Physics with Medical Physics BSc

Core modules:

Introduction to Electric and Electronic Circuits

This module introduces the concepts and analytical tools for predicting the behaviour of combinations of passive circuit elements, resistance, capacitance and inductance driven by ideal voltage and/or current sources which may be ac or dc sources. The ideas involved are important not only from the point of view of modelling real electronic circuits but also because many complicated processes in biology, medicine and mechanical engineering are themselves modelled by electric circuits. The passive ideas are extended to active electronic components; diodes, transistors and operational amplifiers and the circuits in which these devices are used. Transformers, magnetics and dc motors are also covered.

20 credits

Physics of Living Systems 2

The aim is to introduce biomechanical descriptions of the human body. We look at its structure and its performance as a physical machine. The structural characteristics of human bones and tissue are investigated, together with the mechanical functions of the skeleton and musculature. Simple fluid dynamic characteristics of the body are introduced, including descriptions of blood-flow in the arteries and veins and air-flow in the lungs.

10 credits

Fundamentals of Physics

This module introduces the fundamentals of University Physics that are built on in later years of study.  This includes the development of data analysis skills, laboratory skills, scientific report writing and communication along with the ability to analyse physics problems and solve them using pen and paper, experiment and computer programming. Key concepts in electromagnetism, classical mechanics, thermal physics, waves and oscillations and quantum mechanics will be studied and used to develop problem solving.

50 credits

Introductory Mathematics for Physicists and Astronomers

This module provides the necessary introductory  level 1 mathematics for students taking physics and / or astronomy degrees except those taking theoretical physics degrees.

Topics will be covered in two equally weighted streams: Stream A: common functions of one variable, differentiation, series expansions,  integration and ordinary differential equations. Stream B:  basic complex numbers, vector manipulation, properties and applications of matrices.

20 credits

Further Mathematics for Physicists and Astronomers

This module provides the necessary additional mathematics for all students taking physics and/or astronomy degrees including those taking theoretical physics degrees. The following topics will be covered: introduce the students to vector calculus; elementary probability theory; ensure that the students have a thorough knowledge of how to apply mathematical tools to physical problems.

10 credits

Optional modules – one from:

Introduction to Astrophysics

One of four half-modules forming the Level-1 Astronomy course, PHY104 aims to equip students with a basic understanding of the important physical concepts and techniques involved in astronomy with an emphasis on how fundamental results can be derived from fairly simple observations. The module consists of three sections:

(i) Basic Concepts, Fluxes, Temperatures and Magnitudes;

(ii) Astronomical Spectroscopy;

(iii) Gravitational Astrophysics.

Parts (i), (ii) and (iii) each comprise some six lectures. The lectures are supported by problems classes, in which you will learn to apply lecture material to the solution of numerical problems.

10 credits

The Solar System

One of the four half-modules forming the Level 1 astronomy course, but may also be taken as a stand-alone module. PHY106 covers the elements of the Solar System: the Sun, planets, moons and minor bodies. What are their structures and compositions, and what dothey tell us about the formation and history of the Solar System?

10 credits

Our Evolving Universe

The course provides a general overview of astronomy suitable for those with no previous experience of the subject. The principal topics covered are (1) how we deduce useful physical parameters from observed quantities, (2) the structure and evolution of stars, (3) the structure of the Milky Way, and the classification, structure and evolution of galaxies in general, (4) an introduction to cosmology and (5) extrasolar plantets and an introduction to astrobiology. All topics are treated in a descriptive manner with minimal mathematics.

10 credits

Frontiers of Physics

This 10-credit module aims to introduce research-inspired material into the level 1 physics curriculum. The module includes three short courses on research-based topics taught by an academic who is actively involved in the research. The course will be regularly reviewed to ensure that the material is up to date and includes current areas of investigation. The module aims to show that cutting-edge physics research is often underpinned by basic concepts covered in A level and 1st year physics courses.

10 credits

The Physics of Sustainable Energy

The module will cover the physics of sustainable energy. It includes discussions framed by the book `Sustainable Energy without the Hot Air' by D MacKay and will cover current energy requirements and what energy could potentially be provided by the various forms of renewable energy. The course will commence with a discussion of the basic physics of energy, power and work and the conversion of energy from one form to another. We examine in detail the history of global energy useage and how we produce and use energy in the UK. We will then explore the impacts that this energy use has on the biosphere and climate and the public perception of such processes. The course will then focus on the energy contenet of objects and processes we take for granted and will then move on to means by which we can produce energy using renewable technologies, such as wind, wave, solar, biofuels etc. We will also examine nuclear (fusion and fission) energy and will discuss their principles and practical implementation. Finally, we will consider solutions to our energy needs, including transportation, energy conservation, carbon capture and geoengineering.

