Programme structure
Year 1
During year one of your degree programme you will develop your comprehension of physics and become familiar with a variety of basic mathematical tools. The concepts and phenomena you’ll meet are many and varied, but they are all united by the underlying principles of physics.
In a typical week in the first year you will spend 18 hours in a formal teaching environment and will be expecting to spend a further 18 hours in independent study. You’ll have 10 lectures in physics, two lectures in mathematics, one tutorial and spend a day in the teaching laboratory. Every week there is a problem-solving class which lasts approximately two hours. Time in private study is spent developing the lecture material, tackling assigned problems, doing tutorial work and writing up reports on experiments.
Year 2
Year two will provide you with a firm foundation of physics, and the principles which constitute the framework of the subject. In addition, the use of mathematics gives these principles a precise form and provides physics with the ability to make detailed quantitative predictions. This has proved important not only in providing verifiable tests of the principles but also in developing new technologies.
The core of our current knowledge is centred on three important areas: Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetism and Statistical Physics. These three cornerstones are intellectually demanding,but they provide the core of most of physics and of our understanding of the evolution of our universe. The other modules in second and subsequent years draw in part on your knowledge of this core.
Year 3
Years three and four of the programme allow you apply the core principles in a number of important broad areas like nuclear and high-energy particle physics, solid state physics and the technologically important communications and devices areas. Other modules illustrate how the principles can be applied in greater depth in a particular area, getting closer to the frontier of the subject.
Different modules are available for MPhys students.
Year 4 (MPhys only)
The four-year MPhys programmes are designed primarily for those aiming for a career which uses Physics directly. After four years your level of knowledge will be nearer to that of students from continental Europe. For the MPhys there is a major project element, carried out in a research group, that spans over the final two years.
Module information
A full list and detailed information of the modules available in each year of study are available within the programme specifications for both 2012 entry and 2013 entry.
You can also download a copy of the undergraduate Physics brochure (pdf).
Over my three years so far in Exeter I have really enjoyed my time. Apart from physics there is a lot to do in Exeter and the surrounding area. As a keen photographer, having Dartmoor a quick drive away has been invaluable, and the coast is a very cheap train ticket away if you can't live without the sea.
The city and campus are very picturesque and away from the high street there are some great little cafes and independent shops.
I have also been involved with the physics society, organising a number of events and trips over the year, such as the Christmas meal and summer ball. The great thing about doing a Masters over a regular BSc at Exeter is the 2 year Masters project which allows you to join a research group in the School and get involved with real physics research working with doctoral students and Staff.
Samuel Hornett, MPhys Physics
The communication skills week at the end of term 3 was really helpful and gave me a greater confidence in my public speaking and working in a team.
Physics undergraduate student
Lab work was one of the most constructive learning experiences, and the improvement in my report writing ability is a skill I feel will persist in my University career and beyond. The Maths module, including the homework and practice sessions suited me ideally and I felt it was one of the most reinforcing ways of learning I experienced during the year.
