New module structure for:
Physics BSc (Hons)
Physics MPhys
Physics (research placement) MPhys
Physics (with an industrial placement year) BSc (Hons)
Physics (with an industrial placement year) MPhys
Physics and Astronomy (with a foundation year) BSc (Hons)
Here at the Physics and Astronomy Department at the University of Sussex, we develop what we teach all the time, with new opportunities and projects to help you transition through university life and prepare for your future career. All our honours degrees are accredited by the Institute of Physics who specify the core content and skills training that we must provide, and in the past has limited the choice that we were able to offer.
However, we have worked hard to overcome that and, as from 2020 entry, we have reorganised Years 1 and 2 of the physics curriculum to introduce more optionality. Although it is still possible to base your degree entirely within physics, the new curriculum includes the ability to take electives from across the University, and a sequence of 4 related electives can build into a Pathway that leads to “with Another Subject” in your degree title.
Examples from 2019 include various languages, Business and Management, Finance, Economics, Cognitive Science, Product Design, Philosophy, Politics, Legal Studies, etc. Find out more about how to customise your course.
So what has changed?
We’ve eliminated one core module and made another optional, we have modified our physics options, and we have taken the opportunity to reorganize some of our core material. So do make sure you are aware of the changes before you make a decision on the offer we have made you.
The tables below show the changes in more detail but here is a summary.
New modules
- In each semester in Years 1 & 2, there is now the option to take an elective from the Sussex Choice scheme.
- Year 1, Semester 1: new option Introduction to Quantum Physics.
Modified modules
- Year 1, Semester 1: Mechanics & Relativity replaces Classical Mechanics.
- Year 2, Semester 1: Scientific Computing becomes optional.
- Year 2, Semester 2: Skills in Physics 2 changes name to Applying Physics Skills.
Withdrawn modules
- Year 1, Semester 1: Foundations of Modern Physics. Much of the material has been incorporated into the new option Introduction to Quantum Physics.
- Year 1, Semester 2: Classical Physics. The material has been redistributed to other core modules.
The online prospectus will be modified in December to reflect these changes. Meanwhile, if you have any questions, feel free to contact our admissions team at ug.admissions@physics.sussex.ac.uk.
Years 1 & 2 of BSc/MPhys in Physics in detail
Take a closer look at how the new modules compare to the old structure of the course for the first two years of our Physics courses. This includes both BSc and MPhys and also those degrees with research placement or an industrial placement year.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 1, Semester 1
| Old structure | New structure | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Classical Mechanics (core) | Mechanics and Relativity (core) | Expanded to include material on Special Relativity. |
| Mathematical Methods for Physics 1 (core) | Mathematical Methods for Physics 1 (core) | |
| Physics in Practice (core) | Physics in Practice (core) | Changed to include python computing (moved from Mathematical Methods for Physics 2 in Semester 2). |
| Foundations of Modern Physics (optional) | Introduction to Quantum Physics (optional) | Students take one of these two options. |
| Introduction to Astrophysics (optional) | Free choice of elective (optional) |
Year 1, Semester 2
| Old structure | New structure | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Classical Physics (core) | Module removed and material distributed between other core modules. | |
| Mathematical Methods for Physics 2 (core) | Mathematical Methods for Physics 2 (core) | Python computing moved to Physics in Practice in Semester 1. |
| Oscillations, Waves & Optics (core) | Oscillations, Waves & Optics (core) | |
| Physics Year 1 laboratory (core) | Physics Year 1 laboratory (core) | |
| Free choice of elective (optional) | Students take one of these two options. | |
| Introduction to Astrophysics (core) |
Year 2, Semester 1
| Old structure | New structure | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Electrodynamics (core) | Electrodynamics (core) | Remove some of the more advanced topics to accommodate some of the material from Classical Physics. |
| Mathematical methods for Physics 3 (core) | Mathematical methods for Physics 3 (core) | Include careers sub-module, moved from Scientific Computing. |
| Physics Year 2 laboratory (core) | Physics Year 2 laboratory (core) | |
| Scientific Computing (core) | Scientific Computing (optional) | Students take one of these two options. |
| Free choice of elective (optional) |
Year 2, Semester 2
| Old structure | New structure | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Skills in Physics 2 (core) | Applying Physics Skills (core) | Name changed to better reflect content. Modified syllabus to include some material moved from Classical Physics. |
| Quantum Mechanics 1 (core) | Quantum Mechanics 1 (core) | |
| Thermal & Statistical Physics (core) | Thermal & Statistical Physics (core) | Remove some of the more advanced topics to accommodate some of the material from Classical Physics. |
| Stars & Planets (core) | Stars & Planets (core) | |
| Theoretical Physics (optional) | Theoretical Physics (optional) | Students take one of these two options. |
| Free choice of elective (optional) |