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Honours lab investigation of the superconducting transition in a niobium-titanium alloy. Through the use of liquid helium, students can take samples from room temperature to four kelvin.


Students become part of a stimulating academic community, and can progress from the core modules of level one and two through to modules at the end of their studies that are at the frontiers of current knowledge. The final year project, which is usually undertaken within one of the research groups, is often a highlight of the degree programme. Recent projects have involved analysis of data from the Hubble Space Telescope to investigate extra-solar planets, the use of our ‘clean room’ to explore novel liquid micro-optics, and the use of terahertz radiation for drug detection.


Physics has a central role in the development of scientific thought. It is also at the forefront of developing technologies such as magnetic materials, semiconductor optoelectronics, and lasers; but is also concerned with deep theoretical and experimental investigations into such topics as fundamental particles (quarks and leptons) and the origins of the Universe.


In recent years there have been particularly striking developments in astronomy, resulting from major advances in detector technologies and ever more powerful computers. Searches for planetary systems around stars other than the Sun are being successfully pursued. The theory and observation of star and planet formation is developing rapidly, as is our understanding of the galaxy population. In cosmology ‘dark matter’, ‘dark energy’ and alternative theories of gravity are key areas which are advancing rapidly.


Entry and Exit Points A five-level structure is used in order to provide suitable entry points tailored to students with different backgrounds.


The final choice between BSc and the more advanced MPhys can usually be postponed until the end of Third level.


First level entry has been designed for those entering straight from Scottish Highers, those wishing to experience the traditional broad-based first year at university, and those on some joint degree programmes. If you have good Advanced Highers or A-Levels, and you are sure that you wish to study for a degree in physics and/or astronomy, you are invited to enter directly into the Second level, from which point an Honours BSc degree lasts three years and an MPhys degree four years. Currently between a third and a half of our entrant students take this accelerated route. Note that direct-entry Second level students will normally take in their year of entry the two Second level physics modules, the main First level maths module and a Second level maths module, and one more First level module, which would be astronomy for intending astronomers in their year of entry.


We now have an alternative entry route to a collaborative programme with Heriot-Watt University entitled Gateway to Physics and Engineering. This gives a specially tailored first year with half taken from existing physics and maths modules, and half on new modules aimed specifically at students who have high academic potential but who have for various reasons not been able to demonstrate that fully in school-level examinations.


The new modules provide many contact hours of learning a week to develop maths and physics knowledge and associated academic skills. At the end of First level, subject to grades obtained on the programme, this can open up progression to Second level of degree programmes at either institution. These can range from ‘pure’ theoretical physics to ‘applied’ electronic engineering as appropriate.


Temperature image of a hand taken by passive imaging at a wavelength of 3 mm. This was developed at the School’s Photonics Innovation Centre and has potential applications in dermatology and skin cancer investigations.


St Andrews astronomers are researching star formation by performing numerical simulations of how gas clouds can collapse to form collections of stars 1016 m across. In this simulation, a low density cloud has, under the action of gravity, increased in density by 21 orders of magnitude.


Studying the properties of exotic magnetic and superconducting materials at close to absolute zero temperature.


Physics & Astronomy


“Physics & Astronomy is so versatile and the skills you gain will make you a valuable asset to any employer. Logic, reasoning, strong numeric skills and the urge to ask ‘why?’ puts Physics graduates at the top of the list.”


Catherine (North Berwick, East Lothian)


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