Physics with Geophysics BSc (Hons)

Human missions to The Red Planet are increasingly coming into the focus of government and now privately funded initiatives. In Liverpool we channel this excitement into an award-winning student driven icebreaker project, the “Mission to Mars”.

Mission to Mars is a week-long project that takes all physics and astrophysics students and tasks them with developing a detailed and feasible plan for a human Mission to Mars. The project takes place during the first week of the first semester (every day, all day), replacing all other teaching activities for that week. Students work in teams on four competing missions, each under the guidance of a member of staff acting as “flight director”, and they cover all aspects of such a trip, including the scope and scientific purpose, life support, trajectory, mass management, radiation shielding, communication, and ethics. Students hold a midweek press conference and present their missions to academic staff who choose the winning mission.

The module provides an overview of Newtonian mechanics, continuing on from A-level courses. This includes: Newton’s laws of motion in linear and rotational circumstances, gravitation and Kepler’s laws of planetary motion. The theory of Relativity is then introduced, starting from a historical context, through Einstein’s postulates, leading to the Lorentz transformations.

​ The "Introduction to computational physics" (Phys105) module is designed to introduce physics students to the use of computational techniques appropriate to the solution of physical problems. No previous computing experience is assumed. During the course of the module, students are guided through a series of structured exercises which introduce them to the Python programming language and help them acquire a range of skills including: plotting data in a variety of ways; simple Monte Carlo techniques; algorithm development; and basic symbolic manipulations. The exercises are based around the content of the first year physics modules, both encouraging students to recognise the relevance of computing to their physics studies and enabling them to develop a deeper understanding of aspects of their first year course.  

​This module aims to provide all students with a common foundation in mathematics, necessary for studying the physical sciences and maths courses in later semesters. All topics will begin "from the ground up" by revising ideas which may be familiar from A-level before building on these concepts. In particular, the basic principles of differentiation and integration will be practised, before extending to functions of more than one variable. Basic matrix manipulation will be covered as well as vector algebra and an understanding of eigenvectors and eigenvalues.

Einstein said in 1949 that "Thermodynamics is the only physical theory of universal content which I am convinced, within the areas of applicability of its basic concepts, will never be overthrown." In this module, different aspects of thermal physics are addressed: (i) classical thermodynamics which deals with macroscopic properties, such as pressure, volume and temperature – the underlying microscopic physics is not included; (ii) kinetic theory of gases describes the properties of gases in terms of probability distributions associated with the motions of individual molecules; and (iii) statistical mechanics which starts from a microscopic description and then employs statistical methods to derive macroscopic properties. The laws of thermodynamics are introduced and applied.

​This module teaches the laboratory side of physics to complement the taught material from lectures and to introduce key concepts of experimental physics.

Electricity, Magnetism and Waves lie at the heart of physics, being phenomena associated with almost every branch of physics including quantum physics, nuclear physics, condensed matter physics and accelerator physics, as well as numerous applied aspects of physics such as communications science. The course is roughly divided into two sections. The first part introduces the fundamental concepts and principles of electricity and magnetism at an elementary level and develops the integral form of Maxwell’s equations. The second part involves the study of oscillations and waves and focuses on solutions of the wave equation, the principles of superposition, and examples of wave phenomena.

This module illustrates how a series of fascinating experiments, some of which physics students will carry out in their laboratory courses, led to the realisation that Newtonian mechanics does not provide an accurate description of physical reality. As is described in the module, this failure was first seen in interactions at the atomic scale and was first seen in experiments involving atoms and electrons. The module shows how Newton’s ideas were replaced by Quantum mechanics, which has been critical to explaining phenomena ranging from the photo-electric effect to the fluctuations in the energy of the Cosmic Microwave Background. The module also explains how this revolution in physicist’s thinking paved the way for developments such as the laser.

Geophysics is the study of the Earth using physics – applying a broad range of physics (along with geology and chemistry) to both understand our planet and our place on it, while improving our understanding of the underlying physics. In this module you will be introduced to the Earth as a physical system. The module will teach students about the structure and composition of the Earth, its gravitational and magnetic fields, and deep dynamics; the physics of Earth materials and the geological time scale; and plate tectonics.

