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Queen Mary, University of London School of Physics Undergraduate Studies www.ph.qmul.ac.uk

Queen Mary, University of London Physics Undergraduate 2011

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Page 1: Queen Mary, University of London Physics Undergraduate 2011

Queen Mary, University of LondonSchool of PhysicsUndergraduate Studies

www.ph.qmul.ac.uk

Page 2: Queen Mary, University of London Physics Undergraduate 2011

The east LondonadvantageBarts and The London serves ahuge population of unrivalleddiversity in the east of London,but is also next door to the City ofLondon, one of the UK’s richestneighbourhoods. This means thatour medical and dental studentsencounter a huge range ofmedical conditions while buildingthe patient contact hours theyneed to become confident andcompetent professionals.

“East London and the widerThames Gateway offer ourmedical students the opportunityto observe a wide range ofdiseases – from diabetes,hypertension, heart disease,cancer, obesity, TB and evenmalnutrition. This is a uniquelearning environment for theirmedical training.”Cathy Baker, Head of GraduateEntry Programme in Medicine

2012 Olympics onour doorstepThe 2012 Olympics are takingplace very close to Queen Mary’sMile End campus, and ourWhitechapel and West Smithfieldcampuses are also not far away.Barts Hospital, the new RoyalLondon Hospital and ourassociated Trusts will providehealthcare for the Olympicathletes and the general publicduring the summer games. Thiswill be an exciting time to be inLondon.

Campus-basedBarts and The London is part ofQueen Mary, the only College ofthe University of London to offerextensive campus-based facilities.This promotes a sense ofcommunity and encourages anactive student life. All our firstyear medical and dental studentswho live a certain distance fromthe School are allocated places inresidences at the Whitechapel,Charterhouse Square and MileEnd campuses. East London alsooffers affordable privately-ownedaccommodation at a walkingdistance from our campuses. Seepage XX for more details aboutaccommodation.

State-of-the-artclinical facilitiesWe have modern state-of-the artbuildings alongside moretraditional teaching facilities suchas our fantastic library. The DentalSchool now contains a clinicalskills laboratory which closelysimulates the real clinical

Produced by Creative Services, Queen Mary, University of Londonhttp://qm-web.corporateaffairs.qmul.ac.uk/creativeservices/ - Pub7800

The information given in this prospectus is correct at the time of going to press. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any statement in it and accepts no responsibility for the consequences of any such changes. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the website www.qmul.ac.uk

Any section of this publication is available in large print upon request. If you require this publication in a different accessible format we will endeavour to provide this where possible. For further information and assistance, please contact: [email protected]; +44 (0)20 7882 5585.

This prospectus has been printed on environmentally friendly material from well-managed sources.

Page 3: Queen Mary, University of London Physics Undergraduate 2011

Contents

Introduction 2

Degree programmes 6

Module descriptions 10

Career opportunities 16Student life, Students’ Union, student support and health services 20

Accommodation 22School of PhysicsEntry requirements 24

Living in London 26

Frequently asked questions 30

Next steps 34

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Introduction

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School of Physics 3

School of Physics at Queen Mary, University of London

Welcome to theSchool of Physics at Queen Mary,University of LondonThe School maintains a longtradition of excellence in ground-breaking research combined witha commitment to maintaining thehighest standards of studenteducation, giving our graduatesthe best possible preparation fortheir chosen careers.

Research in the School isorganised into three researchcentres: high-energy particlephysics, condensed matterphysics and theoretical physics. Inaddition we have very closeteaching and research links withthe Astronomy Unit in the Schoolof Mathematical Sciences. All ofthese groups contribute to theteaching on our degreeprogrammes. These cover the keyareas of Physics, Particle Physics,Astrophysics and TheoreticalPhysics, all at BSc or MSci level.

We have dedicated support staff,covering all academic and pastoralareas, to help and advise youduring your time at university.Studying at university is anopportunity and a challenge, andcan be a very rewarding experienceboth intellectually and personally.We are committed to helping you tobenefit as much as possible duringyour time with us.

By the end of your degree you willhave attained a thoroughknowledge of modern physicsalong with high level analytical,problem-solving and researchskills. These will open up careeropportunities across a spectrumfrom postgraduate research todiverse careers in business. Wealso provide opportunities for paidsummer research internshipswithin our research centres, aswell as those in other universities,plus a wide variety of paidsummer employer placements inindustry.

Our reputation is built on thequality of our graduates. Whatevertheir choice of degreeprogramme, career aims, or otherinterests, our students havereported high levels of satisfactionwith our teaching and support,and have gone on to buildsuccessful careers in manyprofessions. Should you enrol atQueen Mary I have everyconfidence that you would jointhem.

Professor William J Spence, Head of School of Physics andProfessor of Theoretical Physics

What is physics?Physics is fundamental in helpingus understand how our worldworks: from the behaviour ofprotons and electrons to themovement of the stars andplanets. Theory and experimentare vital to developing answers toquestions about the universe andhow things work. Technologicaladvances and benefits to our daily

lives often come as a result of thepursuit of new knowledge, oneexample being the development ofthe language of the Internet. Thiswas developed as a way to sharehuge amounts of informationrapidly and easily by a researchteam at the particle physicslaboratory, CERN. The new LargeHadron Collider (LHC) experimentat CERN is developing a new formof cloud computing called GridPP.

Within the discipline of physicsyou will find subsections coveringthe full spectrum of scales:particle physics for the smallestparticles; nano-science forcreating new small structures; andgeneral relativity forunderstanding large scalebehaviour of the universe. Onetheory that physics is lacking,however, is the Grand UnifiedTheory, and many physicists areworking to find the one theory thatapplies to all scales, so there’splenty of work still to be done.

Why study physics?As a physicist you have agrounding in both theoretical andexperimental principles. Thisresults in a way of thinking thatcan be applied not only within thefield of physics, but to other real-world situations, for example thestock market.

The nature of physics means thatyou need to continue yourmathematical studies, so youshould either enjoy the applicationof mathematics or be comfortableusing mathematical tools.

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School of Physics4

School of Physics at Queen Mary, University of London

A physics degree provides youwith:

• a practical approach to problemsolving

• high level research skills

• the ability to reason andcommunicate complex ideas

• excellent IT skills through theuse of word processing andspreadsheets with additionalknowledge of computerprogramming

• the ability to manage your timeeffectively

• experience of working withothers

• confidence inreporting/presenting the work toothers in the form of projects,essays or seminars.

Why study physicsat Queen Mary?Our degree programmes aresupported by our researchstrengths. Students directlybenefit from the high qualityresearch carried out by ouracademic staff – the researchwork they do informs theirteaching.

