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Physics and Astronomy at The University of Glasgow

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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Physics and Astronomy at The University of Glasgow

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  1. Physics and Astronomy at The University of Glasgow

  2. 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…

  3. What is our aim in Glasgow? • To help you learn to use physics to investigate the universe; • To encourage an in-depth and integrated understanding of modern physics and/or astronomy; • To help you develop a wide range of skills to prepare you for many possible careers. Logic and analytic skills Problem solving Communication Programming Teamworking Mathematical skills Presentation Real-world scenarios Experimental skills

  4. What do physics graduates do? Careers Data: Institute of Physics

  5. The elusive Higgs Boson Gravity determines weight but what determines mass? The standard theory for particle physics is extremely successful and has been extensively tested. It predicts a particle responsible for mass, called the Higgs boson, proposed by Peter Higgs. However the Higgs boson has not been observed. Finding the Higgs Boson is one of the most important problems in physics

  6. Glasgow and the Higgs Boson To find the Higgs, particles have to be smashed together at high energies and the collision products detected. The Large Hadron Collider at CERN will do this. LHC will switch on in the middle of July - fingers crossed! Glasgow physicists have built a major detector for LHC, and are working on ways to firmly identify the Higgs Boson.

  7. Retinal Prosthetics Cutting edge particle physics detectors can also be used to solve biomedical problems. The Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences collaborate on retinal prosthetics These are artificial retinas to restore vision who have lost sight due to retinal disease (0.7 million in the UK alone)

  8. Detector sends electrical pulses to the optic nerve, where they then pass to the visual centres of the brain. The detectors are the same technology used in camera phones.

  9. First year physics (P1) • The class meets daily, at 9am or at 1pm. • Fortnightly tutorials (inc. peer-to-peer) and weekly labs. • Topics studied include optics, waves and lasers; dynamics and relativity; quantum phenomena, electricity and magnetism, thermal physics P1 lecture in the Kelvin lecture theatre Students at work in the lab

  10. 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, solar system. The University Observatory Working with a radio telescope

  11. 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.

  12. 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

  13. Degree Options Physics & arts subject Chemical physics Physics & Mathematics 1st year Physics, Maths, & another subject Theoretical Physics Astronomy & Mathematics Astronomy & Physics Physics with Astrophysics Physics

  14. 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

  15. 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

  16. 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 (RAE 5) • Scottish University of the year 07-08 • An attractive campus in a cosmopolitan city

  17. Faculty entry requirements • SQA Highers BBBB (inc. two science/maths) BBB/ABC (all science/maths) ABBB (at least one science/maths) • A Levels BCC (inc. two science/maths) CCC (all sciences/maths) BBC (at least one science/maths) • Students intending to proceed to an M.Sci might expect to obtain AAAA at Higher, or equivalent.

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