This module introduces some of the mathematical techniques used in physics. For example, differential equations, PDE’s, integral vector calculus and series are discussed. The ideas are first presented in lectures and then the put into practice in problems classes, with support from demonstrators and the module lecturer. When you have finished this module, you should: Be familiar with methods for solving first and second order differential equations in one variable. Be familiar with methods for solving partial differential equations and applications. Have a basic knowledge of integral vector calculus. Have a basic understanding of Fourier series and transforms.

This module provides an introduction to the principles and application of all the main geophysical methods used for exploration purposes. These methods include seismic refraction, seismic reflection, electrical methods, ground penetrating radar, gravity and magnetics. Case studies will be used to highlight the application of these methods at a range of scales from shallow to deep to small to large, highlighting their uses within archaeology, engineering and geology. The module concludes with a synthesis of methods and how to approach site investigation. The module is delivered through lectures and problem sessions and is based on continuous assessment from set homework assignments or problem sheets and a final exam.

​ The study of classical electromagnetism, one of the fundamental physical theories. Several simple and idealised systems will be studied in detail, developing an understanding of the principles underpinning several applications, and setting the foundations for the understanding of more complex systems. Mathematical methods shall be developed and exercised for the study of physical systems.

This module introduces differential vector calculus and extends the treatment of linear algebra. It provides essential mathematical tools for electrodynamics in Semester 2.

​ The course aims to introduce 2nd year students to the concepts and formalism of quantum mechanics. The Schrodinger equation is used to describe the physics of quantum systems in bound states (infinite and finite well potentials, harmonic oscillator, hydrogen atoms, multi-electron atoms) or scattering (potential steps and barriers). Basis of atomic spectroscopy are also introduced. ​

Condensed matter physics (CMP) is the study of the structure and behaviour of matter that makes up most of the things that surround us in our daily lives, including the screen on which you are reading this material. It is not the study of the very small (particle and nuclear physics) or the very large (astrophysics and cosmology) but of the things in between. CMP is concerned with the “condensed” phases of real materials that arise from electromagnetic forces between the constituent atoms, and at its heart is the necessity to understand the behaviour of these phases by using physical laws that include quantum mechanics, electromagnetism and statistical mechanics. Understanding such behaviour leads to the design of novel materials for advanced technological devices that address the challenges that face modern civilization, such as climate change.

This module introduces students to fundamentals of Earth and environmental data science. Students will become familiar with methods used to collate and computationally analyse a variety of Earth Science data. After introducing programming basics, students will then start to write code to analyse and simulate Earth processes that model their datasets. By the end of the module, students are expected to have a broad overview of the ways in which data science is applied in the study of the Earth and environment.

This module builds on the theory taught in Exploration Geophysics (ENVS216) by introducing practical experience, data analysis and interpretation of field data. The module will introduce the principles of environmental surveying using a range of geophysical techniques. Attention will be paid to how these different methods can be integrated to provide a thorough interpretation of survey data. The module will be assessed through a combination of continuous assessment, including short technical reports.

This module introduces the basic properties of particles and nuclei, their stability, modes of decay, reactions and conservation laws. Recent research in particle physics is highlighted, and for nuclear physics some of the applications (such as nuclear power) are given. This module leads on to more specialist optional modules in Year 3, in particle physics, nuclear physics and nuclear power.

A pinnacle of your degree, this module will embed you within an active research group where you will undertake an individual and unique Earth Science research project over the course of an academic year. Under the supervision of an academic member of staff, you will plan and undertake an independent (field-, lab- or desk-based) research project in an area of Earth Science that interests you. In addition to developing specific and general research skills, you will gain invaluable experience in communicating your topic and findings in both oral and written formats.