The School of Physics is locatedin the GO Jones building on ourMile End campus. While lecturesand tutorials may be held in otherbuildings around campus, thereare many facilities within the GOJones building for your use. Theseinclude: the Physics Museumwhere undergraduates worktogether on material covered inlectures, the Hive study area, the

undergraduate teachinglaboratories, and the centraladministration area where you canhand in your coursework and talkto support staff such as theStudent Support Administrator.

Our academic and support staffare on hand to advise you fromthe first day of term. You areassigned an academic adviserwho will help you make yourmodule choices. Someprogrammes are more flexiblethan others. See the informationon programme structure on p5.

We have a full-time StudentSupport Administrator who isthere to help with any queries orproblems during the academicyear. They are the first point ofcontact for any student concerns,be they academic or pastoral.They are available to provideadvice and guidance on matterssuch as student funding,bursaries and financial support,accommodation and welfareconcerns, help with special examarrangements for those studentsin need of additional support andoffers advice on careers andfurther study.

Our undergraduate society PsiStarorganises regular social events forundergraduates and encouragesfirst year students to participate inthe Peer Assisted Study Support(PASS) scheme for academichelp. PASS mentors are second orthird year students who work withfirst year students to help themwith any parts of their academicmodules that they have not

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understood. These mentors alsohelp to ease first year students’transition from school or college to university. They clearlyunderstand what first years aregoing through having recently had the same experience.

ProgrammestructureYour studying is arranged so thatyou take eight different modulesin each academic year for allprogrammes. You are required totake four in each semester.Semester A runs from September

to December and Semester Bruns from January until April.

Generally for each module you willhave three or four hours oflectures per week and one or twohours of tutorials or exerciseclasses. If you are taking apractical module, such asScientific Measurement in the firstyear, you will spend twoafternoons a week in ourundergraduate laboratory.

Our degrees are structured so thatyou take a number of compulsorymodules. In the first year, the

compulsory modules are commonacross all degree programmes.From the second year onwards,you have a number of optionsavailable. The exact number ofoptions will depend on yourchoice of degree programme. Forexample, if you are studyingastrophysics you will have feweroptional module choices thansomeone studying physics. Youwill find a detailed outline of eachprogramme further on in thisbrochure.

All of our degree programmes areaccredited by the Institute ofPhysics: www.iop.org

Once in employment you canwork towards Chartered Physiciststatus whcih shows you have anaccredited degree and havereached high professionalstandards in your job.

School of Physics 5

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Degree programmes

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School of Physics 7

Degree programmes

Physics F300 BSc/Phy (three years) F303 MSci/Phy (four years)

Programme description The range of research in ourdepartment reflects the breadth ofthis subject: from understandingthe most basic building blocks inour universe through particlephysics, to building structures andmanipulating matter on amolecular scale with condensedmatter physics to understandingthe formation of stars andgalaxies. A degree in physicsgives you knowledge of theories,techniques and mathematicalapproaches which can be appliedin many different careers (seepage 16 for information on whatour graduates go on to do).

Programme outline Year 1 Scientific Measurement •From Newton to Einstein •Mathematical Techniques 1 •Mathematical Techniques 2 •Electric and Magnetic Fields •Quantum Physics • CondensedMatter • Options include: OurUniverse

Year 2 Vibrations and Waves •Thermal and Kinetic Physics •Electromagnetic Waves and Optics• Quantum Mechanics A • Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics• Physics Laboratory • Optionsinclude: Mathematical Techniques3 (Core for MSci) • ModernComputation in Physical Science •Physics of Energy and theEnvironment • Planetary Systems •Physics of Galaxies • CondensedMatter 2 • Physical Dynamics

Year 3 Extended IndependentProject (MSci: Physics ReviewProject) • Statistical Physics •Synoptic Physics • ElementaryParticle Physics • Options include:Quantum Mechanics B (Core forMSci) • Solid State Physics (Corefor MSci) • Quantum Mechanicsand Symmetry (Core for MSci) •Space Time and Gravity • Stars

Year 4 (MSci only) PhysicsInvestigative Project or PhysicsResearch Project plus optionsgiving a total of eight modules •Options include: Plasma Physics •Atom and Photon Physics •Advanced Quantum Theory •Electrons in Solids • MolecularPhysics • Electromagnetic Theory• Condensed Matter • ParticlePhysics • Low TemperaturePhysics and Nanotechnology •Relativistic Waves and QuantumFields

Astrophysics F526 BSc/Asph (three years)F523 MSci/Asph (four years)

Programme description There are lots of questions aboutthe origin and evolution of theuniverse that we do not haveanswers to yet. However,astrophysics can help usinvestigate our surroundings by applying our knowledge ofphysics and mathematics to theobservations of stars, galaxies and planets. This allows us toinvestigate how old we think theuniverse is, how and why it isexpanding, how the planetsformed and if there is potential for life on other planets.

Programme outline Year 1 Scientific Measurement •From Newton to Einstein •Mathematical Techniques 1 •Mathematical Techniques 2 •

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Degree programmes

Electric and Magnetic Fields •Quantum Physics • CondensedMatter • Our Universe

Year 2 Vibrations and Waves •Thermal and Kinetic Physics •Electromagnetic Waves & Optics• Quantum Mechanics A •Nuclear Physics andAstrophysics • Stars • PlanetarySystems • Options include:Modern Computation in PhysicalScience • Physics Laboratory •Condensed Matter 2 • Physics ofEnergy and the Environment

Year 3 Extended IndependentProject (MSci: Physics ReviewProject) • Statistical Physics •Space Time and Gravity • Physicsof Galaxies • Synoptic Physics •Options include: QuantumMechanics B • ElementaryParticle Physics • MathematicalAspects of Cosmology • ModernComputation in Physical Science

Year 4 (MSci only) PhysicsInvestigative Project or PhysicsResearch Project plus at least twomodules of Astrophysics options:Stellar Structure and Evolution •Solar System • PlanetaryAtmospheres • Solar Physics •Extrasolar Planets andAstrophysical Discs • AdvancedCosmology • Plus further MScioptions up to a total of eightmodules. Options include:Molecular Physics • ParticlePhysics • Atom and PhotonPhysics

Physics with ParticlePhysics F392 BSc/PWPP (three years)F393 MSci/PWPP (four years)

Programme description Understanding what the universeis made from and how particlesinteract is the goal of particlephysics research. We can design,build and analyse data fromleading experiments worldwide to help achieve this. Specialistmodules have been designedspecifically for this degreeprogramme and your researchproject will be with an academicmember of staff from the ParticlePhysics Research Centre, so youcould find yourself working onexperimental results from theATLAS experiment in CERN or theT2K experiment sited in Japan.

