Program Description

Particle physics is central to some of the biggest recent discoveries in science. In this course, students can learn from scientists who helped detect the Higgs boson and gravitational waves, and are leading innovative neutrino experiments and searches for dark matter. Students will learn how particles are detected, study key theories such as relativity, and examine the laws of the universe at the subatomic level.

At the start of this course, students will cover the essential physics behind everything else they'll study: heat, motion, electricity, magnetism and quantum mechanics. Lectures and lab classes are included in the same modules, so they won’t just be learning about abstract topics in isolation. Students will run experiments using the equipment in the faculty's modern laboratories to help them understand how important theories apply to the real world.

Students will explore essential physics in even more depth in second year. They will also start to specialise in particle physics, with modules on the detection of fundamental particles and special relativity, which is essential for understanding particles that travel close to the speed of light and E = mc2. Programming classes will teach students skills that are essential for particle physics and many other graduate careers.

In third year, students can branch out into lots of different areas and complete their own research projects in particle physics. Their core modules will cover topics like nuclear physics and dark matter. Optional modules include cosmology and mathematical physics.

Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.