Physics with Astrophysics 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 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 aim of this module is to develop knowledge of three main areas of astrophysics:
• Stellar evolution (including star formation, supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes)
• Galaxies (including morphology, spectral properties, Hubble classification, gravitational lensing)
• Cosmology (including Hubble’s law, expansion and curvature of the Universe, Inflation, Cosmic Microwave Background).

The student will be introduced to the big questions in astrophysics, including the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy, the hunt for extra-solar planets and gravitational waves, and consider the ultimate fate of our Universe by looking at the curvature and geometry of space-time.

The module will be taught using a mixture of lectures and seminars. It will be assessed by coursework (30%) and formal examination (70%). Exam feedback will provided individually and also generically to indicate where the cohort has a strong or a weaker answer to examination questions. Written feedback will be provided on the coursework. Formative feedback will be provided during the seminars.

Outline Syllabus

Stellar Evolution
Structure and evolution of stars, including formation and fundamental properties, composition, nucleosynthesis, the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, spectroscopic classification. Extra-solar planets. Star formation, evolution and death, including supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, pulsars and black holes.

Galaxies
The morphology, spectral properties and population groups of galaxies (including elliptical, spiral and stellar nursery). Hubble classification. Review of apparent and absolute magnitudes, Doppler effect and redshifts. The main-sequence mass-luminosity relationship. Clusters, including chemical composition. The Interstellar Medium and the heliopause. Variable stars. Distance to the Galactic Centre. Galaxy formation and evolution. Gravitational lensing and gravitational waves. Dark matter.

Cosmology
Hubble’s law and the expansion of the Universe. Cosmological Principle. Review of the origin of the Big Bang and age of the Universe. Curvature and expansion of the Universe and curved space-time. Cosmic Microwave Background, Inflation. The curved, expanding universe as well as the geometry and ultimate fate of universes. Dark Energy

The aim of this module is to investigate the Sun, our nearest star, as the energy powerhouse of our solar system. You will consider fundamental solar processes, solar radiation and neutrinos, nuclear fusion reactions, the physics of the solar interior and solar atmosphere, the coronal heating problem, sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections, solar wind and space weather, geomagnetic storms and auroras, solar dangers and the Sun-Earth connection.

You will construct and apply mathematical models of the Sun to describe fundamental solar processes and phenomena, including the use of magnetic fluid dynamics and magnetism made visible.

Outline Syllabus

The Sun as a star
Solar radiation, solar constants, spectroscopy of the Sun, the Sun’s place in the Milky Way and universe, nuclear fusion reactions, solar neutrino problem, solar energy transfer, the solar atmosphere, sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections, solar wind and space weather, geomagnetic storms and auroras, solar dangers (including satellites), and the Sun-Earth connection.

The physics of the Sun
Review of magnetism and Maxwell’s equations, fluid description and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations, magnetic induction, magnetic forces (Lorentz force), magnetism made visible, the vector potential, MHD waves (phase and group speeds), Alfvén waves, and mathematical models of the solar wind.

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 for communications pathway 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

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.

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.