The module builds on first and second year modules on electricity, magnetism and waves to show how a wide variety of physical phenomena can be explained in terms of the properties of electromagnetic radiation. The module will also explore how these properties follow from the relationships between electric and magnetic fields (and their interactions with matter) expressed by Maxwell’s equations, and how electromagnetism fits into the theory of Special Relativity.​

Geophysics talks are full of exciting colour figures showing the interior of the Earth. But are these pictures real? At best, they are only a simplified mathematical parameterisation of the true Earth; at worst they can be misleading or plain wrong. This module provides the tools to construct such models by mathematical modelling of geophysical observations, but perhaps even more importantly, shows how such models can be interpreted, and provides understanding of their limitations. Mathematical foundations are given with sections on matrix analysis, optimisation theory and statistics, with application to geophysical problems. Error estimation is considered in detail, in particular the reasons why most error estimates are close to worthless! Detailed examples are presented from all areas of geophysics, with a project to generate a model of the magnetic field of the planet Neptune. Examples also extend to modern developments, including links to Big Data and Machine Learning.

This module is a practical introduction to a range of techniques in exploration and environmental geophysics, and their application in industry and research. The students receive field-based (or online, where necessary) training in geophysical techniques, including seismic, gravity, magnetic, and electrical methods. During the entire duration of the field class the students will work in teams and will be required to undertake a geophysical survey. The students will benefit from being exposed to problem solving and a workflow analogous to working for a major exploration or geophysical engineering company.

This course considers the application of physics to the study of planets, with a focus on the application of fundamental physical principles rather than providing detailed planetary descriptions. The first four weeks address the planets of our solar system, including what constraint is provided on their physics from studies of our own planet, Earth. We consider particularly insights from observations of orbits, gravitational field, rotation, thermal properties and magnetic field, with brief coverage of formation,composition, and seismology. The focus is on application of basic physical principles rather than detailed observational descriptions, and on methods that might (eventually) be of use in the study of exoplanets. The final two weeks considers exoplanets specifically, particularly the methods of their detection,and our current understanding of planetary systems in general.

This module will provide an introduction the fundamentals of signal processing and seismic interpretation. The module is taught through a combination of Lectures, practical examples during computer-based practical sessions, and self-directed learning. Assessment for the module includes a conference style presentation on the analysis and interpretation of a real-world seismic dataset and a final exam. Successful students will develop understanding of the fundamental concepts and theory of signal processing. They will become familiar with modern seismic data analysis workflows, including correcting and enhancing data, leading to a final geologic interpretation.

The problem to understand blackbody radiation opened the door to modern physics. In this module an understanding of thermodynamics is developed from a quantum mechanical and statistical description of the three fundamental gases: The Maxwell-Boltzmann ideal gas in the classical limit, and the Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein gases in the quantum limits for fermions and bosons, respectively. A statistical understanding of thermodynamic quantities will be developed together with a method of deriving thermodynamic potentials from the properties of the quantum system. Applications are shown in solid state physics and the Planck blackbody radiation spectrum.

Preparation and characterisation of a range of materials of scientific and technological importance.

This module gives an introduction to nuclear physics. Starting from the bulk properties of atomic nuclei different modes of radioactivity are discussed, before a closer look at the nucleon-nucleon interaction leads to the development of the shell model. Collective models of the nucleus leading to a quantitative understanding of rotational and vibrational excitations are developed. Finally, electromagnetic decays between excited states are introduced as spectroscopic tools to probe and understand nuclear structure.

​This module concerns the study of quantum mechanics and its application to atomic systems. The description of simple systems will be covered before extending to real systems. Perturbation theory will be used to determine the detailed physical effects seen in atomic systems.

This module develops the physics concepts describing semiconductors in sufficient details for the purpose of understanding the construction and operation of common semiconductor devices.

Condensed Matter Physics (CMP) is the largest subfield of physics with practical applications that has changed our everyday life such as semiconductor devices, magnetic recording disks, Magnetic resonance imaging. It deals with the study of the structure and physical properties of large collection of atoms that compose materials, which are found in nature or synthesized in laboratory. This particular module aims to advance and extend the concepts on solids introduced in Year 1 and Year 2 modules. Especially, it focuses on the atomic structure and behaviour of electrons in crystalline materials, which are essential for understanding of physical phenomena in complex systems.