Programme outline Year 1 Scientific Measurement •Condensed Matter • From Newtonto Einstein • MathematicalTechniques 1 • MathematicalTechniques 2 • Electric andMagnetic Fields • QuantumPhysics • One optional modulefrom: Our Universe • IntroductoryJava Programming

Year 2 Thermal and KineticPhysics • Vibrations and Waves • Nuclear Physics andAstrophysics • ModernComputation in Physical Science• Electromagnetic Waves & Optics• Quantum Mechanics A •Physics Laboratory One optionalmodule from: Physical Dynamics •Stars • Condensed Matter 2 •

Physics of Energy and theEnvironment

Year 3 Extended IndependentProject • Synoptic Physics •Quantum Mechanics B •Statistical Data Analysis •Statistical Physics • ElementaryParticle Physics Two optionalmodules from: MathematicalTechniques 3 • Space Time andGravity • Physics of Galaxies •Solid State Physics • QuantumMechanics and Symmetry •Continuous Time Methods inFinance • Mathematical Aspectsof Cosmology

Year 4 (MSci only) PhysicsResearch Project • ParticlePhysics • Particle AcceleratorPhysics • Relativistic Waves andQuantum Fields • Two optionalmodules from: Advanced QuantumTheory • Atom and PhotonPhysics • Electromagnetic Theory• Computing and Statistical DataAnalysis • Statistical Mechanics •Relativity and Gravitation

Theoretical Physics F340 BSc/ThPhy (three years)F323 MSci/ThPhy (four years)

Programme description The most fundamental questionsabout the universe are examinedusing the tools of theoreticalphysics. What is the origin ofmass? What is dark matter? Domore than four dimensions exist?These kinds of questions can beconsidered by examining currenttheories, identifying theirweaknesses and proposing newsolutions. Investigations by

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members of the Centre forResearch in String Theory arehaving an impact on areas suchas particle physics: Twistor StringTheory is giving us a new

simplified understanding ofparticle scattering in the LargeHadron Collider.

Programme outline Year 1 Scientific Measurement •From Newton to Einstein •Mathematical Techniques 1 •Mathematical Techniques 2 •Electric and Magnetic Fields •Quantum Physics • CondensedMatter • Options include: OurUniverse

Year 2 Vibrations and Waves •Thermal and Kinetic Physics •Electromagnetic Waves andOptics • Quantum Mechanics A •Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics• Mathematical Techniques 3 •Physical Dynamics • Optionsinclude: Planetary Systems •Modern Computation in PhysicalScience • Physics of Galaxies •Physics Laboratory • CondensedMatter 2 • Physics of Energy andthe Environment

Year 3 Extended IndependentProject (MSci: Physics ReviewProject) • Statistical Physics •Synoptic Physics • Solid StatePhysics • Quantum Mechanics B• Elementary Particle Physics •Options include: Space Time andGravity (Core for MSci)•Quantum Mechanics andSymmetry (Core for MSci) •Physics of Galaxies • ModernComputation in Physical Science

Year 4 (MSci only) PhysicsInvestigative Project or PhysicsResearch Project • AdvancedQuantum Theory • StatisticalMechanics • ElectromagneticTheory • Relativistic Waves andQuantum Fields • Plus twooptions from an extensiveselection of MSci modules.

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Moduledescriptions

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Module descriptions

This section contains a selectionof our modules and includes coremodules for the different degreeprogrammes, however please notethat there are more optionalmodules available to choose from.Full details can be found on ourwebsite: www.ph.qmul.ac.uk/

Scientific MeasurementIn this module you will learnvaluable laboratory techniquesand skills: from measurementtechniques to data analysis andreporting; you will find all of theseskills necessary to carry outexperimental investigations intoconcepts in physics.

Electric and Magnetic FieldsThis is an introduction to thebasic laws of electricity andmagnetism, including Maxwell’sequations. By the end of themodule you will be able tomathematically state the laws,whilst also be able to explain andapply the laws to solve a variety ofproblems.

Electromagnetic Waves and OpticsA triumph of Nineteenth Centuryphysics was the unification of thetheories of electricity andmagnetism. This module will giveyou an understanding ofMaxwell’s equations, theelectromagnetic wave equation,diffraction, interference effectsand polarisation.

Statistical PhysicsWe use this subject to help us tobridge the gap betweenmicroscopic quantum mechanicsand the behaviour of matter as we

observe it daily on a macroscopicscale. This module will teach youthe theoretical basis of statisticalphysics. You will also develop thevaluable skill of usingspreadsheets to calculate andvisualise complex algorithmicexpressions.

Physics Investigative ProjectThis project runs throughout thefinal two semesters of your degreeprogramme. You will be expectedto study a problem in physics anddevelop your design,experimental, computational andanalytical skills throughindependent study. You willproduce a final written report onyour project which could involvethings such as simulating aphysical process, carrying outexperiments to test a currenthypothesis or building a piece ofequipment.

Our UniverseThis module is intended to makeyou familiar with the componentswhich make up our universe: fromstars and planets to solar systemsand galaxies. The role of theknown laws of physics inunderstanding observations isinvestigated.

Nuclear Physics andAstrophysicsYou will be introduced to theconcept of the atomic nucleusalong with the various forms ofradioactivity and their properties.We explore the possible decaymodes (radioactive decay andfission) of the nuclei and learnhow these properties help explain

the cosmological abundances ofnuclides via the big bang andstellar nucleo-synthesis.

Physics of GalaxiesThere are a variety of differenttypes of galaxies and you willlearn their categories and how toestimate properties such as massand luminosity. As well asexploring the properties ofgalaxies, you will also learn aboutthe evolution of structure in theuniverse.

Physics Review ProjectYou will use scientific researchliterature to examine a specialisedarea of physics. This will be acombination of directed readingand independent study. By theend of this project you will haveinvestigated an area of physics ofinterest to you to a deeper degreethan is normally possible inconventional modules.

Quantum PhysicsHere you will study the evidencefor particle-like properties ofwaves and wave-like properties ofparticles. This is followed by astudy of their consequences andtheir formal expression in physicallaw: topics include Heisenberg’sUncertainty Principle andSchroedinger’s equation.

From Newton to EinsteinThis module reviews thedevelopments in ourunderstanding of the laws ofspace, time and motion, from theseventeenth century to thepresent day. Topics from classicalmechanics include kinematics

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Module descriptions

and dynamics, gravity andplanetary orbits. Special relativity,length contraction and timedilation, general relativity andblack holes are covered inrelativistic mechanics.

Relativistic Waves and Quantum FieldsHere you will be given anintroduction into the unification ofquantum mechanics and specialrelativity. You will review both ofthese topics before going on toinvestigate the relativistic waveequations and quantum fieldtheory.

