BSc Astrophysics

This is a three-year full-time degree. The course includes a carefully chosen balance of core modules, along with some optional modules. Modules are typically worth 10 or 20 credits and you need to earn 120 credits a year.

The modules shown exemplify the typical curriculum and will be reviewed before the 2024/2025 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2024.

Year One

The range of modules in year one is designed to stimulate your interest in physics while giving you a sound foundation upon which to build in later years. At the end of the first year, you may continue with your original degree choice or choose another of Cardiff’s single honours physics and astronomy degrees.

You will study core modules worth 120 credits.

Core Modules for Year One

• Mathematical Methods for Physicists 1
• Mechanics and Matter
• Planet Earth
• Experimental Physics
• Electricity, Magnetism and Waves
• Computational Skills for Problem Solving
• Introduction to Astrophysics
• Mathematical Methods for Physicists 2

Year Two

The second year of the course continues to build on the core physics and astrophysics material. You will also take a 20-credit module called Observational Techniques in Astronomy. This introduces the theory and practice of making and interpreting astronomical observations and provides the necessary skills to undertake your astronomy or astrophysics research project in year three.

Core Modules for Year Two

• The Physics of Fields and Flows
• Introductory Quantum Mechanics
• Structured Programming
• The Stars and their Planets
• Observational Techniques in Astronomy
• Thermal and Statistical Physics
• Optics
• Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics
• Astrophysics in Action: Real-World Problem Solving

Year Three

In your third year, you will study 80 credits of core modules with a further 20 credits from a selection of optional modules. You will also undertake an independent project of 20 credits on a related topic of astronomy or astrophysics research.

Core Modules for Year Three

• Atomic and Nuclear Physics
• Formation and Evolution of Stars
• Galaxies and Galaxy Evolution
• Particle Physics and Special Relativity
• High-Energy Astrophysics
• Cosmology
• Physics Project

Optional Modules for Year Three

The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is because some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.

How Will I be Assessed?

There are a wide variety of assessment methods. Some modules combine continuous assessment and end-of-semester exams and others are solely based on continuous assessment.

At first, the nature and methods of experiments are clearly defined for you, but by your final year, you are expected to tackle more open-ended investigations.

What Skills Will I Practise and Develop?

Studying this course will enable you to acquire and develop a range of valuable skills, both discipline-specific and based around general employability. You will:

• Develop your experimental, analytical and investigative skills in laboratory classes
• Learn how to design experimental equipment, electronic circuitry or computer data acquisition or data reduction algorithms
• Use precise calculations or order-of-magnitude calculations in appropriate situations
• Use computer packages and/or write software
• Conduct independent research using source materials such as textbooks, scientific journals and electronic databases
• Develop your communication skills, both orally and in writing
• Enhance your teamwork skills and ability to critically appraise your work and the work of others
• Develop your ability to undertake independent learning and effectively manage your time

Physics and Astronomy graduates are highly valued by employers and our students go on to work in a wide range of different fields including research science, medical physics and technology, teaching finance and banking.

Employers included UK and international universities plus a large range of organisations such as Rolls Royce, European Space Agency, Lockheed Martin, National Instruments and Barclays.

Graduate Careers

• Research scientist
• Research development leader
• Medical physicist
• Lecturer
• Finance and banking
• Physics teacher