This module provides introduction to the fundamentals of applied seismology and essential training for students interested in academic or government careers in seismology. The course mainly deals with the analysis and interpretation of seismic data using arrays and networks of seismometers to constrain complex geological processes in tectonic and volcanic settings, and to evaluate earthquake and volcanic hazards. The course is research-led and provides a learning experience that reflects the process of creating knowledge through activities that mirrors modern research practices. Content will be delivered through a combination of traditional class-based lectures, research seminars and computer-based sessions. The students will have an opportunity to work with real-world seismic data and will learn and apply state-of-the-art techniques used in operational settings for seismic and volcano monitoring.

Producing sufficient energy to meet the demands of an expanding and increasingly power-hungry society, whilst striving not to exacerbate the impacts of climate change, is a significant challenge. This module looks at the key physical concepts which underpin a range of energy generation sources, from traditional fossil fuel fired turbine generation to photovoltaic solar cells. This builds on prior knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid behaviour and semiconductors to show how these concepts can be practically applied to power generation and storage systems.

This module returns to the broad subject areas of Earth structure and plate tectonics, building a stronger quantitative and research skills focus together with an extended requirement to synthesise broad topics into coherent arguments concerning global and topical geodynamical problems. It will cover advanced topics in plate tectonics, global mantle and core geodynamics, Earth and planetary history and lithospheric-scale processes. A strong emphasis is placed on physical interactions between the primary layers of Earth leading to an integrational understanding of Earth’s dynamics and evolution.

The magnetic properties of solids are exploited extensively in a wide range of technologies, from hard disk drives, to sensors, to magnetic resonance imaging, and the development of magnetic materials is a multi-billion pound industry. Fundamentally, magnetism in condensed matter also represents one of the best examples of quantum mechanics in action, even at room temperature and on a macroscopically observable scale. In this module we will explore how the interactions between electrons in solids can result in the magnetic moment, and how this relates to the quantum mechanical property of spin. We will use these tools to probe the complicated processes that allow spontaneous magnetism to exist within certain select materials, and their implications for future technologies and our theoretical understanding of the nature of solids.

​​This module focuses on nuclear reactors as a source of energy for use by society. After reviewing the underlying physics principles, the design and operation and nuclear fission reactors is introduced. The possibility of energy from nuclear fusion is then discussed, with the present status and outlook given.​

​Introduction to Particle Physics.  To build on the second year module involving Nuclear and Particle Physics.  To develop an understanding of the modern view of particles, of their interactions and the Standard Model.

Musical instruments are made up of a variety of simple physical systems: vibrating strings, membranes and shells. When combined, these simple systems generate the rich and varied spectra of the Stradivarius violin, a kettle drum, or a clarinet. This module looks at the physics underpinning the generation of the unique sounds of a variety of instruments (stringed, wind, percussion) and develops the tools needed to analyse sound. It builds on an understanding of Newtonian dynamics and waves, and explores how complexity emerges from simple building blocks.

​The course covers the concepts required to connect special relativity, Newtonian gravity, general relativity, and the cosmological metrics and dynamical equations. The main part of the course is focussed on cosmology, which is study of the content of the universe, structure on the largest scales, and its dynamical evolution. This is covered from both a theoretical and observational perspective. 

​ This module gives a brief introduction into the physics of solid surfaces their experimental study. Surfaces and interfaces are everywhere and many surface-related phenomena are common in daily life (texture, friction, surface-tension, corrosion, heterogeneous catalysis). Here we are concerned with understanding the microscopic properties of surfaces, asking questions like: what is the atomic structure of the surface compared to that of the bulk? What happens to the electronic properties and vibrational properties upon creating a surface? What happens in detail when we adsorb an atom or a molecule on a surface? This module will mostly concentrate on simple model systems like the clean and defect-free surface of a single-crystal substrate.