In depth - MSc Physics

This course covers advanced concepts in classical physics. It explores rotating systems and provides the foundations for Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics. This allows the student to understand the transition from classical to quantised systems. The course also prepares the student for progression onto general relativity by introducing the classical theory of fields in covariant notation and onto field theory by introducing the Lagrangian for a vector field and the resulting Maxwell's equations. Finally, the course provides the student with an appreciation for the role played by symmetries in fundamental physics.

Module spec can be found here.

The module covers several mathematical techniques fundamental for performing computations across physics and necessary for a proper formulation of its foundations. This includes vector spaces and tensors, Green's functions, Hilbert spaces, integral transforms, contour integration, and the calculus of variations. The module will enable students to appreciate the universality of mathematical concepts employed and gain a sound basis for more advanced mathematical techniques encountered in research.

PHYS70051 PHYS Mathematical Methods for Physicists

In this module students will choose two out of three topics relating to computing research skills for practicing physicists. They will then join together to use these skills is a short group project.
The three computing skills topics are (1) using MatLab, (2) using Mathematica, and (3) laboratory interfacing using LabView.

PHYS70054 PHYS Research Project

This module lets students develop their ability to distil information from the scientific literature using methods appropriate to the chosen topic. They will develop their skills for analysing and critiquing the literature. They will produce a report outlining the background to the chosen topic and the key steps in its development from conception through to the current state-of-the-art. Typically the topic chosen will be a research area or technique. They will present their research in a short talk.

PHYS70053 PHYS MSc Self Study

A four-month research project on a state-of-the-art problem in physics. The project will encompass either a laboratory-based practical project, computational project or theoretical project, either within one of our research groups or with an external partner and under the guidance of research-active staff. Students will be able to choose from a range of projects based on their interests and the background they have developed through their prior studies on the MSc.

PHYS70054 PHYS Research Project

Quantum information provides basic understanding of the current development of quantum computation, quantum algorithms, and quantum cryptography. We are witnessing that governments around the world, venture capitalists and IT giants are spending a significant amount of funds to develop a quantum computer. This is due to the potential that the quantum computer might be able solve some of the challenging problems the information industry is facing. There is thus a demand for physics graduates who understand the basic principles of the theory of quantum information. The course is an answer to this demand. It is also important to recognise that quantum information provides a new way to understand fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, using the language of information theory. In the course, students will learn various aspects of quantum information theory.

Module spec can be found here.

This module covers the interaction of quantum mechanical objects with light, including at the single-photon level. A description of the quantised electromagnetic field will be introduced, and the physics of atoms' and mechanical oscillators' interaction with the electromagnetic field will be discussed.

Module spec can be found here.

The module covers atomic physics, angular momentum in atoms and molecules, laser cooling atoms, cold molecules, and trapped ions.

PHYS70057 QD Quantum Systems 1

The course has three themes: Quantum Photonics, Optical Quantum Information, Matter Qubits and Oscillators. In addition there are two extended laboratory experiments on laser cooling and on photon correlations.

PHYS70058 QD Quantum Systems 2

This module introduces students to the theory of quantum information and its algebraic foundations. The three main sections of the module are quantum algorithms, theory of entangled states and quantum error correction.

PHYS70059 QD Advanced Quantum Information

A project plan and literature review on a state-of-the-art problem in physics relating to the student's MSc Extended Research Project, which runs concurrently. The project can be either laboratory- based practical, computational, observational or theoretical, either within one of our research groups or with an external partner and under the guidance of research-active staff. Students will be able to choose from a range of topics based on their interests and the background they have developed through their prior studies on the MSc.

PHYS70056 EXTR MSc Extended Research Literature Review

A nine-month research project on a state-of-the-art problem in physics. The project will encompass either a laboratory-based practical project, computational project or theoretical project, either within one of our research groups or with an external partner and under the guidance of research-active staff. Students will be able to choose from a range of projects based on their interests and the background they have developed through their prior studies on the MSc.

PHYS70055 EXTR MSc Extended Research Project