10 credits

Classical and Quantum Optics

This module introduces the foundations of classical optics. In the Autumn semester, starting with Fermat's Principle of Least Time, we derive Snell's law and the working of lenses in geometrical optics. We give a quantitative description of telescopes and microscopes. We explore the limits of geometrical optics and show that a wave theory of optics is needed to explain phenomena like diffraction and interference. We will briefly touch the Mach-Zehnder interferometer and the Michelson-Morley interferometer that is used in gravitational wave detection.

In the Spring semester we explore the electromagnetic nature of light, and present the polarisation (linear, circular, and elliptical). We introduce the concept of coherence, and use it to make a distinction between coherent light, such as that from a laser, and incoherent light from a light bulb or the Sun. Then we explore the properties of thermal light, including Wien's law, the Rayleigh-Jeans law, and how Planck reconciled their contradiction. Finally we discuss the implications of the constant speed of light, leading to the Lorentz transformations and the relativity of simultaneity.

10 credits

Core modules:

Computing for Medical Physics

Modern medical technology increasingly involves the use of software either t o provide standalone tools for data acquisition and processing, or in combination with hardware (e.g. instrumentation and commercial medical systems) to provide diagnostic data (e.g. images) or therapeutic guidance. This module addresses important facets of digital instrumentation by introducing students to a broad range of topics associated with the development of hardware and software systems whilst also exercising and improving specific programming skills across several software environments. This approach supports students in selecting appropriate software frameworks for specific applications, to gain an understanding of the commonality and subtlety of software specific syntax and functionality and to engage with programming across a number of contemporary software languages.This module will prepare the student for future engagement with medical physics technology which is increasingly reliant on software-based approaches to data management, collection and processing.

10 credits

Tissue Structure and Function

This course introduces students to the tissues of the human body. The principal tissues that make up the body will be described including the cells, proteins and other extracellular components that make up the tissue. The structure of the tissue will be discussed in detail, in particular how it relates to its specific function in a healthy human body. Basic anatomy - how tissues combine to create organs and where each organ can be found in the human body will be studied. Practical classes on human anatomy and histology will be used to demonstrate tissue structure. Finally, how tissue damage causes loss of function will be considered. This course should enable students to understand enough about human tissues so that they can progress to understanding how engineering techniques are used to support, monitor and repair damaged human tissues. 

10 credits

Aspects of Medical Imaging and Technology

This module provides an introduction to medical technology, with a particular bias towards ionising and non-ionising electromagnetic radiation and its diagnostic role in medicine. The module begins with the generation and behaviour of electromagnetic waves and the breadth of technological application across the electomagnetic spectrum. This extends from magnetic resonance imaging at low energies to high energy photons in X-ray systems. The importance of radiation in diagnosis is acknowledged by discussion of imaging theory and primary imaging modalities, such as planar radiography and CT. The therapeutic role is examined by a brief consideration of radiotherapy.

10 credits

Special Relativity & Subatomic Physics

Special relativity is a key foundation of modern physics, particularly in the contexts of particle physics and astrophysics where E = mc2 and relativistic speeds are crucial concepts. In this module, the fundamental principles of special relativity will be explained, emphasising the energy-momentum four-vector and its applications to particle collisions and decays. Applications to nuclear physics include nuclear mass and binding energy, radioactive decay, nuclear reactions, nuclear fission and fusion. We will also cover the structure of the nucleus (liquid drop model and an introduction to the shell model).

10 credits

Classical and Quantum Physics

This module provides the core level 2 physics content for non-theoretical degrees. It integrates physics content with supporting mathematics and practical work. Transferable skills are covered via different presentation modes for lab work. A further item is employability. The module also contains one or more items of group work. Physics topics covered are classical physics and oscillations, thermal physics, quantum mechanics, properties of matter and electromagnetism. Mathematics topics are Fourier techniques and partial differential equations. Both mathematical topics are applied to a range of the physics covered and are integrated with aspects of the practical work.

To pass the module the following must all be satisfied:

1. Pass the Portfolio

2. Obtain an average mark over the 4 exams of 40% or greater

3. Submit all lab assignments and obtain an average mark of 40 or greater

70 credits

Physics with Labview

The module will teach Labview software, and allow students to experiment with instrumentation and basic electronics. These skills will be useful in further years of study, particularly with regard to the Level 3 and 4 projects. These skills are also useful in future employment in both academic and industrial science and engineering where being able to develop laboratory instrumentation to solve experimental problems will be highly desirable.