Advanced Cosmology Cosmology is a rapidly developingsubject that is the focus of aconsiderable research effortworldwide. It is the attempt tounderstand the present state ofthe universe as a whole andthereby shed light on its originand ultimate fate. Why is theuniverse structured today in theway that it is, how did it developinto its current form and what willhappen to it in the future? Theaim of this module is to addressthese and related questions fromboth the observational andtheoretical perspectives.

Solar System As the planetary system mostfamiliar to us, the Solar Systempresents the best opportunity tostudy questions about the originof life and how enormouscomplexity arise from simplephysical systems in general. Thismodule surveys the physical and

dynamical properties of the SolarSystem. It focuses on theformation, evolution, structure,and interaction of the Sun,planets, satellites, rings, asteroids,and comets.

The module applies basic physicaland mathematical principlesneeded for the study, such asfluid dynamics, electrodynamics,orbital dynamics, solidmechanics, and elementarydifferential equations. However,prior knowledge in these topics isnot needed, as they will beintroduced as required. Themodule will also includediscussions of very recent,exciting developments in theformation of planetary and satellitesystems and extrasolar planets(planetary migration, giantimpacts, and exoplanetaryatmospheres).

Extrasolar Planets andAstrophysical Discs Ever since the dawn of civilisation,human beings have speculatedabout the existence of planetsoutside of the Solar Systemorbiting other stars. The first bonafide extrasolar planet orbiting anordinary main sequence star wasdiscovered in 1995, andsubsequent planet searches haveuncovered the existence of manyhundreds of planetary systems inthe Solar neighbourhood of ourgalaxy. These discoveries havereignited speculation andscientific study concerning thepossibility of life existing outside of the Solar System.

This module provides an in-depthdescription of our currentknowledge and understanding ofthese extrasolar planets. Theirstatistical and physical propertiesare described and contrasted withthe planets in our Solar System.Our understanding of how

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planetary systems form in thediscs of gas and dust observed toexist around young stars will beexplored, and current scientificideas about the origin of life willbe discussed. Rotationallysupported discs of gas (and dust) are not only important forexplaining the formation ofplanetary systems, but also playan important role in a largenumber of astrophysicalphenomena such as cataclysmicvariables, X-ray binary systems,and active galactic nuclei. Theseso-called accretion discs providethe engine for some of the mostenergetic phenomena in theuniverse. The second half of thismodule will describe theobservational evidence foraccretion discs and currenttheories for accretion discevolution.

Synoptic Physics A study only module providinghighly structured professorialtutorials aimed at bringingtogether and summarising themain elements of physics. At theend of the module, you should beable to answer oral questionsaddressed to the generality of anytopic within the area of studyknown as physics and especiallywithin the subjects of gravitationaland rotational forces,electromagnetism and Lorentzforces, optics and interference,thermodynamics and nuclear andastrophysics. In addition, youshould be able to respond to moredetailed questions on the subject

of any project you are completing.In all cases, you should be able todemonstrate an intimateknowledge of the help provided bydimensional analysis, symmetryand conservation rules.

Statistical Data Analysis This module will review basicmetrics and techniques used todescribe ensembles of data suchas averages, variances, standarddeviation, errors and errorpropagation. These will beextended to treat multi-dimensional problems andcircumstances where observablesare correlated with one another.The Binomial, Poisson, andGaussian distributions will bediscussed, with emphasis onphysical interpretation in terms ofevents. Concepts of probability,confidence intervals, limits, andhypothesis testing will bedeveloped. Optimizationtechniques will be introducedincluding chi2 minimisation andmaximum-likelihood techniques.A number of multivariateanalysers will be discussed in thecontext of data mining. These willinclude Fisher discriminants,multi-layer perceptron basedartificial neural networks, decisiontrees and genetic algorithms.

Space Time and Gravity This module presents theessential concepts of both specialand general relativity. Theemphasis is on the physicalunderstanding of the theory andthe mathematical development iskept simple, although more

detailed treatments are includedfor those who wish to follow them;space-time diagrams are usedextensively. The module includesdiscussion of the big bang andblack holes.

Quantum Mechanics A This module aims to introduce thefundamental concepts ofquantum mechanics from thebeginning. By studyingapplications of the principles ofquantum mechanics to simpleone-dimensional systems, themodule will provide a foundationfor understanding concepts suchas energy quantisation, theuncertainty principle andquantum tunnelling, illustratingthese with experimentaldemonstrations and otherphenomena found in nature.

Quantum Mechanics B This module has an extendedexposition of the basic principlesand applications of quantummechanics. Topics include:Operators and the generalstructure of quantum mechanics,observables, orthonormality ofeigenstates, expansion theorem,commuting operators, theory ofmeasurement; The harmonicoscillator; Angular momentumtheory, the rigid rotator andapplications to rotation-vibrationspectra of diatomic molecules;Spin in quantum mechanicsillustrated with spin1/2: matrixrepresentations, Stern-Gerlachexperiments and measurementtheory exemplified;Indistinguishable particles inquantum mechanics: bosons and

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Module descriptions

fermions; Spherically symmetricpotentials and the Hydrogenatom.

Vibrations and Waves This module is an introduction tooscillatory phenomena and wavemotion. The concepts andphenomena taught in this moduleoccur throughout nature frombiology to quantum mechanics.Topics include: free, damped andforced vibrations, resonance,coupled oscillators; the nature oftravelling waves and transport ofenergy; types of waves includingsound, water waves and light;interference, beats and standingwaves; dispersion; simplediffraction phenomena.

Stars Stars are a vital building block inthe Universe: forming out ofinterstellar gas and dust, andthemselves being a majorcomponent of galaxies. They arealso vital for providing the nuclearreactions that create the elementsfrom which planets and evenourselves are formed. Thismodule describes how thefundamental properties of starsare related to observations.Temperatures and densities in thecentre of stars reach values thatare unattainable in the laboratory.Yet the application of basicphysical principles can help usdetermine much about theinternal structure and evolution ofstars, from their formation to theirultimate end states in such exoticand spectacular objects as whitedwarfs, neutron stars and blackholes.

Planetary Systems Human beings have charted thepaths of the planets across thenight sky and speculated abouttheir nature for thousands ofyears. Indeed the word planet hasits origin in the ancient Greekterm ‘planete’ – meaningwanderer. Used in its modernscientific context the word planetrefers to an object which orbitsabout a star, but which itself is nota star. Planets have a specialphilosophical significance sincethey are the bodies on which lifeitself is expected to come intoexistence. This module providesan in depth description of ourcurrent knowledge andunderstanding of the planets inour Solar System, and of theplanetary systems now known toorbit around stars other than theSun – the extra-solar planets. Theproperties of individual planetsand their satellites will be

described and contrasted, andbasic physical principles will beused to explain their orbits andphysical features. Ourunderstanding of how planetarysystems form will be explored,and current scientific ideas aboutthe origin of life will be discussed.

