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Physics with Planetary and Space Physics, at Aberystwyth University, provides you with a fundamental core of Physics alongside a detailed exploration of the Physics of the Solar System and an overview of Modern Astronomical Science.
The nucleus of mainstream Physics, alongside our supportive learning environment, ensures flexibility in further study or employment after graduation, and provides the necessary background for the specialist modules.
Student Satisfaction and Employability Results
92% overall student satisfaction in the subject of Physics, 86% for the sector (NSS 2020).
93% of our graduates were in work or further study within 6 months, in line with the figure for Physical Science graduates nationally, also 93% (HESA 2018*)
Overview
Why study Physics with Planetary and Space Physics at Aberystwyth?
On completion of this degree you will leave with accreditation by the IOP (Institute of Physics)
Physics has been taught at Aberystwyth since its foundation and it continues to be an innovative learning experience for all
You will be taught by experts in their field
You will have access to specialist astronomical equipment
Our Researchers are involved in the current European Space Agency ExoMars 2020 Project
The Department offers a number of modules through the medium of Welsh. Check out the module tab for further information
Our Staff
Department of Physics Lecturers are all qualified to PhD level and have a track record of research in their fields of specialisation.
Modules
Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.
* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh
Employability
What can I do with a physics degree?
Our graduates from this course have been successful in obtaining employment within the space industry.
Other graduates from the Physics department have discovered the following pathways:
Medical Physics
Radiation Protection Practitioner
Research Science
Other graduates from our department have sought careers in:
Systems Development
Product Development
Technical Publishing
Meteorology
Employability is embedded across all of our teaching and ethics. We instil these skills to our students:
Research and data analysis skills
Enhanced mathematical and computational skills
Effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills
Ability to work independently
Time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines
Ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form
Self-motivation and self-reliance
Teamworking, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement
Further opportunities:
Click here to find out about the various opportunities that our Aberystwyth University Careers team offer.
Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and YES (Year in Employment Scheme) managed by our Careers department.
Learning & Teaching
What will I learn?
The breakdown below will provide with an illustration of what
you may study during the three year degree scheme.
In your first year
you may discover:
The main branches of classical and modern physics
The core mathematical disciplines of algebra and calculus
The computational and experimental physics
Classical Dynamics
The basic principles of gravitational and electrostatic fields
In your second year
you may explore:
Stars
Planets
Thermal Physics
Quantum Mechanics
Mathematical Physics
Data handling and statistics
Optics
Experimental Physics
In your third year
you may study and undertake:
Space plasmas
Planetary atmospheres
Ionospheres and magnetospheres
The solar atmosphere and heliosphere
Atoms, molecules and electromagnetism
You will also undertake a special project of your own choosing under the guidance of your personal project supervisor.
How will I be
taught?
We teach our students through lectures, seminars,
tutorials, workshops, practicals, individual and group-based project work.
We assess our students through coursework, presentations,
lab reports, lab diaries and examinations.
Further information:
You will be assigned a personal tutor throughout your
degree course, who will help you with any problems or queries, whether these
are academic-related or personal issues. You should feel free to contact them
at any time for help and advice.
You will also have the opportunity to complete a Personal
Development Plan (PDP) at Aberystwyth. This is a structured process of
self-appraisal, reflection, and planning, which will enable you to chart your
personal, academic and professional development throughout your time at
university. By recording your academic performance, and highlighting the skills
you already have and those you will need for future employability, the PDP
portfolio will equip you with the necessary tools to plan effectively, develop
successful approaches to study, and consider your future career options and
aspirations.
Student Views
I love Physics with Planetary and Space Physics. The structure of the years is perfectly designed to give you a feel for all branches of physics rather than a more in-depth view of one particular branch. The modules themselves are pretty awesome studying planetary atmospheres to the solar interior, from the structure of the atom all the way to the structure of the galaxies. James Parker
It is really fascinating as not only do you look at the cosmos, but you also get down to the real nitty-gritty of what makes a solar system tick - the planets. Doing PSP gives you a great range of information from how the Sun works, to the possibility of life on other worlds and how we might discover them! All in all it's a pretty fantastic course - comparing the science of this world to that of others is real front-line exploration! Timothy Edward Andrew Powell
