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Physics and Astronomy at The University of Glasgow. Why physics and astronomy?. Physics and/or astronomy offers a fundamental understanding of the way the Universe works; It brings you to the forefront of technology; It opens career paths in science, engineering, industry, finance, teaching….
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Why physics and astronomy? • Physics and/or astronomy offers a fundamental understanding of the way the Universe works; • It brings you to the forefront of technology; • It opens career paths in science, engineering, industry, finance, teaching…
What do physics graduates do? Careers Data: Institute of Physics
What is our aim in Glasgow? • To teach you to use physics and maths to investigate the universe; • To encourage an in-depth and integrated understanding of modern physics and astronomy; • To promote a wide transferable skills set to prepare you for many possible careers.
First year physics (P1) • The class meets daily, at 9am or at 1pm. • There are weekly tutorials, and weekly laboratory workshops • Topics studied include optics, waves and lasers; dynamics and relativity; quantum phenomena, electricity and magnetism P1 lecture in the Kelvin lecture theatre Students at work in the lab
The first year labs have recently been refurbished; second year labs will be done this summer. Students have free access to our up-to-date computing cluster (including free printing!)
First year astronomy (A1) • The class meets daily at 10am. • There are weekly tutorials and fortnightly practical sessions at the Observatory. • Topics include stellar physics, positional astronomy, cosmology, observations. The University Observatory Working with a radio telescope
images made by undergrads using the 16”. Though 1st year labs take place in the daytime, students have access to our 16” Schmidt-Cassegrain and our solar and radio telescopes, for their own observations or for projects in later years.
Exploring the Cosmos (EXCOS1) • A non-mathematical astronomy course • Can be taken by any student. • EXCOS1 (or Astronomy 1) is required for the Physics with Astrophysics degree.
Progression • The Glasgow ethos is to allow students to keep their options for as long as possible. • The choice of subjects can be made at the end of 2nd year. • The choice B.Sc. (4 yrs) or M.Sci. (5 yrs) can be made in the middle of 3rd year. • Getting into the M.Sci. course requires a ‘B’ in second year; B.Sc. requires a pass. flexible
Levels 3-5 - Transferable Skills • Alongside the academic work of the Honours programme, students work on: • oral and written communication • planning and team-working • programming and IT • ‘skills revolution’ Students undertake extended project work, seminars and poster presentations
Student activities The Departmental common room is used for relaxation, private study, and social events The student societies organise a programme of guest lectures and social events for students and staff
Student activities The department organises other educational and social activities for students, for example: 1st year physics ‘Meet and Greet’ 1st year astronomy dark skies nights 2nd year astronomy observing weekend 2nd year physics awayday to the Ardrossan wind farm & Hunterston power station
Why physics and astronomy? Our degree options promote - • A logical and numerate mind; • The ability to solve problems; • Communication skills, developed through report-writing and presentations; • Computing and experimental skills; • Teamwork and flexibility (essential for lab work and projects).
Why Glasgow? Glasgow Uni Physics and Astronomy offers: • Student-centred learning • Excellent teaching (10/10 in Guardian guide 2008) • One-to-one student support • A research-led department (rated 5) • Student research opportunities • An attractive campus in a cosmopolitan city
Faculty entry requirements • SQA Highers BBBB (inc. two science/maths) BBB/ABC (all science/maths) ABBB (at least one science/maths) • A Levels BBC (inc. two science/maths) BCC (all sciences/maths) BBB (at least one science/maths) • For physics/astronomy - higher maths is required, and higher physics is strongly recommended • Though not a requirement, students intending an M.Sci., typically obtain AAAA at SQA higher, or equivalent.