BSc Philosophy and Physics
Entry requirements
A level: A*AA including either A*A in any order in Mathematics and Physics. IB: 37 including 76 in Higher Level in any order in Mathematics (maths analysis & approaches) and Physics 6 in one other Higher Level subjects.
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Philosophy and Physics, a natural sciences degree combining physics with the philosophical study of science and knowledge. Core topics include programming, data analysis, mathematical modelling, laboratory techniques and research methods. The third year includes a compulsory Capstone Project, taken either as a dissertation in philosophy or as a research project in physics. Students choose between two mathematics pathways in the first year. Year 1 covers both subjects together through The Philosophical Traditions, which grounds philosophical reasoning and research writing, and Foundations of Physics 1, covering classical waves, electromagnetism, Newtonian mechanics, quantum mechanics and special relativity, supported by either Single Mathematics A and B or Calculus and Linear Algebra. Year 2 develops physics through Foundations of Physics 2A, covering quantum mechanics and electromagnetism, alongside Mathematical Methods in Physics and Discovery Skills in Physics, which introduces laboratory work, measurement uncertainty, data analysis and programming. Optional modules in this year span areas such as philosophy of mind, philosophy of religion, philosophy of science and epistemology. Year 3 advances physics through Foundations of Physics 2B on thermodynamics, condensed matter and optics, and Foundations of Physics 3A on quantum mechanics, nuclear and particle physics. Laboratory Skills and Electronics 3 builds experiment planning, data analysis, scientific communication and computational techniques. Capstone Project(s) provides a dissertation or physics research project, while further optional modules cover topics such as metaphysics, formal logic, Planets and Cosmology, Science Enterprise and Physics into Schools.
Modules
- The Philosophical Traditions
- Choose one of the following two modules:
- EITHER Science, Medicine and Society
- OR The Philosophical Traditions
- Foundations of Physics 1
- Choose one of the following two Mathematics pathways:
- EITHER Single Mathematics A and B
- OR Calculus and Linear Algebra
- Foundations of Physics 2A
- Mathematical Methods in Physics
- Discovery Skills in Physics
- Example optional modules
- Capstone Project(s) (20 or 40 credits)
- Foundations of Physics 3A
- Foundations of Physics 2B
- Laboratory Skills and Electronics 3
- Example optional modules