Physics of Energy and the Environment This module examines conceptsand equations of physics(including mechanics,thermodynamics, waves, quantumphysics) with respect to energytransfer processes in naturalenergy sources, and in energytechnologies. Analysis ofefficiencies of energy transfer willbe included. The emphasis will beon useful quantitative results fromphysics rather than detailedderivations. Examples will bedrawn from wind, wave, solar andnuclear energies. The relevance of

The School of Law14

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Physics in understanding andimproving energy technologies aswell as assessing theirenvironmental impact will beemphasised. Specific topics willinclude; first and second laws ofthermodynamics, wind energy,Betz limit on efficiency of windturbines, solar energy,semiconductor physics relevant tosolar cells, radioactivity, nuclearreactors and nuclear wastedisposal.

Elementary Particle Physics This module covers a non-mathematical introduction to thestandard model of particle physics– the strong and electroweakinteractions between the basicconstituents of the world, quarksand leptons, via the exchange ofgluons, photons and W and Zparticles. You will also cover thefollowing topics: 'Particleastrophysics – the relationship

between particle physics andcosmology'; 'Beyond the standardmodel – Grand unified theoriesand supersymmetry'.

Mathematical Techniques 1 An understanding ofmathematics, calculus in themain, is required in the study ofthe physical sciences. Complexnumbers, differentiation, partialdifferentiation, series, integration,polar coordinates and multipleintegration are particular areascovered by this module.

Mathematical Techniques 2 Following from MathematicalTechniques 1, this modulecontinues work on some topicsand extends into others. You willstudy: complex numbers andhyperbolic functions; polar andspherical coordinates andcoordinate transformations;multiple integrals; line and surface

integrals; vector algebra; vectorcalculus; the theorems of Gauss,Green and Stokes; matrices;determinants; eigenvalues andeigenvectors; Fourier series andtransforms including theconvolution theorem; anddifferential equations.

Condensed Matter This module describes thestructure of bulk matter startingfrom the intermolecular forces atthe microscopic level. Usingsimple mechanical andthermodynamical ideas thestructure of solids is described.An introduction is provided intoelectronic and dynamic propertiesof solids. Simple models oftransport processes like diffusion,thermal and electrical conductionwill be introduced. The concept oforder/disorder will be explored.

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Career opportunities

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Career opportunities

In recent years over 20 per centof our graduates have gone on tosome form of further study, thiscan be a one year Masters degreeor PhD. The remaining studentsgo on into employment in a widerange of fields, including rolessuch as a Market ResearchAnalyst, Accountant andAdvertising Executive in theBusiness and Finance field andComputer Analyst, Programmerand ICT Manager in IT. They havealso taken on technical physicsroles in engineering firms andmedical and non-medicallaboratories.

Your potential earnings also reflectthe contribution you can make:according to a report byPriceWaterhouseCoopers, physicsgraduates earn around £187,000more during their career than non-graduates.

The reason for these increasedpotential earnings is down to theparticular skills and abilities youhave as a physics graduate. Theway in which you approachproblem solving and yourmathematical skills make you avaluable employee.

The Queen Mary Careers Service isavailable to help you with anycareer-related issue throughoutyour time at university. If you arenot sure what you want to do, adiscussion with a careers adviserwill help you to be clearer aboutyour options for work or furtherstudy, and our resources will helpyou to begin investigating thecareers open to graduates.

Queen Mary students have accessto a wide range of eventsorganised locally by the QueenMary Careers Service and London-

Tejpal SinghPhysics

“I havealways beenpassionateabout physics

ever since I was a child. I have alwaysbeen interested in how and why thingswork. Therefore, the best thing aboutthe subject for me is that it requiresmore than just knowledge to solveproblems; creative thinking is alsonecessary.

“The best thing about the College isdefinitely the staff; they are verywelcoming. Outside of lectures thephysics professors are always willing tohelp when I have any questions. They doan excellent job of explaining clearly.

“Queen Mary has excellent facilities,and they are always improving. ThePhysics laboratory was recently fullyrenovated to provide each student withthe use of computing facilities. It is agreat place to study.

I would also rate the social, leisure andrecreational facilities as excellent.There is always something to do andmany social clubs and societiesavailable.

“My favourite memory so far has to bewhen a few of the physicspostgraduates started gathering peoplein front of the Physics building andcreated ‘ice cream’ using liquidnitrogen. It was fun to watch, and thenwe started to freeze some otherthings… mostly fruit. It was sointeresting to see what happens tothings when they are frozen in thatway.”

Student profile

Students and mentors at the SEPnet Student Expo – Undegraduate studentspresented summer placment projects

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Career opportunities

wide by The Careers Group givingyou a chance to talk to employersand take part in interactiveactivities, enabling you to get abetter taste of what the jobs arereally like. There are also a numberof talks and events offered by theCareers Service and the School ofPhysics.

Recent events have included aPhysics Careers Forum where ourstudents had the chance toquestion employers from a rangeof fields: from IT and computing toengineering and academicresearch. Alumni also contribute tocareers sessions, giving currentundergraduate students the benefitof their experiences.

To find out more about the careerssupport available please visit ourwebsite: www.ph.qmul.ac.uk/

Graduate profile Amira Mahmood

Studied: BSc Theoretical Physics

Currently: Teaching Physics in a secondary school, after completing a PGCE at King’sCollege, University of London.

Why did you choose Queen Mary?I chose Queen Mary because of its location anddistance from home. The size of the School of Physics was another factor as it has ahigh staff/student ratio, which allowed the lecturers to get to know the students. Thisadded to the friendly atmosphere which made me feel welcome. Queen Mary also has awonderful library as well as an established Students’ Union.

What did you gain from your time at Queen Mary? A good education in the subject thatI love as well as making friends I am still in contact with. The support staff and lecturershave an informal open door policy which helped greatly when I needed help with anything.Pete and Ted, the lab technicians, always provided support with experiments, physicsproblems or time to just have an informal chat. After studying physics for three years yougain an insight in to how wonderful the subject is as well as realising how little you stillknow at the end. It really does open your eyes to the world around you. I still enjoy thesubject immensely and try to enthuse my pupils about physics every day.

What are your career plans in the next five years? I want to establish myself inteaching by becoming Head of Physics at a school. After a few years I would like tostudy for a PhD in String Theory or Nanotechnology.

