospects or provide a path to a research physicist position. Most of the rest of our graduates move rapidly into full-time employment, most in careers that require a degree.
Employment after the Course
As part of the assessment within our modules, students will have to prepare reports, give presentations and work together within small groups. Students will become experienced in using spreadsheet and word processing software to analyse and communicate their findings. Additionally, basic computer programming is taught to allow computational modelling of physical phenomena, which can then be applied to many non-scientific areas of commerce and industry. The problem-solving and communication skills that are essential to scientific study are also recognised as important attributes for many other careers.
Students undertaking the Physics with French degree will spend a year studying physics in a University in France.
What employers say
At Randox we continuously pursue disruptive technologies to push the cutting edge of healthcare diagnostics. QUB Physics graduates are an excellent fit in this framework as at the core of their studies is a questioning of methodology and quantitative analysis.
Dr. Paul Vance, Project Manager, Randox Laboratories
Prizes and Awards
Top performing students are eligible for a number of prizes within the School.
Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
The tuition fees quoted above for NI and ROI are the 2024/25 fees and will be updated when the new fees are known. In addition, all tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase in each year of the course. Fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.
Additional course costs
All essential software will be provided by the University, for use on University facilities, however for some software, students may choose to buy a version for home use.
Students have a compulsory year abroad in year 3 of their degree. Students who undertake a period of study or work abroad are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. These costs vary depending on the location and duration of the placement.
A limited amount of funding may be available to contribute towards these additional costs, if the placement takes place through a government student mobility scheme.
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.
Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/students.
When to Apply
UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2025 from early September 2024.
The advisory closing date for the receipt of applications for entry in 2025 is still to be confirmed by UCAS but is normally in late January (18:00). This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.
Applications from UK and EU (Republic of Ireland) students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2025) subject to the availability of places. If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.
Applications from International and EU (Other) students are normally considered by Queen's for entry to this course until 30 June 2025. If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.
The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.
Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students
Applying through UCAS
Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2025.
Applying direct
The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Find out more.
Applying through agents and partners
The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.