10 credits

Core modules:

Modelling and Simulation of Natural Systems

This module will provide a practical introduction to techniques used for modelling and simulating dynamic natural systems. Many natural systems can be modelled appropriately using differential equations, or individual based methods. In this module, you will explore and understand both modelling approaches. You will gain knowledge of the assumptions underlying these models, their limitations, and how they are derived. You will learn how to simulate and explore the dynamics of computational models, using a variety of examples mostly drawn from natural systems. At the end of the module, we will introduce basic recurrent neural networks as examples of dynamical systems with multiple timescales. You should be aware that there are limited places available on this course.

10 credits

Clinical Engineering and Computational Mechanics

The complexity of the geometry and boundary conditions of structures within the body are such that the physical governing equations rarely have closed-form analytical solutions. This module describes some of the numerical techniques that can be used to explore physical systems, with illustrations from biomechanics, biofluid mechanics, disease treatment and imaging processes. The primary technique that will be used is the finite element method, and the fundamental concepts behind this powerful technique will be described. The lectures will be supported by laboratory sessions in which the student will apply commercial codes to investigate problems in the medical sphere.

10 credits

Medical Physics Research Project

The aim of the medical physics project is to provide an opportunity for students to develop and apply their skills to a research problem. A range of projects are offered across the spectrum of physics and engineering applications, and many will address current medical or clinical needs. Students are encouraged to work in groups of two or three to develop team skills. In addition to creation of written reports, students will conclude the project with a viva involving formal presentation to graduate staff in the city hospitals.

20 credits

Nuclear Physics

This half-module Level 3 Physics course aims to study the general properties of nuclei, to examine the characteristics of the nuclear force, to introduce the principal models of the nucleus, to discuss radioactivity, to study nuclear reactions, in particular fission and fusion, and to develop problem solving skills in all these areas. The motivation is that nuclear processes play a fundamental role in the physical world, in the origin of the universe, in the creation of the chemical elements, as the energy source of the stars and in the basic constituents of matter - plus the best of all motives - curiosity.

10 credits

Particle Physics

This Level 3 Physics half module introduces students to the exciting field of modern particle physics. It provides the mathematical tools of relativistic kinematics, enabling them to study interactions and decays and evaluate scattering form factors. Particles are classified as fermions - the constituents of matter (quarks and leptons) - or as bosons, the propagators of field. The four fundamental interactions are outlined. Three are studied in detail: Feynman diagrams are introduced to describe higher order quantum electrodynamics; weak interactions are discussed from beta decay to high energy electroweak unification; strong interactions, binding quarks into hadrons, are presented with the experimental evidence for colour. The role symmetry plays in the allowed particles and their interactions is emphasised.

10 credits

Atomic and Laser Physics

This module covers the physics of atoms and lasers at an intermediate level. The course begins with the solution of the Schrodinger equation for the hydrogen atom and the atomic wave functions that emerge from it. It then covers atomic selection rules, spectral fine structure and the effects of external fields. The spectra of selected multi-electron atoms are described. The basic operation of the laser is then covered by introducing the concepts of stimulated emission and population inversion. The course concludes with a description of common lasers and their applications.

10 credits

Statistical Physics

Statistical Physics is the derivation of the thermal properties of matter using the under-lying microscopic Hamiltonians. The aims of this course are to introduce the techniques of Statistical Mechanics, and to use them to describe a wide variety of phenomena from physics, chemistry and astronomy.

10 credits

Solid State Physics

Covering the electronic properties of solids, this module details the classification of solids into conductors, semiconductors and insulators, the free electron model, the origin of electronic band structure, the fundamental electronic properties of conductors and semiconductors, carrier statistics, experimental techniques used to study carriers in a solid, and the classification and physics of the principal types of magnetism.

10 credits

Problem Solving in Physics

This module is a 'big picture' look at physics problem solving.  The module develops techniques for solving unfamiliar problems in physics using mathematical and statistical methods.

This module is split into two halves: Statistics and data analysis (S1), and Physics Problem Solving (S2).  

Statistics covers the basics of Frequentist vs. Baysian approaches and data analysis, and applies them to data analysis tasks from a wide range of physics. It also looks at common statistical mistakes and fallacies and examines how to present data graphically and in writing.



Physics Problem Solving uses weekly problems classes to examine how physics knowledge can be applied to unfamiliar (often 'real world') problems to obtain quick, rough, but sound and useful conclusions/answers (often known as the 'back of the envelope' approach to problem solving). Problems cover the full range of core physics, requiring identification of which aspect of physics is relevant to a particular problem.