Salary bracket:£35,000 - £45,000

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Student life – Students’ Union,student support and health services

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School of Physics 21

Student life – Students’ Union, student support and health services

Students’ Union All Queen Mary studentsautomatically become members ofQMSU, an active and flourishingStudents’ Union run by studentsfor students. Best known for itsclubs and societies, there areliterally hundreds to choose from,whether your interests lie infootball or philately. And if youhave a passion that isn’trepresented, you can always startyour own club. Clubs and societiesprovide a great opportunity formeeting people, especially thosewho are studying a differentsubject to you. One of the aims ofQMSU is to ensure that your timeat university is not just about work,but also includes socialising andpersonal development.

QMotion QMotion is Queen Mary’s recentlyrefurbished Health and Fitnesscentre. Equipped with a greatrange of exercise machines andweights, there’s also a women onlyarea and loads of classes includingyoga, spinning and Pilates. There’sa squash court and sports hall oncampus, and a swimming pool ashort distance away.

Sports Playing sports is a good way torelax after a day spent studying.Queen Mary teams regularlycompete against other collegeteams, and there’s a great socialscene with after-match drinks anda regular social night, Hail Mary,hosted by one of the SU’s sportsteams. There’s even a team ofcheerleaders, the Queen MaryAngels!

QM Provide: Volunteering Volunteering with charities andnon-profit organisations is abrilliant way to explore whatLondon has to offer, make adifference and really get involvedin your local area.

You can volunteer on a regularbasis in a placement with a localcharity or organisation, doinganything from mentoring localschool kids, to volunteering inlocal hospitals, to becoming ahelpline volunteer and managinga local sports team. See: www.providevolunteering.org

Student support You will be assigned an academicadviser when you start at QueenMary, and the same adviser willstay with you throughout yourstudies. Your adviser will help youchoose which modules to take(some programmes offer greaterflexibility when it comes to modulechoices), sign any forms you needand help you with any academic orpersonal problems that you have.

Many students find it extremelyhelpful to have one adviser onhand throughout their time atQueen Mary.

Health services All the services are provided for all students and staff living in the London Borough of TowerHamlets. In order to access theseservices and other availableservices under the NHS, you needto register with the Globe Townsurgery at the Student HealthCentre at the beginning of term.Students living outside TowerHamlets can be treated oncampus in the event of an urgentmedical situation.

For more information see:www.globetown.org/qmu/

Advice and counselling Our advice service offers in-depthand specialist advice on a rangeof financial, practical and legalissues, such as student finance,housing rights, immigration lawand international student issues.Counselling is also available –from cognitive behaviouraltherapy, ongoing weekly therapygroups and support groups onspecific issues such as anxiety,academic performance. Ouradvice and counseling service is acompletely free and confidentialservice.

For more information see:www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk

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Accommodation

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School of Physics 23

Accommodation

Queen Mary’s Student Villageincorporates 2,000 rooms oncampus, all provided in self-catered houses, flats andmaisonettes. All rooms in theVillage have a bathroom en-suite,and you’ll share a kitchen.

If you are a single full-time first-year undergraduate, apply duringthe normal admissions cycle, andhave not lived in Queen Mary’shousing before, you may beeligible for accommodation oncampus. Priority is given to thoseapplying by the deadline of 30June of the year of entry, andthose who live furthest away. Thisoffer does not extend to studentswho join through the Clearingprocess or those holding insuranceoffers with Queen Mary, althoughevery attempt is made toaccommodate them, subject toavailability.

If you live close enough to theCollege to commute, you willnormally be expected to live athome until rooms becomeavailable after term begins, onceall those students who cannotcommute are housed. Once youhave firmly accepted your offer tostudy at Queen Mary, full details onhow to apply for College housingwill be sent to you by theAdmissions Office.

Queen Mary students also haveaccess to places in the fully-catered Intercollegiate Halls incentral London, which are ownedcentrally by the University ofLondon.

Another option is a house share.There are a number of privately let houses in the area suitable forgroups of students to share. Theresidences office can put you intouch with local landlords, as wellas groups of students who arelooking for extra people to makeup numbers.

For more information, see:www.residences.qmul.ac.uk

‘‘You feel like you belong a bit more, living on campus. The place ispacked with people all doing the same thing, unloading their cars at the beginning of term. It’s really sociable.Jen Holton

‘‘

‘‘I had a beautiful canal view frommy room. I just can’t believe this is student accommodation – it’svery airy, bright, fresh and clean.Fariah Khan

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School of PhysicsEntry requirements

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School of Physics 25

School of PhysicsEntry requirements

A/AS-levels

Vocational orapplied A-levels

Acceptability: Acceptable only when combined with other A2-equivalent physics andmathematics qualifications.

BTEC NationalCertificate (12 units)

Acceptability: Acceptable only when combined with other A2-equivalent physics andmathematics qualifications.

Subjects and grades required: Overall in Double Award DD. Must have high physics andmathematics content.

BTEC NationalDiploma (18 units)

Acceptability: Acceptable only when combined with other A2-equivalent physics andmathematics qualifications.

Subjects and grades required: Overall DMM. Must have high physics and mathematicscontent.

InternationalBaccalaureate

Acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.

Subjects and grades required: BSc programmes: 30 points overall with 6 in both HigherLevel physics and Higher Level mathematics.

MSci programmes: 34 points overall with 6 in both HL physics and HL mathematics.

EuropeanBaccalaureate

Acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.

Subjects and grades required: BSc entry: 75 per cent overall 7/6 in maths/physics in anyorder.

MSci entry: 80 per cent overall with 7 in maths and physics

Access to HEDiploma

Credits required: A total of 60 credits, out of which 45 at level 3 and 18 level 3 credits inmaths units and 18 level 3 credits in physics units for BSc entry.Grade required: Distinction.Additional information: Must be physics and mathematics based.

Recognised by the Quality Assurance Agency for HE

European andinternationalqualifications

Otherqualifications

The university accepts a wide range of EU and international qualifications, includingselected international foundation programmes. For further information please contact the Admissions Office, or visit: www.qmul.ac.uk/international/countries

The College welcomes applications from those holding qualifications not listed above. Staff in the Admissions and Recruitment Office will be happy to advise you as to theacceptability of your qualification.

Tariff/Grades requirement: BSc programmes: a total of 320 tariff points. Applicants shouldaim to achieve grades A and B at A-level in physics and mathematics.

MSci programmes: a total of 340 tariff points. Applicants should aim to achieve grade A atA-level in physics and mathematics. If you do not perform as well in one subject and dobetter in others, then that is acceptable, providing you gain the minimum number of pointsrequired for the degree programme.

Additional information: General studies should not be included in the points tariff.

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Living in London

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A world-famous cityand the nation’scapital, London is an exciting place tolive. If you’re new to the city, you’re in for a treat; and if you’ve lived herebefore, then you’llknow there’s alwaysmore to explore.Either way, student life inLondon promises to be an adventure.

