Physics BSc (Hons)

This module is designed to introduce fundamental concepts in the mathematical area of Fluid Dynamics. You will analyse the equations of continuity and momentum, and will investigate key concepts in this area. We will introduce the Navier-Stokes equations, and case studies will be used to visualise and analyse real-world problems (using appropriate software) as appropriate to delivery of the module. Initially, we will use the inviscid approximation and then utilise analytical and computational techniques to investigate flows. The second half of the module is a specialist course in laminar incompressible viscous flows, encompassing background mathematical theory allied to a case study approach, with solution to problems by both analytical and computational means.

Assessment of the module is by one individual assignment (30%) and one formal examination (70%).

The module is designed to provide you with a useful preparation for employment in an applied mathematical environment, physics environment or engineering environment.

Outline Syllabus
• Introduction of fluid dynamics, Navier-Stokes equations, equations of continuity and momentum for inviscid flow, unsteady one-dimensional flow along a pipe, irrotational flow, Bernouilli's equation, stream function formulation, flow past a cylinder, velocity potential.

• Low Reynolds Number Flow including: (i) lubrication theory, slider bearing, cylinder-plane, journal bearing, Reynolds equation, short bearing approximation; (ii) Flow in a corner, stream function formulation, solution of the biharmonic equation by separation of variables.

• High Reynolds Number Flow including boundary layer equations, skin friction, displacement and momentum thickness, similarity solutions, momentum integral equation, approximate solutions.

The module aims to present an introduction to Dynamical Systems and associated transferable skills, providing the students with tools and techniques needed to understand the dynamics of those systems. You will analyse non-linear ordinary differential equations and maps, focusing on autonomous systems, and will learn analytical and computational methods to solve them. This module offers the additional opportunity of research-orientated learning through a hands-on approach to selected research-based problems.

Topics may include (note this is indicative rather than prescriptive):
1. Autonomous linear systems, fixed points and their classification.
2. 1-dimensional non-linear systems: critical points; local linear approximations; qualitative analysis; linear stability analysis; bifurcations.
3. Multi-dimensional non-linear systems: linearisation about critical points, limit cycles, bifurcations.
4. Discrete systems: maps (such as tent map, logistic map, Henon map, standard map).
5. Numerical schemes for ordinary differential equations, such as the embedded Runge-Kutta method.
6. Numerical applications and programming: generation of the orbit of a map, Lorenz map for a dynamical system, orbit diagrams, cobwebs, simple fractals.
7. Elements of Chaos theory: Lyapunov exponents, sensitive dependence on initial conditions, strange attractors, Hausdorff dimension, self-similarity, fractals.

The module will provide the knowledge and skills for you in two key themes of optical fibre and optical wireless communications. These are essential topics in electrical and electronics engineering programme that cover the fundamentals and advanced optical system designs in both fibre and wireless systems. Optical fibre communications provides the backbone for long-haul and medium range telecommunications that offers ultrahigh data transmission capacity whereas optical wireless communications is an emerging technology that enables data transmission via light, either in infrared or visible light band using laser and/or light emitting diode (LED) for indoor and short range communications system.

Through the module syllabus you will learn:

Fundamental optical fibre/wireless communications includes
- Introduction to the optical wire/wireless communications system and the overall design
- Identification of system elements, subsystems and required specifications
- Optical transmitter design, optical propagation channel, effect on the optical fibre, effect on the optical wireless channel, noise and losses, optical receiver design.

System design includes: multiple access techniques, system design and performance evaluation, analysis of the practical and industrial optical communications system

This module shows you how to use modern control design techniques based on state-space differential equations governing a dynamical system. You will also cover instrumentation techniques that are required for practical implementation of control algorithms. Upon completion of the module, you will be able to design instrumentation and control systems; implement and evaluate them using relevant software packages. There are two main themes:
Control:
• Conventional and modern control design and analysis
• Description of dynamic control systems using differential equations, transfer functions, and state-space representation.
• Control system analysis, including dynamic responses of systems, stability and controllability of systems.
• Control system design, including design via open- and closed-loop systems, state and output feedback controls
• Analysis and design of digital systems.
• Use of software packages for simulation of control systems.
Instrumentation:
• Range, span, nonlinearity, hysteresis, resolution, ageing effects.
• Dynamic modelling of sensors using transfer functions and state-space methods.
• Signal conditioning: loading effects, bridge circuits, correction of non-linearity, effects of feedback, amplifier limitations.
• Noise and interference in instrumentation systems and estimation of errors.
• Signal recovery from noise interference.
• Computerised data acquisition systems including ADCs and a range of modern instrumentation protocols.
• Use software packages for simulation of instrumentation systems.

The module aims to provide the student, as an individual, an opportunity to carry out an extended study in a specific area of physics, developing the student's ability to work independently and promoting self-reliance. Guidance to source and assess the appropriateness of information is provided by the module.

A key aim is to encourage students to apply theoretical and analytical techniques to problem solve. The module also aims to develop both verbal and written communication skills. The project will provide practical experience of drawing up a project specification defining aims, objectives and identifying an envisaged endpoint. With their supervisor’s guidance, the student will prepare a project plan that includes a Gantt chart, project background and sourcing previous work and associated theory/simulation to assess whether the aims and objectives are achievable and that their theoretical basis is sound.