10 credits

Optional modules:

Programming in Python

Teaching computer programming is a core aspect to our degree courses and is required by our accreditation body, the Institute of Physics. Python is a widely-available programming language that can be used to design powerful computer programmes suitable for scientific applications. In addition, Python is flexible, robust and is relatively easy to learn compared to other contemporary programming language. Python is also used widely in the computing industry and in research. The aim of this module is to teach the key elements of Python programming to enable students to design programs to perform tasks ranging from computational and numerical physics to data analysis and visualisation.

10 credits

Physical Computing

Digital circuits underpin our modern lives, including the acquisition and processing of data for science. In this course we will study the fundamental building blocks of digital processing circuits and computers. We will learn to describe circuits using the language VHDL, and how to program computers using the hardware-oriented high level language C. We will build interesting and useful digital architectures, and apply the skills we have acquired in laboratory exercises.

10 credits

Astrobiology

Is anybody out there? In this module we explore how we hope to find alien life in the near future and discuss what this might be like and where we should be looking. We critically examine ideas about the frequency of life, advanced life, and technological civilisations in the universe.

10 credits

Mathematical Physics

Linear algebra: matrices and vectors; eigenvalue problems; matrix diagonalisation; vector spaces; transformation of basis; rotation matrices; tensors; Lie groups; Noether's theorem. Complex analysis: analytic functions; contour integration; Cauchy theorem; Taylor and Laurent series; residue theorem; application to evaluating integrals; Kronig-Kramers relations; conformal mapping; application to solving Laplace's equation.

10 credits

Physics in an Enterprise Culture

This is a seminar and workshop based course with a high level of student centred learning. The unit will introduce students to the methods and skills associated with innovation, business planning, costing and marketing. It will broaden students understanding of the mechanics of project planning and research commercialisation. The course is divided into two components:

Part 1: Coming up with ideas. Students will take part in guest lectures and workshop classes to explore different ideas for business. They will learn about the innovation process and what makes a sucessful business. They will finish part 1 by submitting a draft business proposal that will be reviewed by academic staff and student peers and feedback will be given.

Part 2: Armed with the feedback from part 1 students will refine thier ideas and work towards a final pitch for thier business. Further support will be given to students to develop a costing of the idea.

10 credits

Dark Matter and the Universe

Dark matter, though still unidentified and not yet directly detected, is established as a major constituent of the universe according to modern cosmology. In this course, we will review the astrophysical and cosmological evidence for the existence of dark matter, critically assess the various candidates that have been put forward, and discuss direct detection methods for the two most popular candidates: WIMPs and axions. The course has a multidisciplinary flavour combining work in astronomy, particle physics, solid state physics, detector technology and philosophy, encouraging development of skills in all these.

10 credits

Semiconductor Physics and Technology

This module builds on the core solid state physics modules to provide an introduction to semiconductor electronic and opto-electronic devices and modern developments in crystal growth to produce low dimensional semiconductor structures (quantum wells, wires and dots). Band structure engineering, the main physical properties and a number of applications of low dimensional semiconductor structures are covered.

10 credits

Introduction to Soft Matter and Biological Physics

Soft matter includes materials with properties between those of solids and liquids, for example plastics, gels, soaps, foods, biological cells and tissues. The behaviour of these complex materials depends on elegant physical principles determining the interactions within and between molecules. Using these physical principles we will explore molecules essential to life, such as proteins and DNA, and materials key to technology, such as polymers.We will start by defining what is soft matter by considering states of matter and the relevant length, time and energy scales. Next we will describe the important intramolecular and intermolecular interactions. Statistical mechanics models will enable us to predict bulk properties from molecular parameters. We will introduce experimental measurements and imaging techniques that are used to investigate soft matter and biological systems. We will introduce polymers and key properties of polymers such as viscoelasticity. We will introduce essential biopolymers including DNA and proteins. 

We will provide an introduction to systems of interest, for example polymer materials, colloids, liquid crystals or membranes and discuss their properties and assembly.

10 credits

Origin of the Chemical Elements

This course looks at the origin, distribution and evolution of the chemical elements, which are created in the early Universe, during the life cycles of stars and in the interstellar medium.The main teaching method is the standard 50-minute lecture, which is well suited to the delivery of the factual information in this course. This is backed up by a blackboard site containing copies of the lecture notes, lecture recordings, and non-assessed exercises. Syllabus includes topics such as: Experimental evidence for elemental abundances; Observational evidence for elemental abundances; Primordial nucleosynthesis; Stellar nucleosynthesis; Neutron capture Supernovae and kilonovae; Cosmic rays.

10 credits