School of Maths and Physical Sciences
A large portion of the environmental sustainability challenge comes from the basic need of humanity for energy. The underlying scientific principles that determine what form of energy we can use, how efficiently, and with what environmental impact, are deeply embedded in the early stages of our physics courses curricula.
Meanwhile, the more advanced stages of the physics degree look at the concepts that may lead to a better and more efficient use of our current energy sources, or maybe even to the discovery of new ones.
The mathematical foundations of the advanced modelling of processes like climate change and global warming are built into many mathematical modules at all stages. These modelling processes are vital for understanding and planning for the future of climate change. These topics link to SDGs 7 Affordable and Clean Energy and 13 Climate Action.
Current sustainability related undergraduate modules in Mathematics and Physical Sciences include:
- Properties of matter
- Thermal and statistical physics
- Condensed state physics
- Nuclear and particle physics
- Mathematics in everyday life
- Random processes
The availability of the above modules depends on your chosen course of study. Please follow the module links to see which degree courses offer this module and look at your course prospectus to see whether modules are core or optional.
Case study: Quantum sensors for improved electric vehicles
Students have the opportunity to work on real-world research tasks that provide sustainable solutions to support the global race and green tech revolution to switch from fossil fuels to electric power.
Many recent student research projects focused on the application of basic physics research to a greener use of energy. For example, students are developing devices that take live images of the inside of an electric vehicle battery from the outside, using ultra-sensitive quantum magnetic sensors. This can help to speed up production processes and to check the state of charge and health of a battery which ultimately leads to safer batteries and a reduction in waste.
Students in these projects often work in collaboration with industrial partners – from local SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) to global ‘gigafactory’ battery manufacturers. This gives our students a unique insight into how high-tech companies in the private sector operate, and into the challenges they face.
The results of these student projects have been praised following poster presentations at local and national conferences.