With eight million residents,London is up there with Tokyoand NYC in terms of sheer size.Yet rather than a single city,London is actually a patchwork ofdifferent areas – many of themformer villages in their own right.Many retain their own centres,with a parade of shops, bars andrestaurants that reflects its ownparticular and historic character.

Depending on your mood, theoccasion and the kind of placeyou are looking for, you can make this diversity work to youradvantage – there’s alwayssomewhere that will suit yourmood, budget, and the kind ofoccasion you are looking for.

Queen Mary’s main campus is atMile End, well connected to therest of the city by tube. Mile End(Central line) and Stepney Green(Hammersmith and City, andDistrict lines) are both a shortwalk away.

Living in London

‘‘‘‘Why, Sir, you find no man, at allintellectual, who is willing to leaveLondon. No, Sir, when a man istired of London, he is tired of life;for there is in London all that lifecan afford.Samuel Johnson

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Living in London

1 Old Street, and surrounding EAT… Yelo, on Hoxton Square(Thai food) Shish, an upmarketkebab restaurant.VISIT… White Cube2 Gallery. This area is the epicentre of theEast End’s artistic community. SHOP… The Hoxton Boutique. The Sunday Flower Market atColumbia Road is legendaryamongst Londoners.

2 Shoreditch, and Brick LaneEAT… Brick Lane is London’s‘Curry Capital’– an entire streetlined with Indian and Bangladeshirestaurants. Brick Lane Beigel Bake, open 24-hours (greatfor bagel emergencies).VISIT… The Old Truman Brewery,a converted brewery and home tonumerous fashion designers,artists and DJs.

3 Bow WharfThe complex includes: The FatCat Café Bar; The Thai Room;and Jongleurs Comedy Club,which, as well as the comedy, has a bar and restaurant pluspost-comedy disco on Friday and Saturday nights.

4 Docklands, and Canary WharfEAT… Ubon by Nobu (the sisterrestaurant to the West Endfavourite of the stars), or Carluccio’s, an Italian chainserving exceptional food.Wagamama in the Jubilee PlaceMall. Bene Bene, which offers ahuge selection of seriously cheapsandwiches, salads, bagels anddesserts.VISIT… The Museum inDocklands, which explores thestory of the docks from Romansettlement through to recentregeneration.

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5 Bethnal Green,and Victoria ParkEAT… E Pellici, on Bethnal GreenRoad, an Italian greasy spooncafé which has been aroundsince 1900. Nando’s, HackneyVillage for a range of otherrestaurants and cafes, includingFrocks, Mojo’s and Déjà Vu.VISIT… Modern Art and VilmaGold galleries on Vyner Street, just north of Bethnal Green.

6 Mile End, andsurrounding areaEAT… with Mile End’s big range ofeating places, our students nevergo hungry, whatever their culinaryskills. Wetherspoon's pub, offeringthe ‘cheap and cheerful’ deals.The Morgan Arms, a bit more ofan up-market pub. The GoldenBird (Chinese), The Pride of Asia(Indian), Matsu (Japanese)restaurants, if you like to eat yourway around the world. Roastarscoffee shop, for a small caffeinebuzz at the start of the day.

VISIT… Mile End Park, 90 acresof greenery in the heart of theEast End where you’ll find anecology park; an arts park; and a terraced garden and a sportspark. The Mile End Stadium,includes an eight lane athleticstrack, artificial hockey/footballpitches and grass football pitches.The Genesis Cinema, go onWednesday night for a studentdiscount. The WhitechapelGallery: famous for exhibitions by big name artists.

Tower Hill

Monument

Blackfriars

Mansion House

St Paul’s

Bank

Holborn

Chancery Lane

Temple

BarbicanLiverpool

Street

Shoreditch

Whitechapel

Aldgate

Stepney Green

Bethnal Green

London Bridge

Waterloo

Mile End

Charing Cross

Canary Wharf

Wapping

Limehouse

Tower of London

Mile EndPark

EAST LONDONTo Olympic

Stadium

TOWER HAMLETS

CITY OFLONDONHOLBORN

St James’Park

1

2

6

4

3VictoriaPark

5

SOUTHWARK

Leicester Square

Clerkenwell

IslingtonBloomsbury

ULU: Students’ Union

Kings CrossBritish Library

Euston

To O2 Arena

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Frequently asked questions

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Frequently asked questions

Should I take theBSc or MSci?We offer two different types ofqualification: BSc or MSci. TheBSc takes three years tocomplete, and the MSci fouryears. An MSci will provide youwith more advanced training andproject experience which couldlead to a PhD or provide you withan advantage if you wish to entera career at a higher level. TheBSc and MSci courses havecommon programmes andmodule options over the first twoyears and transfer between theprogrammes is possible duringthis time, subject to satisfactoryperformance.

In the final year of the MSci youwill have the opportunity to take

modules selected from a largerange of current research topicsin physics. This year is taught asan intercollegiate year and you willbe able to take modules taught bylecturers from Colleges throughoutthe University of London.

Can I study abroad?Queen Mary students can takepart in an international exchangeprogramme spending either theautumn semester or full academicyear at one of our partnerinstitutions. The academic workcompleted abroad is creditedtowards your Queen Mary degree.Tuition fees will still be paid toQueen Mary for your periodabroad and you do not have topay tuition fees at the hostinstitution but you are still

responsible for all travel,accommodation and livingexpenses. You will find fulleligibility details and otherconditions for participation in thisprogramme on our website:www.qmul.ac.uk/qmlearning/exchangesOur partner universities withphysics specialities are:• Hunter College (City Universityof New York)

• University of Miami• University of Richmond• University of California (withseveral campuses and differentspecialities)

It is also possible to study inEurope within the Erasmusprogramme. Queen Mary enjoysclose links with Europe through itsparticipation in the SOCRATESERASMUS programme andbelieves this presents a greatopportunity for students toimmerse themselves in thelanguage, lifestyle and culture ofanother country. Students areselected by their academic schoolat Queen Mary and the criteria forselection include academic ability,proficiency in the language of thehost country and the desire toparticipate in an exchange. TheLanguage Learning Unit providescourses to give students practicalskills in a foreign language andhelp prepare them for theexchange. Students are givencredit for courses passed at thehost institution. You can find outmore on the British Councilwebsite: www.britishcouncil.org/erasmus.htm

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Frequently asked questions

What does studyingPhysics at Universityinvolve?You will be expected to devoteyourself full-time to your studies.With regards to your timetabledhours, in the first semester of yourfirst year you should expect tospend on average each week:• 3 or 4 hours in lectures for eachmodule (4 modules per semester)

• 3-6 hours in the laboratory• 3 hours in exercise classes ortutorials

However, overall you should bedevoting around 40 hours a weekto your degree. This will includeyour timetabled lessons, studyingand preparation for laboratorysessions and exercise classes.

