Physics with Nuclear Technology

UCAS code: F390

Here's what University of the West of Scotland says about its Physics with Nuclear Technology course.

OVERVIEW

Our physics with nuclear technology programme has been developed to provide graduates with the knowledge necessary for a career in the nuclear industry or nuclear research. The programme will cover core physics subjects, including:

• Wave motion • Classical mechanics • Quantum mechanics • Electromagnetism • Atomic, nuclear and particle physics • Thermodynamics

In addition, the programme has a focus on nuclear science and technology including: • Imaging and nuclear medicine • Applications of nuclear physics • Nuclear and particle physics • Research topics in nuclear physics

You will graduate from the programme well-equipped for a career in nuclear power, nuclear medicine, environmental monitoring, fundamental and industrial research, or nuclear decommissioning.

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

• The programme has been developed and is taught by members of UWS’s Nuclear Physics Research Group.

• The nuclear-physics modules on this programme are delivered by staff who are carrying out research at the cutting edge of the subject.

• You will carry out a fourth-year project integrated within the Nuclear Physics Research Group.

• You will get the chance to develop your practical skills through research placements. • The renaissance in nuclear power has been well publicised, together with the demand for trained employees. In Scotland, significant investment will be made in nuclear decommissioning now and in the future.

PROGRAMME DETAILS

UWS has been carrying out nuclear physics research for almost 30 years – specialising in the study of the shapes and structure of exotic nuclei. Our research is carried out at large international facilities such as Argonne National Laboratory (Chicago), Jyväskylä Accelerator Laboratory (Finland), Legnaro National Laboratory (Italy), ISOLDE-CERN (Geneva), and ILL (France). There are clear research-teaching linkages in all of our nuclear physics related modules.

CAREERS

High demand for physics graduates enhances your employability in the nuclear energy sector, and nuclear medical imaging. Graduates from this programme have gone on to work in roles including:

• Nuclear Engineer • Nuclear Safety Consultant • Nuclear Waste Advisor • Radiological Consultant

Year 1 Five core modules include physics and mathematics. One optional module can be chosen from a range of science, engineering or computing-related modules. The physics modules cover the Scottish Advanced Higher syllabus. Aspects of atomic physics and thermodynamics are also taught.

Year 2 You will branch out to other areas including electronics, vibrations and waves, and mathematical modelling. Practical and professional skills are also developed.

Year 3 Core modules include electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, atomic, applied and fundamental nuclear physics, and statistical physics. Some optional modules can be chosen from advanced calculus, advanced optics, imaging and nuclear medicine.

Optional industrial placement You will have the option of spending a year working in industry or a relevant scientific research laboratory.

Year 4 Subjects are more advanced developments of those undertaken in Year 3, with additional topics including nuclear and particle physics, solid state physics, ultrasonics and nanotechnology, surface analysis and detectors.

You will also complete a research dissertation where your knowledge can be applied to an original research problem relating to nuclear physics.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and workshops.

You will also have the opportunity to take part in group work and independent learning to develop your transferable skills such as research, presentation, communication and working as part of a team.

This degree is assessed using a variety of assessment methods including:

• Written examinations • Coursework • Practical assessment