To meet University requirements and gain practical experience, students must perform a risk assessment to identify potential risks/hazards associated with the project. The student will follow the defined plan to complete the project that will include, for example, experimental investigations and the application of appropriate theory and simulations

Students will be encouraged to monitor their progress based upon the project plan and, where necessary, adjust timescales/objectives. The student will be required to submit a final project report and present the project verbally to the supervisor, second markers and peers. Contact with the supervisor must be maintained on a regular basis to: discuss/assess progress and obtain advice.

Physicists are increasingly able to exploit quantum mechanical behaviour in new optoelectronic devices that will have a profound impact on our lives. These devices offer unprecedented performance in terms of speed and efficiency. The student will develop knowledge of how these characteristics stem from design at the atomic scale and of the challenges associated with scaling-up for practical applications such as sustainable energy and quantum computing.

Background Quantum Theory
Review of quantum mechanical concepts. Density of states function in one, two and three dimensions. Fermi-Dirac occupation function. Electron gas and the Fermi surface. Band theory of semiconductors and doping. Band structure of important semiconductors.

Low-dimensional Semiconductors
Energy and length scales. Fabrication techniques: top down and bottom up. High electron mobility transistor and the two-dimensional electron gas. Quantum Hall effect. Quantum wires and quantised conductance. Semiconductor quantum dots. Measurement methods for quantum devices.

Quantum Devices
Quantum computing, Quantum cryptography, Single photon and entangled photon emitters, Single electron transistor, Semiconductor quantum dot laser, Quantum cascade laser, Optical cavities, Third generation photovoltaics and quantum efficiency, Light emitting diodes and solid-state lighting, Resonant tunnelling diode, Future opportunities for quantum devices: properties of graphene and graphene-based devices; Scaling up nanotechnology, Sustainability and cost.

The photovoltaic (PV) effect is the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity. Future energy demand and climate change require a significant increase in renewable generation to sustain economic development. The power incident on the Earth from sunlight, vastly exceeds human consumption, PV offers the most viable route to sustainably generate electricity from the Sun. The module delivers an advanced understanding of solar photovoltaic technologies through the four main themes indicated below:

Solar Resource: Solar energy, including concepts such as Air Mass spectra and solar insolation.

Relevant semiconductor theory, to: understand the photovoltaic effect, the interaction of light with solar cell materials and the electrical behaviour of the materials. Subjects covered include, semiconductors under equilibrium conditions, direct and indirect energy bandgaps, optical absorption and electrical properties. Solar cells operate under non-equilibrium conditions and recombination processes, current density, minority carrier behaviour within ideal pn junctions and diodes, are examined within the module.

Solar cells are introduced, based on ideal photovoltaic solar cell key parameters: the Current-Voltage (I-V) characteristic, Spectral response and Capacitance-voltage behaviour. The optimum energy bandgap for a single junction solar cell is considered and then multi-junction solar cells and advanced concepts.

Commercially produced solar cells their applications and the PV market. A review of the design and manufacture of solar cells based on crystalline silicon, multicrystalline silicon, “low cost” thin film semiconductors, Graetzel , organic and high efficiency solar cells is included.

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

At the heart of all advances in photonics is a greater understanding of light-matter interactions and the processes used to fabricate devices.
students will develop knowledge of how matter responds to an interacting field, the underlying photophysics, and their performance and suitability for use in integrated quantum photonic devices. This module covers the following three topics:

Nonlinear Optics and Lasers
Linear Optics, Nonlinear effects -frequency mixing, Non-linear effects-self focussing, solitons, photorefractive effect, four wave mixing, Properties of laser light, Laser resonators, Types of lasers and applications

Molecular Photophysics
Organic Semiconductors, Molecular Orbitals, Jablonski Diagrams, Absorption and Emission Processes, Electron-Hole Pair Formation, Fluorescence, Phosphorescence, Excited State Lifetimes, Decay Rates, Organic Light-Emitting Diodes.

Integrated Quantum Photonics
Wavelength-scale optical waveguides, micro- and nano resonators, novel photon sources, photonic circuits design, Maxwell’s equations, light propagation in complex structures, classical and quantum optical circuits.

The module provides students with skills and knowledge to develop scientific and/or electronic systems for space applications. The topics covered are:

The space environment - launch, orbits, rocket equation, drag, radiation, vacuum, thermal gradients.

Satellite systems and system development for space applications - radio communication, ground stations and link budgets, solar power, data processing, Earth observation, optimisation of systems for space, materials choice for space, component characteristics, mechanical and thermal testing.

Product Acceptance and Qualification Assurance for space – industry standards for space-worthy design, functional testing, simulation of operations, verification and validation processes.

Environmental Testing – theory and practice of vibration testing, resonant sweeps, shock tests and random noise tests. Theory and practice of thermal vacuum testing, the effect of vacuum on electronics and thermal cycling. Theory and practice of radiation testing, how radiation effects electronics, how to design to be radiation tolerant, and testing components in the x-ray irradiator.