How will I be taught?The teaching in the School ofPhysics is carried out throughlectures and exercise classesbacked up by a practical element.Lectures take place in variouslocations around the campus andwill not always be held in theSchool of Physics. This will giveyou a chance to get to know thedifferent areas of the College.

Tutorials and exercise classes areused to support the lectures.These classes will be taken by thelecturer and postgraduatestudents They are an opportunityfor you to ask questions and workthrough any problems you havewith the material.

We have laboratories which arereserved solely for the use of ourundergraduate students. In thefirst year you are required to take the module ScientificMeasurement, (see page 11 for a description) which will illustratethe basic concepts in physics: you will carry out experiments and interpret results. This givesyou valuable knowledge on howcertain laboratory instrumentswork and it will also give you theopportunity to develop your timemanagement and reporting skills.You are supported in theselaboratory sessions by dedicatedtechnicians, academic staff andpostgraduate students.

How is theacademic yearstructured?You will take four modules in eachof the two semesters in every yearof study. The academic year runsfrom September to June. Thereare typically three or four lecturesper week for each module. Youwill also have one or two hoursscheduled for tutorial work foreach module. You are expected todo some independent studyoutside of your timetabled hours.Modules often have an element ofcoursework to them therefore youwill be expected to spend timepreparing your hand-ins andthese count towards your finalmark. Some modules have a classtest and most have an end of yearexamination which makes up thebulk of your mark for that module.

Can I take modulesfrom outside of theSchool of Physics?You will have a number of optionsavailable to you each year, but theexact number will depend onwhich degree programme you areregistered on. Our modularsystem allows you take a subjectfrom another academic schoolwhich will still count towards yourdegree. For example, you maychoose to study a language withchoices from beginner toadvanced level in a variety oflanguages. Visit the Language andLearning Unit website for moredetails: www.languageandlearning.qmul.ac.uk

Who can I go to foradvice and help?When you start at Queen Mary,you will be allocated an AcademicAdviser. This person will talk toyou about your module optionsand will discuss with you what isbest for your needs beforeregistering you on the appropriatemodules. If you need support oradvice on personal or academicmatters, then your Adviser is thereto help you.

We have a full-time StudentSupport Administrator (SSA) whoacts as the first point of contactfor any student concerns, be theyacademic or pastoral. The SSA isavailable to provide advice andguidance on matters such asStudent Funding, Bursaries andFinancial Support,

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Accommodation and Welfareconcerns, help with special examarrangements for those studentsin need of additional support andoffers advice on careers andfurther study.

If you wish to you will be able totake part in a supplemental studyprogram in your first year of study.The Peer Assisted Study Support(PASS) scheme supports newstudents through weekly one hoursessions led by second and thirdyear students.

Is there any financialsupport available?There is a comprehensivepackage of support available tostudents. For the latest details onwhat is available and for eligibility,please visit our website.

What teachingfacilities areavailable forexperimentalmodules?Our undergraduate teachinglaboratories have recently beenrefurbished and contain a main

lab with 46 spacious workstations, two optics roomsproviding a further 11 workstations and four specialistvibration free surfaces forsensitive experiments. Thelaboratories are open access andwe have two members of staffoffering technical support for allphysics students during normalworking hours. Each work stationhas a PC with internet access andhas an adjustable height function.It is a well-funded resource with amix of traditional and modernequipment. The modulesScientific Measurement andPhysics Laboratory are taughthere.

School of Physics 33

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Next steps

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Next steps

Visit usThe School of Physics runsnumerous events for studentsthinking of studying physics atuniversity. From one day tastercourses to week-long summerschools. For more information onwhen these activities are takingplace, please visit our website:www.ph.qmul.ac.uk

In addition to the School activities,the College has two open dayseach year: one in April and asecond in September. If you areunable to visit us at any of thesetimes then you can book acampus tour. Information can befound online at: www.qmul.ac.uk/visitus

Applying to Queen Mary For all full-time higher educationprogrammes at universities andcolleges in the UK, students mustapply online at: www.ucas.comYou’ll find full instructions to helpyou fill in your online application,plus help text where appropriate.UCAS also has a comprehensiveguide called Applying Online,which can be downloaded fromthe website (www.ucas.com).

You can also visit our QM:Insightpages which offers guidance onapplying to university.www.qmul.ac.uk/qminsight

There are three types of applicant:

1 Students at a school or collegeregistered with UCASAll UK schools and colleges (andmany establishments overseas)are registered with UCAS tomanage their students’applications. Advice is availablefrom your teacher or a careersadviser at your school or college.You fill in an online applicationand submit it to a member ofstaff.

After checking your details, andhaving added the academicreference, your school or collegesubmits the completed applicationonline to UCAS. You pay onlineusing a credit card or debit card.You may also be able to paythrough your school or college.

2 Independent applicants in the UKOther UK applicants, who are notat school or college, apply onlineindependently. It is likely that youare a mature applicant, who,unlike school and collegestudents, cannot readily seekadvice from your teacher, but caninstead consult with variouscareers organisations (such asConnexions).

You are responsible for paying thecorrect application fee, forobtaining and attaching theacademic reference and forsubmitting the completedapplication online to UCAS.

3 International applicants outsidethe UK (EU and worldwide)Except for those whose school orcollege is registered with UCAS,individuals from the EU (excludingthe UK), and worldwide, applyonline independently. Advice isavailable from British Counciloffices and other centresoverseas, such as your school orcollege or one of our overseasrepresentatives.You will find a step-by-step guideto applying at: www.qmul.ac.uk/international/ howtoapply/index.htm

Contact usSchool of PhysicsQueen Mary, University of LondonMile End RoadLondonE1 4NSTel: 0207 882 5030Fax: 0208 981 9465email: [email protected]

For latest news, see:Facebook:www.facebook.com/PhysicsatQMTwitter:www.twitter.com/PhysicsatQM

‘‘

‘‘One of the best things you can dois visit a university and find outfrom the students this what theythink about studying thereAsmi Barot Physics student

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Notes

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School of PhysicsQueen Mary, University of LondonMile End RoadLondonE1 4NSTel: 0207 882 5030Fax: 0208 981 9465email: [email protected]

For latest news, see:Facebook: www.facebook.com/PhysicsatQMTwitter: www.twitter.com/PhysicsatQM

Scan the code to find the right Queen Mary programme for you.QR readers can be downloaded forfree online. Data charges may apply.Please contact your network providerfor more details.